Jess grew up in Livingston, Montana with her parents and two siblings. She studied biology and chemistry at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. While in North Dakota, she worked as a hospital phlebotomist and CNA as well as an EMT on an ambulance service. She attended medical school at the University of Washington where she developed a passion for rural and underserved medicine.

In her free time, Jess can be found hanging out with her husband, Jack, and their adorable baby, Maverick. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, attempting to run, drinking coffee, and playing new board games.