After college graduation, I was not ready to go back to school for a graduate degree. I knew that I wanted to help people but I did not know in what capacity. I decided to apply for jobs in the corporate healthcare world. It was a great opportunity. I was indirectly helping people and interacted with practitioners all day. I stayed in this position for multiple years and started to realize that I was not fulfilled emotionally on this career path. I did not feel as though I was using my strengths and I felt a bit bored. At the same time, I felt comfortable in the job. I knew what to expect everyday. I was making a good living for a woman in her 20s and the job allowed for a work/life balance. I knew I needed to make a change, but I also felt fearful to do so. I was fearful of the unknown and felt an aversion to change. I had many worries and questions I asked myself about changing careers:

“What career choice is best for me?”

 “Would I be able to support myself?”

“Would I succeed?”

 “What if it does not make me happy?”

“What if I can’t find anything that fulfills me?”

 I spoke to friends and family, and I did a lot of research on my own. I came to the conclusion that if I did not try, I would not know if it was the right choice or not. I applied to New York University’s executive social work graduate school program so that I could work and receive my degree simultaneously. This allowed for a smoother transition from one career to the next. During school, I started to learn more about myself and became more confident in my decision making skills. Fast forward a few years, and I was helping so many patients at the hospital where I worked. I felt and continue to feel fulfilled every day. I am so grateful I took the bold leap to change!

I feel being an advocate, psychotherapist, and a support system for clients is what I am meant to be doing. I would not have known this if I had not taken a leap of faith and trusted that things would work out for me. I realized that, despite the discomfort with the unknown, taking a risk can often lead to improved fulfillment and success. 

• Persons diagnosed with chronic illnesses find hope, peace, and a bit of determination to survive and cope with their conditions

• Women and couples trying to conceive and infertility issues 

• Individuals dealing with life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and bereavement

• Adult clients feel comfortable discussing topics that are difficult to talk about

• Individuals become more self-aware and self-confident

• Caregivers get the support they need. And they sure do need it!
   

• Jennifer grew up in a family of helpers and spent time working in corporate and hospital settings

• She is the resource queen -- if a client needs something, Jennifer doggedly finds a way for them to get it. She is an advocate to the core!