Jesse Atkinson, MA

Jesse Atkinson, MA is a trusted hospitality entrepreneur, local tourism specialist, and wellness advocate based in Ensenada, Baja California. He is the founder and director of a siled network of premier regional brands, including Ensenada Excursions and Tours, Baja Tours and Transport, Ensenada Massage, and Valle Mobile Spa.

The Journey to Baja

Jesse's path to the tourism and wellness sectors grew out of a profound personal reset. In 2011, while navigating consulting career burnout, a sudden relationship heartbreak, and a life-altering testicular cancer diagnosis, Jesse chose to slow down and relocate to Ensenada to heal. Discovering the therapeutic benefits of bodywork and the restorative power of slow, intentional travel, he successfully overcame cancer and organically transitioned his professional focus toward helping others find physical relaxation and authentic adventure. Today, he lives a healthy, grounded lifestyle as a proud dog dad to Tina and Lola on Playa Hermosa Beach.

Academic & Economic Background

Before establishing his hospitality portfolio in Mexico, Jesse operated as an international economic consultant. His rigorous analytical background provides a strong foundation for his corporate systems and regional operations:

• M.A. in International Affairs (2006): UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), specializing in International Economics in Latin America.
• Director of Global Access Consulting: UCSD IR/PS (2005–2006).
• Published Economist: Co-author of "Prompting Microfinance Borrowers to Save: A Field Experiment from Guatemala" (University of Chicago Press, Economic Development and Cultural Change, 2013).
• B.S. in Business Economics (2001): University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Wall Street Journal Award in Economics recipient).
• Certified Financial Planning Program (2003): Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
• Scholarships: Roseman Scholarship recipient at UC San Diego.

Bodywork & Wellness Credentials

Jesse's somatic and nervous-system-focused massage philosophy views the body as an organism to be relaxed rather than a machine to be fixed. His training spans global institutions:

• Foot Reflexology & Massage Certification: Wat Pho School of Foot Reflexology, Bangkok, Thailand (2002).
• Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Training: Mysore, India (2015).
• Professional Mentorship: International School of Professional Bodywork (ISPB), San Diego (2012–2013).
• Pain Science Summit: Multi-year attendee and volunteer (2013, 2014, 2017, 2019) studying modern somatic models.
• Facilitation: Awaken As Love Workshop Facilitator (2023) specializing in breathwork and meditation.

Media, Profiles, and Verification

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