At Vertrae®, patients often talk about how deeply heard they feel. How their questions are finally answered. How, for the first time, someone looked them in the eye and walked them through every detail with care. More often than not, that someone… is Jen.
As our Physician Assistant, Jen brings something extraordinary to every exam room: presence.
Not just medical knowledge (though she has plenty of that). Not just professionalism (though her clinical background is extensive). But real presence. The kind that helps people exhale. The kind that says, “You matter. I’ve got you.”
A Path with Purpose
Jen always knew she was meant to be in the medical field. She began as a pre-med student before discovering the Physician Assistant path—thanks to a college advisor who saw something in her. After shadowing a PA in family practice, she was hooked.
“She had such a calm presence and such command of what she was doing. I remember thinking: I want to be that.”
She transferred to Kettering College of Medical Arts, completed her PA program, and later earned a Master’s from A.T. Still University. Her training and experience span more than two decades, including over 16 years in pain management and over 7 years in orthopedic surgery. But it’s not just what she’s done, it’s how she shows up.
The Patient Advocate Patients Didn’t Know They Needed
Jen doesn’t just take a chart and walk into the room. She prepares the night before—reviewing notes, reviewing scans, and ensuring she’s fully ready to meet the patient. That way, when they arrive, she can focus on what matters most: listening.
“I always give the floor to the patient first. It’s their story. I want to hear it.”
She pulls up their imaging on-screen, walks them through what she’s seeing, and explains every step of the plan. There’s no medical jargon. No talking down. Just clarity, care, and calm.
Her favorite condition to treat? Lumbar spinal stenosis.
“These are the patients who can barely stand or walk. Their quality of life is so limited, and yet, the results from our procedures can be immediate. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
What Drew Her to Vertrae®
Jen spent years referring orthopedic spine patients to Dr. Woods, and the feedback was always the same: “He took time. He listened. He helped.”
“I was so impressed by his bedside manner, and by how well patients did after surgery. I knew this was a team I wanted to be part of.”
At Vertrae®, Jen found something rare: a practice built around the patient, not the clock. No overbooked schedules. No long waits. No rushed visits. Just intentional, integrated care, and a team that communicates every step of the way.
Outside the Office
After hours, Jen’s energy doesn’t slow down. She’s a Pilates enthusiast, a loyal fan of investigative shows, and a committed advocate for her younger sister Jackie, who has Down Syndrome. Jen’s passion for helping people extends beyond her work—she’s trained to care for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. She spends much of her free time ensuring her sister has access to the support she needs.
In Her Words
- Go-to treat? “Diet Coke. I have to have it.”
- Dream skill? “I’d love to learn multiple languages… and also how to sew! I was obsessed with Project Runway.”
- What drives her daily? “I want people to walk away with answers. With a plan. With hope.”
Final Thought
Jen may be a provider, but more than that, she’s a partner. A calm voice in a hard moment. A steady guide through a complex diagnosis. And a reminder that the best care always begins with human connection.
