Born and raised in Winnipeg, Jennifer began her career working with individuals living with disabilities in 1995 after graduating from the University of Manitoba. Her first job was working in grassroots program development with Special Olympics Manitoba, leaving after five years to work at the Society of Manitobans with Disabilities in youth recreation. Jennifer returned to Special Olympics in 2002 taking on the role of Program Director, becoming CEO in 2016. Jennifer has been active at both National and International levels, with career highlights being her participation in the 2011 (Athens, Greece), 2013 (Pyeongchang, South Korea), and 2015 (Los Angeles, USA) Special Olympics World Games.
In 2013, Canadian Women in Sport (CAAWS at the time) recognized Jennifer as one of Canada’s most influential women in sport and physical activity. Over the years, Jennifer has volunteered with many community organizations and currently sits on the board of the Canadian Association of Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment.
Moving permanently to Nova Scotia in 2022, Jennifer lives with her husband along the South Shore, is a proud mom and stepmom of a blended family with adult children and appreciates any time spent with family and friends.