Jess Hanson,

MA, CMPC.

Meet Certified Mental Performance Consultant and founder of COGNELITE, Jess Hanson.

Hi, I’m Jess!

I’m glad you found me. I am the founder of COGNELITE, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, coach, runner, skier, outdoor lover, and so much more.

Because of my passion for anything sports, athletics, and performance related, I have fallen in love with the concepts of how the mind can either make or break humans’ physical limits, as well as the positive impact that movement has on mental health, which is exactly why I am a mental performance consultant and love what I do.

If you found me, it’s probably because you…

  • Are looking for something to help give you that extra push to turn you from a good athlete to a great athlete.

  • Feel like there are areas of your performance that are not as good as they could be due to things like a lack of confidence, fear of failure or making mistakes, anxiety, etc.

  • Want to learn how to perform more consistently at an optimal level of performance.

  • Have any injuries and want to increase confidence, decrease fear of reinjury, and cope with the loss of your sport.

  • Are currently going through the recruiting process and want to perform at your best and find joy through the process, and are also dealing with the stress, pressure, and comparison to others.

  • Have “retired” or are soon to “retire” from sport and are struggling with identity and the loss of your sport.

  • Want to learn how to best use sport, athletics, movement, and fitness to improve mental health.

While my training, education, and experience is what makes me qualified to support you through these things above, it is my own experience as an athlete, from growing up to being a college athlete to now, that ultimately fuels my passion and determination to help you be the best version of yourself - both in sport, as well as life beyond sport.

And I can’t wait to work with you to help make that happen.

My Background

I hold a Master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Denver and am certified through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CMPC), the highest standard in the field.

Over the past several years, I’ve worked with:

  • Athletes across 20+ Division I programs

  • Top-5 NCAA Division I lacrosse teams

  • The University of Denver Women’s Lacrosse team during their Final Four season

  • Elite club athletes, high school programs, and nationally competitive organizations

In addition to my mental performance work through Cognelite, I’ve also:

  • Worked as an intern therapist in an eating disorder recovery center specializing in athletes

  • Supported high-performance skiers and snowboarders in a competitive training environment

  • Been deeply embedded in club and high school lacrosse, working with athletes, coaches, and parents

I’m also currently:

  • Head Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach at Cherry Creek High School

  • An elite club lacrosse coach

My Athletic Background

Before I ever did mental performance work, I lived it.

I played collegiate lacrosse at George Fox University and, like many athletes I now work with, struggled with confidence, pressure, inconsistency, and my identity as an athlete. I had the physical ability, but didn’t yet have the mental tools to match it.

That experience is a big part of why I do what I do now.

Today, I still push myself athletically through endurance training and competition. Most recently, I placed 6th overall female and 1st in my age group in a competitive 100K ultramarathon.

I believe in doing hard things, and I bring that same standard into the way I consult.

How I work

My approach is direct, practical, based on rapport and trust, and built for performance.

I help athletes:

  • Stay composed and confident in high-pressure moments

  • Respond to mistakes quickly instead of spiraling

  • Build consistency in practice and competition

  • Handle expectations, recruiting pressure, and comparison

  • Navigate transitional periods, such as entering college

  • Develop habits that actually transfer into performance

  • Find a healthy and positive outlet

Everything we do is designed so that when it matters most, athletes don’t just hope they perform well - they know how to.

Credentials & Certifications

☆ Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology
☆Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology - University of Denver
☆ Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Health & Human Performance - George Fox University
☆ Member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
☆ Member of the American Psychological Association (APA)’s Division 47 - Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
☆ Certified Sports Nutrition Coach - National Academy of Sports Medicine
☆ Certified in Nutritional Psychology - John F. Kennedy University
☆ SafeSport Certified
☆ Certified USA Lacrosse Coach

☆ Psychology today profile

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