Jen graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor’s Degree, Science (Human Movement), a Diploma in Education and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Her social work background includes qualifications in career development, community services, mental health support, coaching and counselling.
Jen had an extensive career as Personal Excellence Lead Adviser at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS), assisting athletes to manage their training and performance alongside their career, education and wellbeing pursuits. Jen’s work focussed on “helping people to manage challenges in their life”.
In a former life, Jen was an elite athlete and PE Teacher. Jen was a member of the trailblazing WAIS Rockets. A career highlight was winning the 1987 national title. With limited funding and support, the win by the WAIS Rockets led to Perth earning the right to have a WNBL team.
Following a diagnosis of Young Onset Dementia, Jen took up art therapy with Kathryn Smith with the same energy she imbued in her sport, profession and life.
Kathryn Smith | Creative arts Facilitator | Mind the Change
“Jen possesses a deep connection with birds and nature, along with a genuine talent for
capturing a subject's essence. She loved eco-dyeing and even introduced seaweed into the mix, an outside-the-box idea that proved successful. Jen is eager to tackle any challenge presented to her, the messier, the better”!
