Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Engel, PhD, is the Founder and Lead Advocate of Engel Advocacy, LLC, a Florida-based practice she launched in March 2026 to help children and families navigate complex educational, family, and legal systems. With approximately a decade of experience in child welfare and advocacy, Jessica developed a passion for advocacy during her internship and went on to serve as a Guardian ad Litem and Child Advocate Manager. Throughout her career, she has focused on protecting the best interests of children and ensuring their voices are heard in matters involving education, family relationships, child welfare, and crisis situations.
Through Engel Advocacy, Jessica provides a range of specialized services, including relationship coaching, grief coaching, educational advocacy, IEP and 504 support, CALM training, and expert testimony. Her work is grounded in a trauma-informed, child-centered, and solution-focused approach that helps families understand their options, communicate effectively, and develop practical strategies for moving forward. She is particularly proud of the reputation she has built through years of advocacy and her ability to bridge the gap between families and systems that can often feel overwhelming or difficult to navigate.
Jessica holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida, earned in 2018, a Master's degree in Psychology from Lynn University, completed in 2020, and a PhD in Psychology from Keiser University, earned in 2025. She has also pursued specialized training and certifications in crisis intervention, child advocacy, educational support, and adoption competency. Outside of her professional work, Jessica values spending time with her family, creating new memories, relaxing in the pool, and visiting Walt Disney World. Her commitment to advocacy is complemented by a strong emphasis on self-care, healthy boundaries, and work-life balance, values she believes are essential to sustaining meaningful work in service of children and families.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my strong support system, especially my husband, whose encouragement and unwavering support have helped me through difficult moments and kept me grounded in my purpose. I truly don’t know where I would be today without him.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that self-care matters. I’ve learned that I can’t continue giving my best to others if I’m running on empty, so prioritizing my well-being is essential to sustaining long-term success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to prioritize your well-being and mental health, build a strong support system, and stay connected to your purpose. Knowing your “why” will keep you motivated, especially during challenging times.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is that it’s highly specialized, and many people don’t realize this type of support exists or that they don’t have to navigate these experiences alone. At the same time, that lack of awareness creates a significant opportunity for growth, as there is a strong need to expand access and reach more people.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Work-life balance is the most important value to me, both professionally and personally. I believe in maintaining healthy boundaries between work and home so I can be fully present, productive, and fulfilled in both areas of my life.
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