Jessica took an interest in cooking at an early age. Food, cooking and sharing meals were always a big part her life growing up. Being surrounded by a family of wonderful cooks inspired her to become a professional chef. Jessica is classically trained in the culinary arts, holding two degrees from Johnson and Wales University, Charleston Campus. In 2014, she opened Spotted Salamander Café in the Robert Mills District of Columbia where she committed to making fresh, local southern cuisine with an inventive twist.