Jen’s all about supporting people to live their best lives. Her journey started in Timaru in her early 20s, working for the National Collective of Women’s Refuge with whānau impacted by family harm. That experience lit a fire in her to walk alongside others through tough times.
In 2019, Jen joined Ngā Maata Waka to co-design Whānau Resilience, a kaupapa supporting those affected by domestic and sexual violence. She’s since stepped into Whānau Ora navigation and reintegration support for wāhine transitioning from Christchurch Women’s Prison, helping whānau find strength, stability, and hope.
Originally from Dunedin, Jen has lived in Timaru, rural Canterbury, and now calls Christchurch home. She lives by the beach, and her home is a place of warmth and aroha, often filled at the weekends with teenagers growing up without a mum in their lives.
Jen is a proud mum of two daughters, one a Pilates instructor, the other a budding musician who is navigating High School. She’s also an animal lover, with a foster dog and three cats. When she’s not cooking or baking for her parents and whānau, she’s out in the simplicity of nature recharging her wairua.
Jen brings heart, grit, and a deep belief in people’s potential. She’s a registered Social Worker, and joins us as a navigator to empower and walk beside whānau every step of the way.