With over two decades of coffee industry experience, Jodi is a seasoned expert. She first discovered her passion behind the espresso machine as a barista in her small hometown cafe, honing her craft years before even Starbucks emerged. Jodi helped open multiple coffee shops during her college undergraduate years and beyond. After spending nearly two years immersed in the rich culture of Mali, West Africa, she relocated to study Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies at Gateway Seminary in Marin County, California. Upon graduating, Jodi remained in the Bay Area to work under the guidance of esteemed coffee consultant Willem Boot. There she instructed roasting, cupping, and Q classes for close to eight years before co-founding Gather Coffee Company in 2015 with Marlee Benefield where she traveled the globe teaching Q classes.

Over the years, her expertise has led to many judging roles for Good Food Awards and Coffee of the Year and other coffee competitions. She served as vice chair of the SCA Tasters Pathway Committee during the merger of the SCAA and SCAE curricula. She has contributed significantly to coffee communities around the world. Through a project with the UN, alongside Graciano Cruz and Willem Boot, together they worked with over 200 farmers on honey processing - the first time this technique had ever been explained and implemented. Jodi's blend of technical knowledge and sensory talents have helped shape specialty coffee as we know it today. Currently, she circles the globe teaching sensory workshops, Q Arabica Courses, and leading roasting seminars alongside renowned roasting expert Mark Michaelson, former head roaster of Onyx Coffee.