Meet the Team – Jackie

Meet Jackie: Head of Engineering @ CoApp

At CoApp, innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about the people driving it forward. In this installment of our Meet the Team series, we’re thrilled to introduce Jackie, our Head of Engineering. Jackie’s journey from a lifelong passion for computers and coding to leading engineering efforts at a cutting-edge healthcare startup is as inspiring as it is unconventional.

From meticulously scheduled workdays and insightful feedback practices to rock climbing, sustainable agriculture dreams, and karaoke adventures in Tokyo, Jackie brings a unique blend of creativity, structure, and curiosity to everything she does.

Join us as Jackie shares how she stays energized, balances creativity with structure, and defines what makes a day truly meaningful—both inside and outside the world of CoApp.

What does a typical workday look like for you? 

I structure my days in 30-minute intervals to stay focused and productive. Mornings are when I tackle challenging tasks like debugging, designing solutions, and architecture planning—anything that requires deep, critical thinking. Midday usually involves a mix of meetings, product planning, drafting Figma designs for new features, or continuing development work. Late afternoons are reserved for either meetings or knocking out smaller tasks that give me a nice burst of accomplishment before signing off. I block off my calendar for major tasks, which helps minimize context switching and keeps me aligned with my diverse responsibilities. 

I also work on a flexible schedule, prioritizing breaks to exercise and recharge. Whether it’s a run, a quick stair-master session, or a rowing workout, these moments away from the screen leave me re-energized and ready to dive back into work. I also dedicate time daily to self-learning, especially staying up to date with advancements in AI and emerging tech. 

How do you approach giving or receiving feedback? 

I enjoy giving positive feedback and believe in recognizing the hard work of my teammates. We have a “High Five Hub” channel in Teams that’s been a fantastic way to celebrate wins and express appreciation. Working in a lean, fast-moving environment means we’re often tackling tough challenges, and taking time to reflect on accomplishments and teamwork is essential for both morale and success. 

When it comes to receiving feedback, I’m grateful for the culture at CoApp, where appreciation and constructive input are shared regularly. It aligns with my own philosophy and makes me feel deeply valued as part of the team. 

How do you stay curious and keep learning? 

Taking time away from technology is surprisingly what keeps me engaged the most. I’ve been passionate about computers and coding since I was a kid, and while I love the endless opportunities to learn and create, I’ve realized the importance of unplugging. Spending time outdoors and stepping away helps me return to work refreshed and focused. 

At CoApp, my role also fuels curiosity since I get to work across the full spectrum of our software—from infrastructure and security to application development. With the growing potential of AI, there’s always an exciting analysis project or a chance to explore new strategies to enhance our offerings. 

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing instead? 

If I weren’t a technologist (which is hard to imagine), here’s where I’d land: 

• Forest ranger or naturalist: I’d love to guide people in identifying fungi or birds and spend days building trails and shelters in peaceful, remote areas. 
• Farmer: Sustainable agriculture fascinates me. I’d enjoy growing crops, caring for animals, and advocating for better water practices—something we desperately need across the U.S.
• Photographer or painter: Sadly, I lack the talent, but the dream is there! 
• Professional Rock Climber: I think I’m about about 20 years too late and lack some key genetic advantages but, let a girl dream 🙂

What’s your go-to karaoke song? 

When I was in Tokyo, we ended up in a private karaoke room where all the controls were in Japanese. The only song we recognized was REM’s Losing My Religion, so we sang it on repeat for two hours. It’s now my accidental go-to. 

How do you balance creativity and structure in your job? 

I rely on obsessive scheduling. Planning my time ensures I meet deadlines for tasks like product planning and development, and it allows me to also carve out space to explore creative solutions or push for product innovation. 

One thing you can’t live without? 

Chalk. I have a hopeless addiction due to obscenely sweaty hands and the innate desire to rock climb.  

Also, cheese. 

What excites you most about the future of CoApp? 

The novelty of what we’ve built and how much it resonates with everyone we meet is thrilling. There’s so much to learn and create, and being part of a small, mission-driven team where everyone is growing and contributing makes it an incredible journey. 

How do you define a meaningful day? 

This is actually a question I’ve thought about a lot in the past year. To me, a meaningful day starts with setting intentions, whether it’s committing to 30 minutes of exercise or spending quality time with my partner. Building strong relationships—with myself, others, and my work—gives my day depth. While I love my to-do lists for staying organized, true fulfillment comes from ending the day feeling calm and aligned with the people and work that matter most.