Meet the Village
This space is dedicated to the voices of those who have been part of my journey. Each reflection shared here represents a unique perspective on who I am, the work I care about, and the impact I strive to create. I am grateful for the people who have taken the time to share their experiences and insights.
I am so very lucky to have such supportive special people in my life. I am so honored to have a career where I get to meet more people each day.
I want to thank everyone who has filled out this form. It really helps to let people know who I am and what I believe in.
Margo
How do you know Jennifer? She’s my caregiver
What qualities stand out most about Jennifer? She is on time. Very committed to following the care routine.
Can you share a moment or experience that reflects Jennifer's character or leadership? She was extremely helpful with editing my book.
How has Jennifer positively impacted you or others? Very respectable when dealing with someone older.
What do you believe Jennifer stands for? She is committed to her work.
If you had to describe Jennifer in three words, what would they be? She goes above and beyond to meet her clients’ needs.
Qiana
How do you know Jennifer? I met Jen via the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), which is an organization of academic and professional excellence. We became acquainted while collaborating on a leadership project. She has been a source of inspiration and wisdom since.
What qualities stand out most about Jennifer? Jen is strong-willed and courageous. She is not afraid to speak from her heart.
Can you share a moment or experience that reflects Jennifer's character or leadership? Jen shared that she has a passion for research and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. I saw her passion and vision, which is so commendable.
How has Jennifer positively impacted you or others? Jen has been encouraging and supportive. She even inspired me to continue my education to the graduate level.
What do you believe Jennifer stands for? Jen stands for family, justice, and advocating for those without a voice.
If you had to describe Jennifer in three words, what would they be? Courageous, caring, and dedicated. (Two bonus words: funny and smart lol)
How do you know Jennifer? I met Jennifer online in a yahoo chatroom in March of 2012. We developed a great friendship that grew into a relationship, and now we are about to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary
What qualities stand out most about Jennifer? She is caring, giving, loving and has a great sense of humor. She adapts to new environments and situations with ease, and can find common ground with just about anyone. She is resourceful and a great problem solver with great critical thinking skills. I have yet to meet a senior, child, or animal that doesn't immediately like her.
Can you share a moment or experience that reflects Jennifer's character or leadership? Jennifer was able to start as a caregiver to a new client that was scared about having caregivers and just getting over the experience of having a bad case of shingles and then finding out while he was in the hospital that he had skin cancer. She made a routine for him that made him feel safe and cared for and also took the initiative to create a system that worked well for him and that any caregiver could follow even if they didn't have experience. She worked for him for over a year before he passed and they became like family. She still keeps in contact with his kids and grandkids to this day.
How has Jennifer positively impacted you or others? She inspires me to be a better version of myself. I admire her commitment to the projects that she starts, even if she runs into obstacles, she always finishes. She has managed to overcome great challenges in life, such as growing up with ADHD, mental health struggles, and giving her son up for adoption but still staying a part of his life and forming a relationship with him.
What do you believe Jennifer stands for? Commitment to getting her education. The lengths she goes to to increase her skills and knowledge in healthcare to further help the community. She is passionate about helping others and improving their lives.
If you had to describe Jennifer in three words, what would they be? Compassionate, Empathetic, and intelligent.
Edith
How do you know Jennifer? I met her at Sheltering Arms LLC as a Direct Support Professional; we were co-workers.
What qualities stand out most about Jennifer? How engaged she is with who is communicating with. Very smart and funny, a genuine person with a desire to improve people’s lives.
Can you share a moment or experience that reflects Jennifer's character or leadership? For Christmas out of her own pocket she paid for Residents to do Christmas ornaments, she always went above and beyond, making frosting from scratch to decorate baked goods she made for residents, she's a very giving person.
How has Jennifer positively impacted you or others? One time I told her about some personal problems I was having and I said I can just leave and she said "Yes....but that's not the point" . I think about that a lot I ask myself what's the point, what's all this for, when thinking about making and impulsive decision and it puts things in perspective.
What do you believe Jennifer stands for? Authenticity, she's a genuine person.
If you had to describe Jennifer in three words, what would they be? Creative, Funny, Smart
Lesley
Amy
How do you know Jennifer? She was my mother’s caregiver through Amada Senior Care
What qualities stand out most about Jennifer? Jen is kind, thoughtful, caring and creative. She always goes above and beyond for her clients.
Can you share a moment or experience that reflects Jennifer's character or leadership? Jen found ways to engage my mom in different cognitive activities due to her stroke, which made it more interesting and enjoyable, while getting her brain some stimulation. She also incorporated arts and crafts, games, puzzles, and memory games to make it more fun.
How has Jennifer positively impacted you or others? Jen has helped my mom gain more confidence and independence with her cognitive activities, giving her positive feedback and the encouragement she needs.
What do you believe Jennifer stands for? Jen has a nurturing personality that is great at taking care of people. She is smart, strong, and goes out of her way to make sure her clients are supported, protected, and cared for.
If you had to describe Jennifer in three words, what would they be? Engaging communicator, artistic innovator and nurturer.
Rachel
How do you know Jennifer? I met Jennifer a year ago through my sister. Jennifer is a caregiver and she is a wonderful person with my hubby and me.
What qualities stand out most about Jennifer? Her strength is her faith, caring and loving
Can you share a moment or experience that reflects Jennifer's character or leadership? Jennifer knew what to do when we brought my husband home from the hospital with his pills and helped me with paperwork
How has Jennifer positively impacted you or others?: Always on time , always asking what she can do for me and hubby but always a leader
What do you believe Jennifer stands for? Integrity
If you had to describe Jennifer in three words, what would they be? Love, helpful, caring