Meet Jennifer
Born in New Jersey to a teen mother with trauma, I learned to face life with courage and compassion for others. I was adopted by my younger brother's father, a member of the U.S. Navy. Oldest of my siblings, we grew up as most Navy kiddos do- relocating between bases, quickly adjusting to new faces, places, cultures, and expectations. I learned what community is from the parents on base
who helped my mother raise her children while our father was on duty.
Community members leaned in to ensure that we had what we needed.
After their marriage ended, we relocated several more times as our family navigated various challenges that arose. I learned early on in life that access to affordable healthcare, employment, housing, transportation, legal services and educational opportunities are the foundation for every family's wellbeing. We found a home base when our mother married our step-father, who chose to raise 3 children as his own. We welcomed our baby sister soon thereafter. We worked hard, lost a lot, but built resilience. It should've been easier.
Together, with the help of community, we rose.
With a collective of helping hands that paved my path forward, I was able to attend college full-time on scholarship, grants, and paychecks from the various jobs I held while earning my degrees in Sociology, Psychology, and Counseling in Educational Settings. Upon graduation, I married my college sweetheart. We relocated for employment opportunities but were faced with limited options, underemployment, and an economic recession. We needed additional support to put a roof over our heads and food on our tables. Local food pantries and the Women, Infants and Children program helped our growing family maintain their nutritional needs while we struggled to pay rent.
Grateful for the community's social safety net!
10 years ago, we relocated to Maryland to support my husband's career change from education to law enforcement. We felt passionate about becoming the change we needed to see for the students and families we taught, too many unable to access education due to exhaustion, malnourishment, and trauma. I am proud that my husband has stepped into his role as a peace officer in practice and principle. He honors his badge and his neighbors with integrity. We are aware that reform is necessary to ensure a healthier relationship between the Law and Community.
We know there is still much work to do.
I invest my time in healthcare, education, and community advocacy. I began my career as a teaching assistant and school counselor in the public schools. I ran my own small business as a trained birth doula and apprenticed as a home birth midwife, promoting education and informed choice for growing families. I earned my clinical counseling specialization in perinatal mental health and trauma-informed care. Healthcare affordability, provider options, access to affirming care, and navigation of insurance policies should be easier, kinder, and more thoughtfully explained to consumers. I worked towards equity as Chair of the Healthcare Committee for the Women of Action Charles County and was appointed to the Charles County Commission for Women as Legislative Committee representative where I attended Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women conferences to bring back relevant updates for the county.
It's not fully realized yet, but there has been progress.
We faced the 2020 pandemic alongside our community. My goal during that time was to ensure that health care and first responders had access to reusable face masks to reduce COVID19 transmission rates among those most vulnerable to infection, the immunocompromised, the aging, and the youth among our community. I knew that these populations would have less access to resources as the virus spread, as lockdown approached, and as resources waned. As co-founder of the SOMD Mask Makers, our volunteer collective proudly made and donated over 4,500 quality, 100% cotton washable face masks throughout the Southern Maryland area. Our collective still has leftover donated fabrics for the next call-to-action, if needed.
May we rise for others in need, always.
Our family is my greatest pride and the main reason for my candidacy. The community of my youth helped raise me and this Southern Maryland community supports me in raising my children. I want my children to invest in their community, grow with their neighbors, and love and serve one another's best interest. In order to work towards the Greater Good of All, they need to witness others clearing the path ahead and holding the light for them to safely pursue Life, Liberty, and Happiness.
We have Love, Courage, Compassion, and Commitment to guide us forward. We have one another.
St. Mary's County, I welcome you to join us.
Let's support our Community. Together.