About me

Hi, I’m Jessica and I am here to help you on your journey to being Pain Free!

Jessica brings a unique, collaborative approach to pain relief and athletic performance. As a leading coach in her field and former professional athlete, she combines her knowledge of posture therapy, sports coaching, movement technique, wellness coaching, and strength and conditioning with her personal athletic experiences to help athletes of all levels and ages prevent and overcome physical injuries so they can achieve excellence in sports and life.

My Story

I was diagnosed with severe left hip osteoarthritis following three knee surgeries. The resulting pain in my hip and lower back ended my professional mountain biking career. However, I was not willing to accept the doctor’s recommendation for a future hip replacement. That would have to wait until I was older, in more severe pain, and drastically limited in my lifestyle. Instead, in order to heal myself, I explored alternative treatments. At this time, I discovered posture therapy, pain science, self-compassion, mindfulness, and so much more, all of which played a key role in my full recovery. Through my journey from debilitating pain back to competitive sports, I learned that physical, mental, emotional and spiritual alignment are at the center of healing and achieving peak performance.

To recover, I not only had to straighten my posture but also my mind. I had to learn how to slow down and adopt a more calm, optimistic mental outlook. Additionally, I discovered gratitude and how to express appreciation and joy for what I had and could do. Through the process, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, my body, and how my brain works. And I gained clarity on the relationship between the body and brain in response to chronic pain. My injury and resulting journey to recovery filled me with passion and purpose to help others struggling with chronic pain and limitations in their physical activity.

I am now back to an active lifestyle, able to partake in whatever type of exercise or sport I desire. Now, I want to help you do the same. Imagine participating in your sport at a higher level, with less fear of injury. Imagine having increased body confidence and a whole-person approach to training that supports continued wellness. I have successfully used these strategies with recreational and high-ranking professional athletes to overcome their movement limitations, allowing them to return to the sports and lifestyle they love.

My Philosophy

I believe we are designed to move and play throughout our entire lives. I don’t buy into the idea that we should slow down with age, or that pain, injury and physical restrictions are unavoidable aspects of growing older. So here’s my philosophy. Our mental mindset, combined with the physical position and condition of the body that we bring into any activity (from walking to skiing to everything in between), determines our chance of hurting when we move. If we have a positive mindset, and if we have proper positioning and move with correct body biomechanics, all activities should be possible.

This is the goal I have for all my clients: to overcome limitations and Stay in the Game for Life!

 

Professional Qualifications

Education

  • M.S. Exercise Science, University of Arizona
  • B.S. Biological Psychology, University of California Santa Barbara

 

Licenses, Certifications & Training

 

Chronic Pain Treatment

Coaching/Exercise/Conditioning

  • Certified Health and Well-being Coach, Wellcoaches Corporation
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
  • Certified Exercise Physiologist, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
  • Certified Medical Exercise Specialist, American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Posture Therapy

 

Former Licenses and Certifications

  • Licensed Cycling Coach, USA Cycling (USAC)
  • Certified Nordic Ski Instructor, Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)
  • Resistance Training Professional, National Posture Institute (NPI)

 

Work Experience

  • Private Practice Posture Therapist
  • Group Wellness Coach
  • Corporate Fitness Specialist
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Corporate Ergonomist
  • Exercise Class Instructor and Coordinator
  • Corporate Health Promotion Program Manager
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Physiologist
  • Elite Athlete Fitness Tester

                                

 

 

My Strengths

My Top Strengths and What It Means to You

Honesty, Authenticity & Genuineness
I’ve been there and done that, which is why I do what I do. I have a great desire to help you avoid my mistakes and take the easier path.

Self-Control and Self-Regulation
Change is hard. Success requires discipline and commitment; I’ll keep you accountable along your journey.

Zest, Enthusiasm & Energy
You can do it! I want you to excel and will encourage you to move beyond your comfort zone to become greater than you’ve ever dared alone.

Hope, Optimism and Future-Mindedness
I focus on your goals and where you want to go, helping you leave the past behind and open to the opportunities before you.

Industry, Diligence & Perseverance
I work hard for my clients and expect the same in return. We are in partnership to improve your wellness and sports performance.

Athletic Highlights

 

2024

Breck Epic, ~200 miles and nearly 32,000’ of climbing, 6 days, two-person, mountain bike stage race, finisher

2023

4 Islands MTB Croatia, 181 miles and 20,177’ of climbing, 5 days, two-person, mountain bike stage race, finisher

2022

Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, nearly 350 miles and over 30,000’ of climbing, 5 days, gravel bike stage race, finisher

2021

Desert Duster Golf Tournament, two-women, gross and net flight champion

2019

The Pioneer, 269 miles and 41,142’ of climbing, 6 days, two-person, mountain bike stage race, finisher

2019 

Mount Evans Hill Climb Gran Fondo, Age Group Champion

2016 

joBerg2c, 500 miles, 9 day, two-person, mountain bike stage race, 10th place stage 9 finish

2012 

Turkey Track Trail Running Marathon, 3rd in age group

2010 

45km Classic Ski Overall Champion, North Routt Coureur de Bois

2007 & 2009 

90km Skate Ski Finisher, North Routt Coureur de Bois

2005 

Mountain Bike World Cup Competitor

2004 

Mountain Bike World Marathon Championships, Team USA Member

2004 

24 hours of Adrenalin Mountain Bike Race Champion

2003 

Iron Horse Road Race Champion, 35+

1988 & 1987 

Collegiate Gymnast, UCSB