Jeni was born and raised in Northern California. At a very young age, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a nerve disorder that affects nerve and muscle control. Doubting doctors told her mom not to expect much from Jeni, but she knew better, and acted on her heart. Through her mom’s unrelenting love and determination, Jeni spoke her first word when she was a year old, and took her first steps when she was five.
She started attending a special education school at eighteen months (yes, she rode the coveted short bus). Her teachers quickly discovered that her disability didn't effect her mental faculties. She attended public schools from elementary school all through high school. After graduating, Jeni moved to Idaho, where she studied at Ricks College (now BYU Idaho). After graduating with an Associate’s Degree, she served an 18 month LDS Mission in Tallahassee, Florida. Jeni then served as an Especially For Youth counselor at BYU. She traveled the states for three summers, working with the “best teens on earth,” as she describes them. During this time, she also served as a speaker and teacher, talking to groups with as many as 100 youth at a time. When the time came, Jeni met and married a wonderful man, and became a mom to the two most amazing guys in the world. Jeni has now realized that her plethora of experiences, adventures, and stories have an amazing impact on the people that she shares them with. Her presentations are witty, funny, yet filled with understanding of people and the challenges that we all face. Jeni speaks with her heart and in doing so, inspires, entertains, and uplifts all who choose to listen. |
Jeni has worked with some amazing people and organizations, sharing her story and not only inspiring, but is INSPIRED by some absolutely AMAZING people!
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