Meet Jen

I'm so happy you are here!

For me to support you on your journey, it’s helpful for you to learn more of my story. We all have a story of how we got where we are today,

and this is MINE.

The time when life became fragile…

Several years ago, I fiercely clung to this wild and precious life. A few short hours after giving birth to my first son, the room fell dark and I began to swirl. I guess I never quite found the words to describe such an existential (and strange!) experience. I typically use hand motions and refer to it as the swirling, pulsing force of life pulling me away, but I chose to stay.

I heard my own voice. It was bold, determined and unstoppable, and said “I am not leaving my baby.” Without pause, I simply stopped swirling and found myself in a hospital bed with a throbbing headache and feeling intensely nauseous, and most importantly, alive.

While your body is letting modern medicine do its magic, your mind can take you on the most phenomenal adventures. Pictures hold more memories than my mind from those next few days. I am a survivor of Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome, maternal illnesses that may be experienced during pregnancy and postpartum. The physical recovery took time, the emotional recovery was daunting.

As I pieced myself back together, I changed the trajectory of my life, beliefs and ultimately, my career (which is probably how you stumbled upon my site!). Originally a graphic designer in the healthcare industry, I leapt into counseling, both personally and professionally.

Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.

- Mary Oliver

Living a life in the making while
EMPOWERING others

I am so excited to be living this dream of empowering you to THINK BIG even when hope seems small.  Hope comes in all shapes and sizes.  From my own humble journey, I know that sometimes we need a helper–someone who brings sparkle to our hopes and invites them to evolve into something bigger than even our minds can hold.  These helpers may show up as friends or strangers.  Perhaps you are the helper, or one in search of a glimpse of light.  I’ve had the honor to be both at different times in my life.  The journey has not always been easy, but I wouldn’t move any stones along my path thus far, for those stones have been my greatest teachers.  Today, I offer myself to you as a helper, encourager, big thinker and your biggest fan!

Each day, I combine my life experiences and formal training to provide you with a unique blend of acceptance, knowledge and compassion which I believe to be vital to healing and leaping into the unknown spaces of living life abundantly.  I mindfully combine several passions and create an eclectic way to reach you wherever you are on the path of life.  

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and owner and creator of JM Wellness, LLC.  I see clients both in person and via virtual platforms, offering counseling, coaching and courses specifically created to honor the journey within and inspire abundance. In 2012, I completed my Masters of Education in Counseling from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Shortly before that, I completed a graduate certificate in Prenatal and Perinatal (Birth) Psychology.  I am a member of the American Counseling Association, Association of Prenatal and Perinatal (Birth) Psychology and Health, MONA and Resolve. I am an advocate for women, children, families, and very big thinkers. And dogs, because they’re simply awesome!

A little more about me…

Home is wherever my family is; my family and I live in St. Louis, Missouri. I am honored to be a mom to the most amazing two boys, and we have two dogs (our house is busy!).  Purple and blue are my favorite colors, I think the coolest number is 7 and I am an Aquarius. My favorite candy is peanut-butter cups and on nearly every clear night, I sneak out to make a wish on the first star I see. I think very big thinks on a daily basis, and I am truly honored you have taken time out of your day to learn more about me. I am genuinely hoping to meet you soon in whatever way our minds can make possible!

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

- Joseph Campbell

Are you ready to live an empowered life inspired by your own story?

Subscribe here to receive the first 10 pages of my new e-book. You'll also get on the list for my newsletter and other fun stuff. So excited to connect with you!