Jen has been working with youth for over ten years. From directing a YMCA riding program and guiding sea kayaking trips in Lake Superior to an Internship focused on Hippotherapy for handicapped children, Jen has always been committed to serving youth. She graduated from Sul Ross State University in 2004 with a BS in Equine Science and Psychology. After graduation, Jen moved to the beautiful State of Utah where she was hired as an Equine Assisted Learning Instructor at a Residential Treatment Facility as well as a Senior Field Instructor at a Wilderness Therapy program. She then moved to Colorado and was employed at the only licensed Homeless Youth Shelter in Denver where she case managed a housing-first program for dual-diagnosed, emerging adults who struggled with chronic homelessness. After 2 ½ years, she moved into a leadership role as Shelter Supervisor, managing the safety, care and supervision of 40 shelter youth and 20 staff.

Jen holds her WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certification and has completed all classes for her CACIII (Certified Addiction’s Counselor). She is passionate about outdoor experiential education and truly believes that the wilderness provides the greatest opportunities for the fining tuning of our souls. In her off time, you will often find Jen running, training horses, practicing yoga, partaking in the Costa Rican culture or planning her next inspirational adventure!

Jen is so excited to be a part of the NSA team as it fulfills her three life commitments: Love, Service, and Adventure. She is looking forward to pursuing a Master’s degree in Positive Organizational Development and providing leadership, guidance and support to the programming, staff and students of NSA.