Hi, I’m Jen.
Or professionally, Dr. Jennifer “Jen” Smith.
Author. Educator. Combat Veteran. Mother. Survivor.
I created The Journey of a Lady to give voice to the quiet, hidden strength that so many carry—and so few see.
I am a woman who has survived and overcome various forms of trauma. I have spent the last 25 years rebuilding my life with a fragile but fierce belief that there was more to life than silence and survival. As a veteran and lifelong educator, I’ve witnessed how trauma, transition, and absence deeply affect children and adults.
But this isn’t just a blog about pain.
It’s a space for healing, empowerment, and growth.
It’s for women and/or men on the edge of breaking or becoming.
It’s for the educators, counselors, pastors, and military professionals trying to understand the students they serve.
My Work
- Memoir in Progress: The Journey of a Lady is my story of endurance, identity, and reclaiming power as a mother navigating trauma and transition.
- Professional Development & Consulting: I offer support in designing and leading training sessions for educators focused on:
- Secondary Education Classroom management
- Building educator and student self-efficacy
- Developing reading curriculum for secondary students
- Resource Creation: I provide tools and materials that help others understand and support students carrying invisible weights.
- Critique Readings and Query Letter Writing: I’m in my first year working as a Reader for a publishing company/literary agent and would be happy to critique yours for you.
Why This Matters
Because too often, the strongest voices are never heard.
Because kids deserve champions who understand them.
Because healing doesn’t happen alone.