| About Dr Jen |
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During college, I spent time in the Netherlands. I visited a very pregnant friend who was seeing a midwife. She talked about the education her midwife provided, especially concerning nutrition, easily explaining why she had specific cravings. Her midwife was available to answer all her questions and encouraged her input, my friend was so comforted by their relationship. I had never heard of such individualized and empowering healthcare before. As I continued my undergraduate studies I was inspired to become a doctor who cared for their patients in a similar way. I wanted to educate and offer resources for my patients. Naturopathic medicine fulfilled all of these interests, and offered additional training in midwifery care. After graduating from The Evergreen State College (TESC) in Olympia Washington, completing my premed studies and finishing a medical assisting certificate, I worked for Planned Parenthood. My interest in women’s medicine further developed there through my interactions with a diverse patient population. I soon found myself attending the National College Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. During my third year, I applied for and was accepted into the midwifery program. I completed the all required midwifery coursework in addition to the basic naturopathic studies while being on-call for births. After becoming board certified in naturopathic medicine, I ran the Evergreen Naturopathic Clinic in Bangor, Maine for three years, and assisted a certified professional midwife (CPM). I became a certified HypnoBirth instructor and gave one-on-one classes. Because of my love of midwifery and passion for teaching I now offer group classes in naturopathic prenatal education for the general public, covering all topics from nutrition and exercise to stages of labor and breastfeeding. Currently, in addition to private practice, I am a clinical faculty member at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine , in Bridgeport, CT. Where I supervise students in their clinical studies at the school’s teaching clinic. I am also the secretary on the board of directors for the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association (CNPA) . My 3 year old daughter and hiking out in nature are my ongoing inspirations. |