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I finally scored an interview with Justin-Siena’s very own softball powerhouse, Jessica Kerr ’03! I enthusiastically invited Jessica and her partner Brett Schaublin to participate as purveyors in TASTE of Justin-Siena this year. Watching Jessica work her magic at TASTE with our Justin-Siena community, I knew I wanted to learn her story.
Jessica grew up in Fairfield and came to Justin-Siena with a small core group of friends. Her parents felt she would be lost at their large local high school. Having talked to friends whose children were already attending Justin-Siena, and having attended Catholic high school himself, Jessica’s dad knew the importance of a Catholic education experience. When the family came to tour Justin-Siena, Jessica was hooked; she knew Justin-Siena is where she wanted to be. Jessica shared the story of when her acceptance letter arrived in the mail, describing the excitement of the scene with her entire family together as she opened the letter to read that she was invited to join the Class of 2003 Braves.
Having a built-in friend group helped with Jessica’s transition to Justin-Siena. Additionally, she appreciated having an upperclassman "Buddy" to show her where her classes were on that first day and answer all her questions. She recalls that on the second day of school, the buddies brought bagged lunches so you could eat together and hang out. Jessica found the breathing room and confidence to meet upperclassmen and feel more comfortable at school. Memorably, Jessica’s buddy was Miranda Welsch ‘01.
When I asked her about memorable teachers who helped set her path for success, Jessica's eyes got big and she asked if coaches count? Having assured her that absolutely coaches count, she was quick to recognize Lynn McCarroll at the top of her list. She was his TA so she was charged with making sure he was ready and organized for each day. Her math teacher, Mark Dunn, took the time to explain math from the perspective of a coach which helped her understanding of the material. There were also three outstanding coaches who influenced her and helped pave her path to athletic success: Coaches John O’Connor (softball), Allen Rossi (baseball), and Rich Cotruvo (football).
Highlighting her Justin-Siena memories is when in her senior year, the Varsity Softball team won the championship game beating Berean Christian from Walnut Creek - “it was magic.” Through her experiences on campus with Christian Life, Just-In Service Days, and Class Retreats, she believes she was set up to “enter to learn and leave to serve.” “You feel empowered to become face-forward with community and outreach. Justin-Siena holds you to a higher standard that you really do embrace in your life forever.” Jessica works a lot with alumnus Chuck Matto ‘05, owner of Chuck's Flavor Train. He loves to recall the story of when, not yet a senior, he was pushed onto the senior lawn. Jessica ran over and walked him across the lawn like he was the coolest kid ever, and a part of the senior lawn scene if even for a brief moment.
After graduation, feeling secure with the education and life skills she honed at Justin-Siena, Jessica set off to attend Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA, for two years, then returned home to attend Solano Community College for a year before heading to Lee University in Tennessee where she graduated in 2008. She earned a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Religion. Having played standout softball for all three schools, she is in the Solano Community College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Jessica and her partner Brett own Biscuits BBQ in downtown Napa. She recounts how after hard work, some mistakes, and lots of growing, it was fun to take the jump! They officially opened on the 4th of July 2024. Their rescue cat’s name is “Biscuit,” hence the logo and name of the business were born. She finds owning your own business exhausting, but the best kind of exhausting. “You are living your dream and going to bed happy.”
Moving from a pop-up in Suisun Valley to their location on Pearl Street was exactly what they were looking for. It's downtown, but it's also located in a spot where locals can get in and out without dealing with being in the crowds of downtown Napa. A small manageable space, it is perfect to grow their business. Enthusiastically, Jessica describes the fare offered at Biscuit. “Our menu changes all the time so it's hard to choose a favorite but...during fig season we do a tri tip sando with fig jam, brie cheese, arugula and fresh figs. It's so good! I crave it. And our smoked meatloaf sando is another favorite. We use our red wine bbq sauce and a pickled jalapeño aioli. Oh man, it's sooo delicious!!!! And baby back ribs are always a favorite!” (No, I did not point out to her that “favorite” implies one.) For the second year they are offering a fun holiday pre-order menu. People can order whole brisket, tri tip, and different sides so they don't have to cook for Christmas.
Jessica has three brothers, including Jake ‘07. She is Godmother to many, and has two nephews. Fun for Jessica is all about softball and being on the ballfield. Coaching a local girls travel ball team and playing catch with Brett brings her so much happiness. Jessica has been a Justin-Siena Softball coach, a leader on Kairos Retreats, and a substitute teacher. One of the first classes she subbed for was, in her words, the “magnetic human,” Mr. Morrish’s English class.
Jessica thoroughly enjoyed being a purveyor at TASTE of Justin-Siena this year. “It was wonderful running into alumni who I have not seen in such a long time, as well as people who are regulars at Biscuit who I had no idea were Justin-Siena families.” She sees making those connections with other businesses and deepening relationships within our community as an incredible highlight of the event. When asked if she could wrap Justin-Siena in a bow what would she say? Her response came easily: ”Justin-Siena is a community where people show up. It’s that simple.”
I thank Jessica Kerr for sharing her inspiring journey since her high school days. We are proud to have her as a member of our Justin-Siena alumni community!
Jennifer Rasler ‘86
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