This week's City Face is Jessica Carder. Meet her and her family here! 

Tell me about you and your family (and pets!) and how long you've lived in Bridgeport.

Hello. My name is Jessica Carder (Massie). I am so excited to have this opportunity to be a City Face and for everyone to learn a little about me and my family! I was born and raised in Bridgeport. I am married to Dillon Carder who is a Shinnston native. We have 3 beautiful children: Lynnley (6), Teagan (3), and Tripp (1). We have 2 dogs (Copper and Ella) and 2 cats (Ace and Rae).

How did you and your husband meet? My husband and I met through a mutual friend. Shout out to Mattie Klenk- who almost forgot to give him my number.

Why do you like it here?

I like living in Bridgeport because it is home to me. I feel safe raising my family here and that’s what it really comes down to.

What's your favorite event here in our city?

My favorite event in Bridgeport is Light Up Night. My kids look forward to it every year. It really is like a Hallmark movie.

What about a spot that you frequent?

A spot in Bridgeport that I visit frequently is Hinkle and Deegan Lakes. Whether it be taking a walk, going on a run, taking the dogs to the dog park, fishing, or letting the kids play at the park, there is always something for everyone to do.

Where do you work and what do you do there?

My husband and I both work 2 jobs. I am an Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner at UHC. Most recently, I am an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and specialize in Botox and dermal filler at GLO Aesthetics. My husband works at Longview Power Plant in Morgantown and also owns a dumpster rental company, MobilServ, alongside another Bridgeport native, Alex Wallace. We love to serve our community!

What are some of your favorite pasttimes and hobbies?

My family and I love to spend time at our camp at Big Bear Campgrounds. There is nothing better than no cellphone service, swimming in the lake, nightly fires with s’mores, and golf cart rides. Oh, and visits to Screech Owl Brewing. I also enjoy hot yoga at Main Street Fitness and getting massages/facials at Riversong Spa. Every momma deserves some “me” time.

Do you have any goals - personal or professional - either shortterm or longterm?

I am always thinking about what is next and creating new goals. I plan to continue to better myself as a wife, mom, and medical professional. Balancing all of these roles can be challenging, but who doesn’t like a good challenge? Ultimately, I would love to work less and be home more. This is everyone’s ideal goal, right?

Tell us about one of your favorite Bridgeport memories.

One of my favorite Bridgeport memories is when my BHS soccer team won states in 2012. Go Tribe!

What are your favorite area foods/restaurants?

In high school, I spent most of my evenings working at Twin Oaks. I may be biased, but it’s one of my favorites! You’ll also find us eating at Oliverio's and Mia Margarita. Just have to say a big thank-you to all the Italians in this city!  A few other places that I love are Ali’s Mediterranean, Winnies, Don Patron, East of Chicago Pizza, and Farmhouse Ice Cream. I promise I also make dinner at home.. sometimes.

What tunes are on your playlist?

I will listen to just about anything. I am mostly flipping between pop and country music in the car. Can’t forget about a little Cocomelon as well.

What about favorite movies or TV shows? Are you streaming anything now or have recently that you recommend?

On the occasional evenings that my husband and I are both off of work, we usually turn on some Netflix. He scrolls through and my response is usually,“Oh I’ve already seen that” or “just watched that one, too.” I’m a night owl, so I always squeeze in a movie or binge watch a series before bed. I usually just watch whatever is on the top 10. Recently, I watched Senior Year which was pretty funny.

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If I could vacation anywhere, it would definitely be somewhere tropical. I love warm weather and beaches. I would love to visit Hawaii sometime.

What is one or more of your past favorite vacations?

Last year we vacationed at Miramar Beach, FL (Destin). We loved it there. We plan to go back again in just a few weeks. A few years ago, we had a big family vacation in Hilton Head, SC that was also one to remember.

What is an interesting tidbit about you?

I was in the beginning of my second year of nursing school at Fairmont State University when I had our first daughter, Lynnley. I had her on a Thursday, which was the first and only class I had missed. We didn’t have class on Friday and the following Monday was Labor Day, but I was back to school on Tuesday. Dropping out of school was never an option for me. I feel like a lot of people doubted me, but I have always worked hard to exceed my goals.