Growing up with a nurse for a mother, Jennifer loved to hear stories from others about how her mother cared for patients with compassion. "It encouraged me to do the same," she said.

She began her career as a CNA in a nursing home and worked her way up through nursing to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

"I love working one-on-one with patients, encouraging them to be in control of their health and live as healthy of a life as they possibly can," she said. "My heart is to serve those in need and to help them meet their needs."

She decided family medicine was her calling because it enabled her to work with people of all ages – from newborn to elderly.

"My favorite part of family practice is building relationships and helping patients achieve their best health," she said.

At OSF HealthCare Medical Group – El Paso, Jennifer said patients are welcomed like family. "I love working for an organization that is all about improving the lives of those we serve."

Her approach to care is to listen and assess a patient's needs, then guide them in developing a safe and effective health care plan.

"My goal is for patients to have their questions and concerns addressed during their visit, and to help them know how to get questions that may arise after the visit addressed," Jennifer said.

Jennifer and her husband, Scott, have four grown children. "Family has always been very important to us and as our children have grown, keeping the tradition of family gatherings is important."

When not working, Jennifer and Scott enjoy the outdoors and traveling. "I love to go for walks at the lake with my dogs, gardening and fishing. Trail walking and walking on the beach are very important as well," she said. "We love spending time together as a family and helping those in need."