Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Blake is an accomplished healthcare executive and physical therapist serving as Children’s Ambulatory Rehabilitation Manager at UVA Health in Charlottesville, Virginia. With 15 years of experience in healthcare, she combines clinical expertise with strong operational and administrative leadership, overseeing more than 30 rehabilitation clinicians and supporting multidisciplinary project and change management initiatives. Her clinical background includes physical therapy practice in pelvic floor, orthopedic, pediatric, and military medicine settings, complemented by expertise in healthcare management, data analysis, process improvement, and Lean Six Sigma.
Jessica holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy from The George Washington University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and an undergraduate degree from Towson University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), a 2017 Pat Tillman Scholar, and has completed leadership development programs through Villanova University and UVA Health. Her career with the Defense Health Agency included roles in health systems management, group practice management, and data analysis, experiences that helped shape her commitment to service, resilience, and mission-driven leadership. She remains actively engaged in professional and community initiatives, including patient safety, rehabilitation services, and family-centered healthcare.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jessica is deeply grounded in family, service, authenticity, and integrity. Married to a retired military service member and a mother of four—three sons and a daughter—she values the experiences and relationships built through a life shaped by military service and frequent moves. Her family enjoys traveling, hiking, soccer, sporting events, live music, gardening, cooking, and spending time with their two dogs, while she particularly enjoys preparing Northern Italian cuisine inspired by the family’s time living in Italy. Jessica is also passionate about advocacy and hopes to contribute to education and efforts addressing the cultural acceptance of female genital mutilation. Guided by her belief in “service before self,” she strives to understand the why behind her work and focus on initiatives that create meaningful impact for individuals, families, and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence and adaptability. As a military spouse, I took the road less traveled, moving our family approximately every two years for 20 years and embracing the variety of roles and experiences that came with it. I’ve learned from setbacks, reflected on feedback, and grown stronger through challenges while leading and supporting my team with humility and gratitude.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my last military commander: “You don’t win, you don’t lose—you win or you learn.” This mindset has taught me to view every experience, including setbacks, as an opportunity to grow, adapt, and improve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to find a mentor who shares their values and can provide meaningful guidance. Focus on goals that align with your purpose and create a positive impact in your community, rather than measuring success solely by promotions or financial rewards.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare is balancing clinical quality and excellent patient care with financial responsibility. These priorities can sometimes feel like opposing forces, but effective healthcare operations requires finding the right balance to maintain high standards of care while ensuring the organization remains fiscally sustainable.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are purpose, family, authenticity, and integrity. I believe in showing up as my true self, being fully committed to meaningful work, and believing in what we are doing. Above all, integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
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