Our team.
Jess Gordon - Founder / Lead Educator / Head Instructor
Jess is a BC-certified teacher with a counseling background and over 15 years of experience working with children and youth. She has a graduate degree in Health, Outdoor, and Physical Education and teaches for the Vancouver School Board. She is passionate about teaching and empowering young people to live safe, confident, and meaningful lives.
“Learning BJJ and self-defense transformed my shy, anxious self into someone more resilient and confident, and I wanted to share these life-changing benefits with others. I created Arise to empower young people physically, mentally, and emotionally, addressing the need for comprehensive, experiential, and fun programs.” - Jess
Jess has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2016 and is certified as a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women Empowered instructor and as an Empowerment Self-Defense instructor. She is committed to regular fitness and seeks to be a role model for young people as they navigate through childhood and adolescence. She believes that teaching children about empathy, communication, and boundaries is vital in preparing them for healthy relationships, wellbeing, and safety.
Arise is a culmination of Jess’ experience, education, and heart for young people, teaching and Jiu-Jitsu.
Ashley Sindayen - Co-Facilitator / Admin Support
Meet Ashley, a certified trauma-informed mindfulness coach and yoga teacher based in Vancouver, Canada. In addition to her role as a wellness practitioner, Ashley is also a digital creator and runs a home share business with her husband from the comfort of their own home. As an ambassador for BC Women's Foundation and mental health, Ashley is deeply committed to empowering women and children, and is a firm believer in the transformative power of connection and community.
As a mother of three, Ashley has personally witnessed the positive impact that practicing self-defense and promoting social-emotional awareness can have on children's lives. It's this experience that led her to work with Arise Programs and share their mission with other families in her community. Ashley firmly believes that introducing children to the practices of mindfulness and self-awareness is essential for their personal growth and development, and will help shape their future selves.