Jen received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in Psychology focused on clinical and individual differences. She then graduated from Barry University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

Before joining the AASL team, Jen has worked with a diverse pediatric population in various private outpatient practice settings. She is experienced in the evaluation and treatment of children ranging from birth to 21 years old. Jen is especially passionate about early intervention and play-based therapy and strives to provide the highest level of client-centered care for her kiddos and their families. She believes that with consistent collaboration between parents and other members of a child’s intraprofessional team, there is the greatest success and generalization of skills across all environments.

In her free time, Jen enjoys taking her dog Trey (who is a Lab/Great Dane mix) for walks to the park, being active, and trying new places to eat around Tampa!

What is your favorite food? If I had to pick just one thing, 100% bacon. BUT I love all breakfast food and could eat it for every meal.

What is your favorite holiday and why? Thanksgiving!! I love to eat and spend time with loved ones.

What is a hobby of yours? I love to run on the riverwalk and on Bayshore with my dog. His favorite part is stopping to look at the water.

Favorite Halloween costume you wore as a child? A princess, but mainly because my older brother was a wrestler that year and we looked so funny walking up to houses to trick-or-treat.

What did you want to be “when you grow up”? To be honest, I am not sure. I always said I wanted to be a doctor, but I did set up all my stuffed animals and play teacher multiple times a week. I have always had such a passion for teaching and helping others.

Why did you become a therapist? I was originally in school to become an Athletic Trainer, but

during my time at Ohio State, I began working with young adults with disabilities. My job was to

assist them in learning skills necessary to transition from academic skills and school-focused

settings to more vocational skills and independent living settings. Because of this amazing

experience, I decided to pursue a degree in occupational therapy and have never looked back!

What is the funniest thing one of your kids has said to you or done during therapy? I asked one of my 5-year-old kiddos to complete a challenging 3-step task and he looked up at me dead in the eyes and sighed “Ms. Jen, I’m only one person.”

Give us one surprising/cool fact about you? I grew up in a house with bakers so I have learned how to make almost any dessert you can think of. And with my soy allergy, it really comes in handy! My favorite things to make are apple pie and fudgy brownies.

What pets do you have and what are names? I have a dog named Trey. He is a Lab/Great Dane mix and 110 pounds of pure silliness and love.

What is your favorite movie and why? Trolls! I think it has a great take away message to be proud of who you are, find inner happiness, and always persevere. (And of course, all the bright colors and fun music!)

Favorite song? Can’t Stop The Feeling!

Favorite book? Any Harry Potter book, really