Meet Jen, MSW Intern
Jen (she/her) is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Aurora University, following a career transition from corporate human resources and a fulfilling period raising her children. Her decision to return to school and pursue social work was driven by a long-standing aspiration to become a therapist—a dream she initially set aside during her undergraduate years. Now, Jen is dedicated to following her passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style
Jen is committed to delivering neurodivergent affirming care, with a focus on collaborative therapy that respects the diversity and unique needs of neurodiverse families and adults. She aims to help neurodivergent adults understand and process their experiences in a predominantly neurotypical world. Jen utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered approach to therapy, integrating attachment-based methods with trauma-informed care to provide sensitive and effective support.
A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care
Jen’s approach is deeply rooted in her belief that therapy should be a supportive, inclusive space where neurodivergent individuals can explore their identities and experiences without judgment. She is dedicated to fostering an environment that empowers clients to embrace their strengths and address challenges through tailored therapeutic interventions.
Educational Background and Expertise
After completing her undergraduate degree and gaining substantial experience in human resources, Jen returned to academia to fulfill her true calling in social work. At Aurora University, she is honing her skills in neurodivergent affirming practices and plans to continue developing specialized competencies that cater to the nuanced needs of her clients.
Work with Jen
Jen will be adding additional parent support sessions and supporting autistic adults to her schedule in Fall of 2024.
The Personal:
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Fries because there are different styles and you can use different condiments for dipping, though cheese is my very favorite!
How do you like to relax and unwind after your workday?
After work, my favorite thing to do is catch up with kids so I can hear about their day and what interesting things they have on their minds. Once everyone is in bed, I like to do crossword puzzles on my phone while listening to a podcast or watch TV and crochet or knit.
What do your weekends look like?
Weekends are always family time with my two boys, my husband, and our dog Stanley Pup. Every Saturday night is family movie night and we eat a “snacky dinner” while sitting on blankets on the floor in the living room. I usually make an appetizer dinner with mini hotdogs, pizza bread, popcorn, pretzel bites with cheese, veggies with dip, and ice cream sundaes.
