“Coleman had his annual cardiology appointment yesterday. He's done fine in the past but last year, he was extremely stressed and uncooperative during the EKG and other tests. His anxiety was through the roof so he fought any attempt to comfort him and kept trying to elope. Jennifer scheduled a time to meet with Coleman and address his specific fears. She had various medical related toys for him to pretend play and manipulate at the beginning of the session. He was also given a social story explaining the test in a way he could understand. They then practiced the EKG on a doll so he could see what would happen. She sent us home with a toolkit and tons of ideas of how to make the appointment as stress free as possible. Needless to say, Coleman rocked the appointment! He was so brave and patient throughout all of the tests...Jennifer was such a blessing, and I recommend her services to everyone!”

-Jada, mother

“My son has significant anxiety and is on the Autism spectrum, he has his struggles, but is a beautiful light to our lives. Jenn has been exponentially helpful to him on several occasions. She meets his where he is, makes him feel comfortable and has contagious compassion. Her knowledge is vast, and her kindness is life changing. Whether with a sleep study, an orthodontist appointment, anything in between or for helping my son gain valuable self-calming skills, Jenn has been such a huge help. For me as a parent, she has lifted a burden of stress off of my shoulders as well. Having her on our side is an extremely special part of our “village” and I am forever grateful. I recommend her every chance I get; you will lose nothing and gain everything by having her on your side.”

-Emily, mother

“My daughter and I met Mrs. Jenn when we were admitted into OLOL Women's & Children's Hospital for a bug bite. My daughter was 4 years old and needed an IV to start her medication. Mrs. Jenn walked into the room with a stuffed bear and IV supplies and walked my daughter through the entire process using the stuffed bear. My daughter was part of the process and because she knew what would happen and why, the IV didn't bother her at all. She didn't shed 1 tear when it was time to get her IV started. We forget that the unknown breeds fear. If we pause for education, we will always see a decrease in traumatic experiences. Mrs. Jenn taught my daughter and myself so much that day. My now 6 year old daughter ASKS for an IV sometimes. Mrs. Jenn is amazing at what she does, thank you!!!”

-Stephanie, mother

“I'll tell other kids they have to have a blood draw. It's not that scary.”

-9 year old, on the Autism spectrum

“Divorce, a new house, new school, and a cancer diagnoses of his father. So many changes for an 8 year old. My child went from bubbly, happy, never really getting in trouble at home and rarely getting in trouble at school to getting in trouble at school and having meltdowns at home. It was like a light flip switched and my sweet boy was lost in his emotions and as a parent, I felt completely helpless. We came across Jenn from a family friend and since our first visit, I felt like we were exactly where and who we needed to be with. After only a few sessions with Jenn, there was a noticeable change in our boy. After a few months of consistent therapy sessions, the tantrums were gone and issues with schooling resolved. We have monthly check-ins now. I cannot recommend Jenn enough. She has taught our boy to regulate his emotions so many therapeutic techniques that he still utilizes today. She has a true gift.”

-Mallory, mother

“Jenn is a brilliant child life specialist and an awesome mentor. I am so grateful I had her support and guidance while preparing for the internship interview process. She helped me gain confidence and competence as a candidate by providing a broad range of interview questions during my mock interview session. She gave me insightful advice and honest feedback which helped me hone my interviewing skills. The interview prep I received from Jenn was essential to my success in securing an internship. Not only was I able to secure an internship during my first application cycle, but it was at my top choice of internship sites. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Jenn. She is the absolute nest mento and I highly recommend her!!”

-Dawn, a former student and now a successful certified child life specialist

“You taught me how to get my IV. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

-13 year old, on the Autism spectrum