The Early Years
Jess was born in this CT hospital — about an hour southwest from where we are right now.
What is Stamford Hospital?
Jess attended this private high school right here in New Haven and is still in touch as an alum.
What is Hopkins School?
This historic hurricane hit just after Jess began at the University of Miami, home of the Hurricanes.
What is Hurricane Katrina?
This is the side hustle Jess took on to help keep the lights on and the bills paid in New York City. Can't believe all those kids are grown up now!
What is a nanny?
This is where Jess and Kim got married.
What is their home?
This was Jess’s babysitter and a neighbor who dragged the kids around the house in a sleeping bag.
Who is Sweetie Jen?
Jess studied this romance language and won a poetry contest reciting work in the language. She had an advantage having visited this country when she was quatre.
What is French?
When temperatures dropped, students were advised to avoid sitting under palm trees — because these reptiles might rain down as “falling hazards.”
What are iguanas?
Jess lived in this neighborhood for 10 years. No direct connection to the musical from Lin Manuel Miranda.
What is Washington Heights?
This is the destination Jess and Kim traveled to together on vacation last year. Arrigato.
What is Japan?
This elementary school where Jess spent her formative years was named after this painter and scenic artist who worked in films shot in New York in the 1970s and 1980s. Wonder if Principal Fusti knew that fun fact.
What is Elizabeth Shelton School?
After Jess learned to drive, she commuted to school in this pre-owned-by-Marcy car.
What is a red Subaru?
While touring with ’Swonderful in a southern state, Jess accidentally left this essential personal item behind in a grocery store.
What is her phone?
Jess founded her theatre company, named after a daring jump that requires equal parts courage and momentum.
What is Flying Leap Productions?
These are the names of Jess and Kim’s beloved cats. Could also be the names of two British detectives.
Who are Charlie and Watson?
Even though Jess expressed a desire to become vegetarian when she was 8, she wanted a “night off” from vegetarianism so she could eat this for dinner.
What are hot dogs?
Jess had a lead role in this musical put on by Youth CONNection for which she won the Steve Scarpa Acting Award — all on her own.
What is Les Miserables?
Jenny and Georgie were Jess’s roommates while she pursued her Master’s degree in this European capital city.
What is London?
Among her many hobbies, Jess spent one birthday going to this type of school. Feel free to hire her for your kids’ birthday parties.
What is clown school?
This platform is how Jess and Kim first met. Thank goodness for algorithms and that digital bow and arrow.
What is OK Cupid?
Jess played this sport for one season with a grand finale — she finally stopped running away from the ball and scored during the last game of the season.
What is basketball?
In her senior year of high school, Jess served as co-president of this organization, perfectly reflecting her lifelong passion for the stage.
What is the Hopkins Drama Association?
At the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Jess completed this specialized graduate program focused on innovative theatrical performance and creation.
What is a Master’s in Advanced Theatre Practice?
This powerful media mogul is the person Jess once worked for invented TIVO and ran NBC Cable.
Who is Tom Rogers?
This is Jess and Kim’s “song.” Pull up a chair.
What is "Crowded Table" by Brandi Carlile?