Meet Jennifer

Jennifer grew up as a tom-boy who was thrilled by the glow of fireflies and the music of Lawrence Welk. With the cornfields of Iowa as the backdrop to her hometown of Carlisle, Jennifer learned the satisfaction of a job well done and developed a healthy sense of competition. The neighborhood was filled with kids who would gather to play kick-ball, race home-made go-carts, see who could climb the tree fastest or catch the most fireflies. Their energies were always replenished by Mom's special chocolate chip cookies and kool aid. Sunday nights were Family Night and began with a huge bowl of popcorn and watching The Lawrence Welk Show. Curled up in “Dad's black recliner,” Jennifer recalls that “the slow, pretty songs always made me cry. I didn't understand it at such a young age, but I relished the fact that music and song can truly touch our souls.”

Jennifer's interest in singing began very early. She humorously claims her desire to sing prompted her to learn to read. “I wanted to sing the hymns in church, but not knowing the words made that difficult.” Throughout grade school and high school she sang in choirs, played many leading roles in the school plays and performed with Celebration Iowa, a touring production cast with the ‘cream of the crop’ of Iowa's musically gifted teenagers.

Her desire to perform was enhanced by attending Luther College on a vocal scholarship. Initially she chose to major in pre-medicine, but this denial of her true talents only added flame to the fire once she switched to earn a theater-dance degree. Jennifer graduated and went on to dance with Co'Motion Dance Company before moving to NYC. For twenty years she traveled all over the country performing regionally, nationally and on international cruise ship productions of plays, musicals, films and her one-woman musical cabarets.

In addition to her love of the stage, Jennifer enjoys writing, reading, hiking, watching Lawrence Welk re-runs and catching fireflies with her daughter & husband.

On stage

With a voice and a stage presence that has captivated audiences across the country, Jennifer's soprano voice has been hailed as the voice of a nightingale and heard in such roles as Guenevere (Camelot), Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Grace (Annie) and Liesl (The Sound of Music) — on stages in 46 of the 50 states.

In the classroom

Jennifer has taught, guest-lectured and been an artist-in-residence and fitness-coach-in-residence for all ages (3–100) utilizing 45-minute workshops, single-afternoon programs, weekend programs, evening programs and one- to six-week workshops.

Jennifer currently resides just north of Rome, NY, where she teaches voice, piano, ballet and acting privately in her studio and coaches individuals wishing to create a healthier body and mind.