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Meet Jess Caldwell
Role at The Survival University
Jess Caldwell is a resident instructor at The Survival University and co leads corporate team experiences and select field programs alongside Jason Marsteiner. Her work focuses on leadership, communication, and group dynamics under pressure, blending practical wilderness skills with nature based awareness and mindfulness training.
Jess plays a key role in corporate and group programs where teams benefit from shared challenge, time in remote environments, and structured reflection. Her presence helps bridge hard skills with internal awareness, supporting clearer thinking, stronger communication, and better decision making when conditions are unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
Early Life and Path Outdoors
Although Washington has been Jess’s home for the last 25 years, she grew up as a free range kid in Central Oregon, where riding horses, building fires, and spending long days in juniper and sage country were part of everyday life. At age 14, she completed a three week expedition along the Pacific Crest Trail with Outward Bound, an experience that shaped her lifelong relationship with the outdoors.
Jess spent years as a downhill ski racer and continues to spend extensive time in mountain environments across seasons. Her path into outdoor education came not from recreation alone, but from living close to the land and learning through direct experience.
Training and Experience
Jess graduated from the 50 Day Advanced Woodsman program through The Survival University, completing a long term wilderness immersion that included living in a primitive shelter, firecraft, water procurement, foraging, and a solo field experience. She has also completed winter training through TSU.
Her background includes over 15 years of teaching yoga and meditation, along with formal training in health and wellness. This combination allows her to support both the physical and mental demands of extended field work and group based learning environments.
Jess is a certified Wilderness First Responder and brings a calm, observant approach to leadership and instruction, especially in situations where stress, uncertainty, or interpersonal friction are present.
Teaching Style and Focus
Jess’s teaching style is grounded, supportive, and direct. She emphasizes learning through experience, awareness of environment, and how individuals show up within a group.
Her focus areas include:
- Leadership and communication in unfamiliar environments
- Nature connection and mindfulness as practical tools
- Group awareness and decision making under pressure
- Wilderness skills that support confidence and self reliance
- Creating shared experiences that strengthen trust and cohesion
Jess works with participants ranging from beginners to experienced professionals, adapting her approach to meet people where they are while still holding a high standard for engagement and effort.
Jess Caldwell featured on Fox 13 Seattle
Jess Caldwell appeared on Fox 13 Seattle to discuss practical go bag considerations and how preparedness starts with simple, intentional choices. During the segment, she shared insight into selecting items that support adaptability, awareness, and calm decision making during unexpected situations. The conversation focused on approachable, real world preparation rather than fear driven or gear heavy solutions.
Testimonials
Jason and Jess were amazing. I can’t believe how much I was able to learn over our 5 day class. I’ll be telling everyone I know about this experience and refer them to book their next adventure. I’ll be using the skills I learned for the rest of my life.
Jess and Jason were terrific guides. They not only introduced tangible survival skills, they also focused on how those skills translate into our everyday lives. I highly recommend them and TSU for groups interested in leadership development.
Wilderness First Responder certification through Off Grid Medic, covering emergency medical care and evacuation in remote environments.
Jess Caldwell successfully completed The Survival University 50 Day Advanced Woodsman Training, a 500 hour immersive field program focused on practical wilderness skills and long term self reliance. This certification reflects extensive hands on training, time in the field, and demonstrated capability across a wide range of real world conditions.
Jess Caldwell holds a certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a nationally recognized training program based in New York. This coursework focused on foundational nutrition concepts, lifestyle factors, and supporting overall well being through informed personal choices.