Jessica Rodriguez is a Chicago based forest bathing guide certified through the Association of Nature and Forest Bathing. Jessica was introduced to forest bathing in 2019 while interning in Costa Rica with a certified guide. Together, they worked on a proposal to have forest bathing recognized as an official nature wellness practice by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT).

In 2021, Jessica underwent a six month long training and four day intensive, they developed a true sense of what it means to be a guide and work in partnership with the more-than-human-world.

Through this practice and business, Jessica is dedicated to opening the doors to holistic wellness by offering opportunities for others to practice presence with themselves, their community, and their environment. Jessica is currently the Coalition Building Manager at the Brushwood Center, where they are focused on integrating nature-based solutions into the health care system through their project known as TIERRA. Jessica has also partnered with The Morton Arboretum, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Center for Humans and Nature, Eerie Family Health Center, the Illinois Public Health Association, and many other nature and health organizations offering public and private forest bathing experiences.

Jessica is passionate about sharing their knowledge and wisdom through the forest.