Our team is changing and growing, stay-tuned!

Jennifer Staples, PhD

President and CEO

I’m Jenn (she/her), a Clinical Psychologist, Adjunct professor, and co-founder of guts., where we’re on a mission to make mental health skills relatable, practical, and accessible for everyone. I’m a first generation college student and I earned my PhD at the University of Washington in Seattle, where I learned mental health skills and strategies that I personally use every day. I’ve taught these skills in all kinds of settings, from classrooms to community groups, and I’ve seen firsthand how transformative they can be. I’m all about breaking down mental health stigma and bringing science-backed strategies out of the therapy room and into everyday life—where they belong! I’m also deeply committed to social justice and making mental health inclusive for everyone.

On a personal note, my own experience with anxiety, combined with a family history of mental health challenges and alcohol abuse, fuels my passion for mental health advocacy. I strive to share my story to combat stigma and help reduce feelings of shame.

Fun fact:

I’m a proud Vermonter who’s serious about her syrup. My family has been sugarmakers in the Northeast Kingdom of VT for generations, and you can usually find me carrying around a bottle of pure maple syrup, just in case!