Jessica McManus had the privilege of being homeschooled, traveling, and living in various regions throughout her childhood. She gained a diverse perspective residing in many states, including South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Delaware. In 1995, she settled in Eastern North Carolina and has called Carteret County home ever since.

Jessica has a passion for human services and has dedicated her career to serving children and their families by working in various fields, including mental health, social services, child advocacy, and early intervention, in the local area. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Human Services, with a focus on non-profit management. She joined Southmountain as the Carteret County Children’s Advocacy Center Director and Forensic Interviewer in 2020. She received specialized forensic interview training at the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and has continued advancing her interviewing skills, putting into practice Radar, Radar Jr., child sex trafficking, and introducing evidence techniques.

In her personal time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her pets, family, and friends. You can find her enjoying the local restaurants, beaches, trails, parks, and all the other wonderful treasures the Crystal Coast has to offer. She is further engaged in the community through participating with local animal rescue groups, her church, women’s groups, Leadership Carteret, and the Chamber of Commerce.