Jolene was born and raised in Billings, Montana. She graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington with a degree in biology. While attending Gonzaga she worked part time as a nursing assistant in both nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

After graduation, Jolene traveled to the east coast where she volunteered in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Conservation Corps for ten months. After learning to build bridges, trails and communities in the AmeriCorps, Jolene enlisted in the Air Force. As a medic in the Air Force she worked in the surgery/urology and family practice clinics. In addition to working as a medic, she coached a local junior Olympic volleyball team for two years.

In 2000, Jolene was accepted to the Physician Assistant program at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. She did her clinical training at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. After her graduation and commissioning as an officer, Jolene was stationed at Travis AFB where she was assigned to work at the Mather and McClellan satellite clinics. While working at the McClellan clinic, Jolene was able to complete her master's degree in PA Studies from the University of Nebraska. Jolene recently resigned her commission in order to remain in the Sacramento area where she could continue to practice family medicine and remain close to family and friends. Jolene enjoys running, mountain biking, skiing, camping and hiking, which help to make Sacramento home for a Montana girl.