Jenny has over 30 years of experience in the field of disability, but has lived over 64 years as a person with a disability.  In addition, she has 33 years of experience as the parent of a wonderful young adult that happens to experience life with developmental disabilities. Her specialty areas at the Institute for Human Development (IHD) are Family Support, Spirituality and Disability, Information Dissemination/Referral and she serves as a Family Mentor.

Jenny has been with the Institute since March of 2000, and worked for UCP of Greater Kansas City, and at an Independent Living Center prior to coming to IHD.  She holds a B.S. in Education from Missouri State University, an M.A. in Theological Studies from Central Baptist Theological Seminary (CBTS), is a CIRS (Certified Information and Referral Specialist through the national organization AIRS-the Alliance of Information and Referral Specialists (1997-present), and holds a Certificate in Fund Raising/Development from the Midwest Center on Non-Profit Leadership at UMKC. In 2013 and 2015, Jenny co-instructs a cooperative graduate course held by IHD-UMKC and CBTS entitled “Welcoming People with Disabilities in Faith Communities.”  She continues to assist individuals/families to find a faith home, and assist faith leaders and congregations to be able to welcome everyone.

A good life for Jenny includes spending time with her husband, Tim, and her son, Joe.  She also enjoys doing embroidery and reading for both pleasure and new knowledge.  Also, her cats occupy a her attention, as well; both Chester and Baby Girl are the 4 legged family members and are the most demanding of cats.  She ls a fan of, the Chiefs, KC Barbecue, and professional bull riding.  Jenny and Tim regularly go exploring in other communities in the Midwest, looking for hidden treasures and community “claims to fame.”  Jenny’s good life plans include retirement, and pursuing her next vocation within her faith community.