Jessica Powell loves adventure and has dreams of climbing mountains, enjoying long bike trips, joining a yoga class, and participating in triathlons - once life slows down. Life for Jessica is busy; she works as a nurse practitioner in rehabilitation and palliative care/hospice at the VA and is a mom of three: Anna, 12, Kenny, 9, and James, 3. She and her husband Justin adopted their youngest last August. 

“He has been with us since he was 4 weeks old and him officially becoming a Powell is a dream come true.” 

Jessica loves jogging with her dog and has incorporated strength training into her weekly exercise routine. 

“I’m proud of myself for learning how to properly lift weights. Justin and I started CrossFit about 5 years ago and I couldn’t even lift the bar.” 

After overcoming a recent knee injury, she hopes to continue getting in five miles of running on a regular basis. 

For Jessica, hitting the road with her dog Shay, CrossFit workouts and squeezing in yoga videos during breaks at work is about more than just getting a sweat on. 

“I exercise to work through stress and anxiety, find joy and connection in nature and relationships, and maintain health and wellness in order to be a good steward of this body and life I have been given.”

Working at the VA has given her a unique perspective on life. 

“I have had the privilege to work with many people at the end of life and I am continually reminded that life is a fleeting and beautiful gift. Maybe this is less about always working toward a new PR or weight loss goal and more about finding something that makes you feel truly alive. And, wherever you’re at, always be grateful!”

Great advice, Jessica!