GET TO KNOW ME

Born two months prematurely with a 50% chance of survival, I learned the meaning of resilience early on in life. A visible birthmark on my face and acute asthma was luckily the most notable complication and despite my innate resilience, I suffered from ongoing bullying and teasing throughout my educational and athletic journey. Soccer is what kept me focused, driven, and kept my spirits alive. It saved me from my self-doubt and false self-image. I persevered through these feelings and taught myself how to overcome adversity while attempting to accept who I was.

How I was born was not something I could control, but what I could control, was how much effort I put forth in the things I loved. So everything I did, I did with 200% effort. This work ethic helped me in getting a full-ride scholarship as a university all-star athlete and commit by grade 10, make the Dean's list and Honor Roll, be the youngest in my cohort to complete my Bachelor's and Teaching Degree and eventually bring me to where I am today, and create my own Mindfulness Curriculum.

My name is Jessica Marano and I am a teacher and coach. I currently teach as an Inter-Agency teacher for the Surrey School District. I teach a high school at-risk youth program called Focus TREK within Education Services as one of the youngest educators. I am a certified yoga instructor, Youth Academy coach for the Whitecaps, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Premier Academy and the 07/08 Mountain United girls. I currently still play soccer for the Coastal FC Women’s Premier team. I am also the founder of the LADIES Empowerment Program which is a program that focuses on engaging young females across Canada to help improve motivation, confidence, and resilience through seminars, workshops, and community involvement. This year I was one of ten coaches chosen to be a part of and complete the BC Soccer Female Coach Mentorship Program. In 2016, I completed four years at Simon Fraser University as a varsity athlete and played for the Women’s soccer team. In my fifth year I completed my Bachelor of Education with minors in Kinesiology, Elementary Generalist, and Early Learning Education while completing my professional development program and teaching in Oaxaca, Mexico. In 2020 I completed my Masters in Trauma and Resilience at Concordia University, and in 2022 I participated in the Maccabi Games in Israel as Canada’s U18 Girls Assistant Coach winning bronze.

Being a student athlete, while having to work three jobs, relied less on my abilities and more on my mental resilience to just make it happen. This mindset and attitude are what I carry with me throughout life and with my many achievements. Having a masters in trauma and resilience has allowed me to combine my personal experiences with the knowledge I have gained to encourage and educate others.

I have worked with many athletes one on one both physically and mentally and I have found that despite athletes being gifted physically or academically, if they struggle mentally or have mental blocks- they limit their overall growth and potential. This is quite common amongst athletes, however, very few know it is something that can also be improved and supported especially if they are looking to get to the next level. I focus on young/teen athletes as these years are crucial due to the many societal pressures and the need to stay ‘on track’ as they pursue becoming a successful professional athlete and in being a student-athlete myself, I personally understand the various mental battles. 

A great experience can send an individual soaring through life and as a teacher, mentor and coach, I am driven to creating and facilitating an amazing experience for all my students and athletes. While we may not be able to predict the future and what life has in store for us, what we can do is control our approach and reactions to life. I am committed to providing the support and tools to help develop this positive belief system and resilience in the mind of these athletes so that challenges are faced with excitement, courage, and persistence.