Jenny is passionate about the development and implementation of best practice that will drive systems change and impact families. Her commitment to advocacy and social justice originates in her first –  and most important – role of “big sister” to a sibling with a developmental disability. The experiences she had as a family member launched her trajectory into a career as a social worker, and she has worn many different hats since earning her MSW and clinical social work license in 2009. Previously a Regional Director for a large provider of state funded services to individuals with developmental disabilities and a Support Coordinator, Jenny strives to bring all of these perspectives into her work as a facilitator of strategic thinking and planning. Some of Jenny’s favorite things about working with the LifeCourse Nexus team and partners are the opportunities to collaborate for organizational and systems change, supporting and training professionals to enhance person-and-family centered policies and practices, and co-leading the National Community of Practice for Supporting Families.

Jenny’s good life includes time with her family, cooking and baking for friends, and as much travel as possible. She has visited five of seven continents and four of seven Wonders of the World (so far!), and hopes to hit all seven of each by her next milestone birthday. A good cup of coffee, meaningful conversations, time outdoors, baking competition shows, musical theatre and a good historical fiction novel are some of her guilty pleasures. She is a strong believer in making the most of every experience, and thinks the best way to do this is exploring off the beaten path – so, you can often find her on another adventure … even if it’s just to the newest “hole in the wall” restaurant in Kansas City.