Jess Kern is known in the field as an Advocate, Certified Trauma Professional, SART Expert and Trainer, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Physical Intervention Alternatives Instructor, MANDT Instructor and QIDP. She has worked for just over ten years to form her very own foundation to support and advocate for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, and thus Raindrops Rising was born.

Jess understands that the only way to truly empathize with a survivor is to have survived. She also has learned that it is imperative to ensure first responders have the proper training to handle such a delicate matter. Through her workshops and structured lessons, Jess is making a massive impact. Something she always says when sharing her story is “we have been through events that no human being should have to endure”, and that couldn’t be more true. Jess aims to break down the societal stigmas surrounding sexual assault and human trafficking, rewriting the way people view the individuals involved.

In her personal life, Jess has four beautiful children. When asked about them, she responds the same every time, that they are her reasons for the work she does. Jess’ main goal is to assist survivors in regaining their voice, their strength, and their power.

If there was one thing Jess would say she has learned from her years in the field of sexual assault and human trafficking advocacy, it would be to always take it personally.