A native to Mattoon, Jennifer was born here and graduated from Mattoon Senior High School in 2004. She is the oldest of 7 children; however, grew up with only three of her siblings, as the youngest are 20 years younger than her. Jenny has moved around some and got a feel for living in other places (like Portland, Maine, and Champaign-Urbana), but for her there is no place like home. No matter where she went, she missed Illinois and missed her hometown’s community.

Jenny went to Parkland College in Champaign, IL. She studied Horticulture-Landscape Design and received a design certificate in Permaculture (Permanent form of Agriculture) from Midwest Permaculture. Ultimately, Jenny’s goal was to work with the youth and create programs related to Horticulture. Our planet is such a precious gift God has given us; it's important for the younger generations to get as much knowledge about and to develop a passion to preserve this land we call home. She always felt that teaching children would be one way she could honor God and all He has blessed her with.

She lives in town with her husband Andrew, and her four children: Kiaus, Alexander, Sophia, and Juniper. Jennifer homeschooled the older two since 2020, only recently sending Alexander and Sophia to school. She still enjoys homeschooling her oldest and taking care of her little niece, Ivory. Jenny participated for many years in co-leading a local homeschool group that held monthly meetings and field trips with kids of all ages. Prior to homeschooling, she spent 6 years working at the local U of I Extension. While employed there, she assisted in many programs such as the Master Gardeners, Master Naturalist, and the youth program, 4-H.

In her spare time, Jenny likes crafting—from needle arts like crocheting, knitting, and plastic canvas to learning how to quilt. You might spy her also enjoying a good book, planting flowers, or cuddling up to watch some favorite movies like Pride & Prejudice, The Hunger Games, or everyone's favorite, Star Wars.

Jenny is looking forward to this chapter with First Presbyterian Church. Combining her passion for children and love for God is a win in her eyes, and to be able to share her gifts with the church and the local community makes it even better.