Jennifer is a Lecturer and Department Coordinator in the Department of Psychology at St. Ambrose University. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Master’s of Science Degree in Education from Western Illinois University. Her post-graduate degree is from North Carolina State University.
Jennifer is a Certified Family Life Educator, has a certification in Human Development and Family Studies, and is a Board Certified Coach. She has worked for 26 years for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach working with families and youth, as well as providing training, project management, and evaluation for schools, non-profit and governmental organizations on a wide variety of family and social issues. She has expertise in human development and parenting, and specializes in high risk populations.
Jennifer has presented at numerous national, state and local conferences, and has trained hundreds of school and non-profit staff members on Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma. She serves on numerous community committees, including the Quad City Trauma Informed Care Consortium. She has received the Outstanding Field Instructor of the Year Award from the St. Ambrose University School of Social Work, the Annual Leadership and Service Award from Iowa State University, and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department Program of the Year Award for her parent education efforts with incarcerated fathers.