About Jennifer

Jennifer’s Story

At age 17, Jennifer had her sights set on the Olympics as a world class equestrian rider, when it all came crashing down following a near fatal car accident that left her comatose and brain damaged. Unable to walk, talk, or eat on her own, over the next ten years Jennifer battled physical, mental, and emotional obstacles to regain her life and independence. Against all odds, Jennifer fought back and graduated Magna Cum Laude From Wheaton College, wrote a memoir, created a foundation, and became a sought after professional speaker performing her one woman show A Distant Memory.

Jennifer’s 20-30 keynote speeches she’s given over the past decade at corporate and industry association meetings, medical societies, and conferences each year inspire, motivate, and move a variety of audiences to think differently about brain Injury, gain introspection into their personal and professional challenges and opportunities, and how to seize the very essence of the human spirit to overcome obstacles.

A contributor to The Manual of Traumatic Brain Injury Management by The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Jennifer is the president of the J. Field Foundation, which focuses on providing aid, hope and inspiration to suffering families of brain injury victims.

Praise for Jennifer

It was easily one of our best presentations in the twenty five years that we have been holding the conference!
— Steven Wade, Executive Director, Brain Injury Association of NH
Jennifer’s extraordinary outcome must be recognized as one that can only come about with persistence and immense strength of character. Her relentlessness has been stunning. She is a great example.
— The late Henry Betts, MD,
 past medical director, president, and CEO, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Jennifer’s inspirational keynote provided an extraordinary opportunity for people to comprehend the complexities of recovery, its impact on relationships, and options for crafting a meaningful and productive life.
— Felise S. Zollman, MD, Medical Director, President, & CEO Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
I can say without a doubt Jennifer was one of the highlights. I hope that many more organizations will find the opportunity to allow you to deliver your important message to professionals.
— Robert A. Williams, Executive Director International Congress of Behavioral Optometry