When Jackie is not writing, she works as a pediatric nurse practitioner in Washington State, caring for underserved children in her community. She has a doctorate in nursing practice and a master’s in biblical studies. Her first poem, “I Have an Elf of My Own,” was published in Our Best in ’73: Buffalo Public Schools, at age ten.

Jackie began to write again after the loss of her son, Sebastian, to help her process and heal after his suicide. She writes about grief, suicide, adoption, and the goodness of God during pain and suffering.

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, Jackie has encountered numerous children and teenagers struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. She sees how it affects families, especially mothers, who often feel helpless as they watch their children suffer. Jackie offers suggestions, possible solutions, and ways to navigate the mental health system. She frequently prays with her patients and shares her story, offering families a glimmer of hope and a chance to see how Jesus has brought Jackie out of the rubble and into the light once again.

For the past seven years, Jackie has spoken to numerous mothers who have lost children to suicide and other traumatic deaths. Early on, in the months after her son’s death, Jackie became aware that God wanted her to share her story because she knew she wasn’t the only one going through this nightmare. Walking alongside other mothers in pain and suffering became a calling; Jackie wanted to show them hope during their grief. Jackie’s son’s death has given her a ministry she didn’t want to have, but she has seen God use her brokenness and grief to encourage other hurting and broken women. She has walked in these women’s shoes and knows she would not be where she is today without clinging to God. 

Jackie spends her spare time traveling the world with her husband, Steve, and hiking with her rescued Great Pyrenees Bear. She has spent many years designing and sewing wedding gowns, elaborate costumes, and vintage clothes with the help of her cats, Mr. Darcy and Jasper. She enjoys searching old bookstores for antique nursing books. She and Steve have a daughter, Isabel, who is married to Brennan.