A resilient leader who walks her talk.
Hi, I’m Jena, your resilient leader—and someone who believes resilience isn’t just something you learn, it’s something you live.
My story is full of moments that tested my limits. I’m a traumatic brain injury survivor who had to relearn how to walk, talk, and rebuild my life from the ground up—as a single person without family support and a business owner. Additionally, I’ve navigated profound loss, unexpected transitions, and the quiet heartbreak of starting over—more than once. Those experiences are why I’m so passionate about helping others rise strong and keep going.
But life isn’t all challenges—it’s also joy.
My story is full of moments that tested my limits. I’m a traumatic brain injury survivor who had to relearn how to walk, talk, and rebuild my life from the ground up—as a single person without family support and a business owner. Additionally, I’ve navigated profound loss, unexpected transitions, and the quiet heartbreak of starting over—more than once. Those experiences are why I’m so passionate about helping others rise strong and keep going.
But life isn’t all challenges—it’s also joy.
Play is important to resilience.
I learned the art of play in my family of origin. I grew up on a lake, where I learned to water ski before I weighed enough to push the water skis into the water (yes, I was that buoyant). Today, I still love spending time at the lake, boating, and enjoying long summer evenings with people I love. Okoboji is part of my own resilience formula. I’m an Iowa girl at heart—an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and former president of the Denver Iowa Alumni Chapter. (You’ll still find me cheering on game days. Go Hawks!)
When I’m not working, I’m playing. Tennis courts and the golf course beckon me. I love to play tennis—so much that you’ll often find me on the court 3–5 times a week, finding joy and energy in the game. It’s part of my resilience plan and what keeps me buoyant today when life’s turbulence strikes. I love to play every day. Games, cards, cribbage, backgammon. I love downhill skiing and love it when I hit 25 days of skiing a season. And one of my favorite treats is the nostalgic taste and experience of the one and only Nutty Bars from Arnold’s Park. There’s that Okoboji and Iowa theme again. You’ll also catch me with my nose in a book, writing something meaningful, or baking something delicious.
Serving others matters.
Beyond my professional path, I’ve dedicated time to helping others heal—more recently serving as a GRASP (Grief Recovery After Substance Passing) and Survivors of Substance Loss grief facilitator and a volunteer with Reading Partners to help elementary-aged children who are low literacy level readers to improve their literacy levels. Of all the volunteering experiences, these most recent ones taught me the power of showing up with a huge heart and an open mind, essential traits of a resilient leader.
✨ Be real. Be resilient. Reclaim your life.™
Fostering resilience
One of my greatest personal joys is rescuing Chow Chows. Giving these beautiful breeds a second chance, showering them with love, and making sure they have “the good life” reminds me every day how healing and resilience can flourish when you feel safe, cared for, and loved.
Passion to see others thrive
Today, I combine evidence-based tools, a deep understanding of human resilience, and a passion for seeing others thrive to guide women and leaders back to themselves.
Because life is too short to stay stuck in survival mode.
Because life is too short to stay stuck in survival mode.
Experience matters
My own journey has shaped me into an expert at overcoming adversity—and taught me that no challenge has to define your future. I truly am a resilient leader who embodies what she teaches.
My mission is to help as many people I can because life is relentless. We need to be able to empower others to live life fully, regardless of the obstacles we face.
My mission is to help as many people I can because life is relentless. We need to be able to empower others to live life fully, regardless of the obstacles we face.
