Jessica Turpin Patterson grew up in Olympia, Washington where she graduated from Capital High School in 2002. She developed her interest in education at a young age through working with the youth division of Olympia Parks and Recreation as a counselor and activities planner. She completed her undergraduate studies at Gonzaga University in 2006 where she majored in History and Teacher Education. She spent her early career years teaching on the Whiteriver Apache Reservation in Arizona. There, she worked as a middle school Reading Interventionist, Math & Social Studies Teacher, and coached volleyball, basketball, and track.

At St. Madeleine Sophie School, she has held many roles- teacher, Inclusion Specialist, Director of Student Life, Athletic Director, counselor and coach. Jessica obtained a Master’s degree in Special Education in 2015 and finished her second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame’s Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program in 2021; she now works as an adjunct professor for the program’s Inclusive Education course. Jessica began teaching at St. Madeleine Sophie in 2012, she now serves as the Vice Principal. Jessica is also a member of the Diocesan Diversified Learner’s Committee, the Fulcrum Diversity and Inclusion Committee, volunteers for CYO Athletics, and consults to support inclusive student services at other schools.

Jessica loves spending time with her friends and family, and has two beautiful boys that keep her busy! It is her honor to work at SMS and be a part of all the incredible work that is being done to form faithful citizens who INCLUDE! She loves working with incredibly strong and passionate teachers who give tirelessly to fulfill the mission of the school and Parish. She believes there is something to be learned from every student and family she works with, and cherishes the unique charism of St. Madeleine Sophie School.