Jess joined the Club in September of 2011 through her internship from Western Connecticut State University. During this time, Jess worked closely in the Elementary Homework Room, helping our members earn Power Hour and Project Learn stars!
Upon graduating in January of 2012, with a BS in Health Promotion and Exercise Sciences with a focus in Community Health and a Minor in Psychology, Jess continued to work everyday after school in the Homework Room and Art Room. In June of 2012, Jess joined us as a member of our full-time staff, bringing along her energy and enthusiasm. Following her passion, she created and advises the Performing Arts and Music Programming (allowing members to express themselves, showcase their talents, and hone their public performance and speaking skills- from singing and dancing to reading artistic poetry, our members can do it all!). Through the Performing Arts and Music Programming, Jess has served three times as the Advisor for Ridgefield teens who were selected to perform at the National Conferences; National Keystone Conference in Florida 2015, the National Keystone Conference in Texas 2016, and for the National Directors Conference 2016 in New Orleans. She can often be found playing ukulele in the Club with the kids!
Jess also created the curriculum for and advises the SMART Moves- three part program (A health and life skills program that educates children through adolescents, teaching them about wellness and social-emotional well-being through nutrition, cooking programs, gardening, hands-on learning, enlightening group discussions), the SMART Girls Program (allowing middle school and high school girls to tackle tough topics in a comfortable setting, including self-confidence, self-esteem, fitness and nutrition, self-respect, respect for others, the media, and proper etiquette), and creates the daily projects for the Art Room. One of Jess' favorite places to be is working in the Club's garden with our members!
In addition, Jess has worked to develop new community partnerships for the Club, most recently with Nature's Temptations, the Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association (RVNA), the Ridgefield School of Dance, Juice Plus+, Ridgefield Stop & Shop, and Wireframes Recording Studio, allowing members to experience new and exciting opportunities! She also serves as the Advisor to our signature teen program, the Keystone Club, our high school character and leadership community service group. Jess advises teens and assists them in planning and implementing programs in the areas of Community Service, Academic Success, Career Preparation and Teen Outreach. In March of 2016, Under Jess' guidance our Keystone Club won a National Keystone Program Award for Teen Outreach, and took home two Regional Keystone Program Awards for Academic Success and Career Preparation.
During the summer, Jess serves as our Assistant Camp Director and Assistant Medical Director, and is responsible for our daily art programming and managing the health records for our campers. She is American Red Cross Certified in First Aid and CPR & AED, a Certified Medicine Administrator: Oral, Topical, Inhalant and EpiPen, a Certified Pool Operator, and is certified in Child Safety and Mandated Reporter Training, Leadership and Supervision Training, and Teen Institute Accelerator Training. In the fall of 2016, Jess was the recipient of the CTAHPERD Outstanding New Professional Award.
Before working at the Club, Jess worked at the Bethel YMCA for 6 years - deciding that she wanted to dedicate her life's work to enabling youth to reach their full potential by providing them with the resources necessary to empower their young minds. During high school, Jess was a year-round athlete and volunteered in the Bethel Community. She currently resides in Ridgefield.
In the video above Jess and a few of the Jammin' members are seen performing a few songs in front of the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield Board!