Speaking
I may be a good fit for your speaking event if you are looking for someone to speak on themes of identity, creating meaning, encountering risk, teamwork, coping with loss, fostering resilience, and joy.
Themes from my professional experience as a therapist blend well with my unique experiences skiing in high places.
I am a high-altitude ski mountaineer, queer woman, and mental health therapist.
Originally from Atlanta, GA, I learned to ski at age 24 while working as a wilderness therapy guide in Utah. In September of 2021, I became the second woman ever to ski from the summit of Manaslu in the Nepali Himalaya (8,163m; 26,782ft). I have climbed and skied all over the great ranges of the world including places such as Alaska, Japan, Ecuador, Bolivia, Mexico, and Pakistan. My hope is to increase the representation of women and LGTBQ+ folx in outdoor adventure sports and have fun in the process.
I earned a bachelor's degree from Elon University in Religious Studies in 2009, a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2012, and a Master of Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Utah in 2020. I have worked professionally over the past decade in the fields of wilderness therapy, community mental health, and outpatient therapy.
Please contact me for information regarding speaking fees and the unique needs of your organization or event.
Previous speaking engagements include:
Salt Lake Climbers Alliance Festival
Michigan Ice Festival
American Alpine Club
Craggin' Classic Climber's Festival
The Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop
Credera Enterprises
The Front Climbing Club
The Hope and Resilience Conference
The LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah
The Utah Criminal Justice Center Conference
“Jess’s talk was authentic, captivating, and resonated well with our entire team. It was the perfect combination of inspiring and motivational while weaving in life lessons and an incredible experience. Following the talk we couldn’t get people to leave the room because there were so many questions! Jess’s talk has inspired Crederians to continue to talk about their own goals and ambitions and support each other in their pursuits. We look forward to having Jess back someday!”
— Thor Schumacher, Credera
“Jess helped support an event hosted at The Front Climbing Club to bring awareness to mental health and climbing. She organized not only a wonderful presentation, but an inspiring panel of therapists. Jess' uplifting and knowledgeable insight on mental health was approachable and authentic, can't wait to have her back!”
— Brenna King, The Front Climbing Club