Jen was born and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois, in a family where her mother, a dancer and choreographer, and her father, a pharmaceutical manufacturing professional, instilled in her a strong foundation for the arts. Growing up, Jen had the opportunity to take countless dance classes in her mother's studio, which would eventually lead her to discover her true passion for acting.
It was at the age of 13 that Jen found her calling in a play, and from that moment on, she never looked back. Her talent and dedication earned her a spot at the prestigious Theatre School of DePaul University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Upon graduating, Jen worked extensively with some of the most respected theatres in Chicago, including The Court Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and the Writers' Theatre. Her performances received critical acclaim, with the Chicago Tribune praising her work as "extraordinary" and noting that she "offers a performance of great richness, capturing both Alison's strength and her emotional dependence on her brutish and hurting husband."
After honing her craft in Chicago and taking on various television and film projects, Jen made the move to Los Angeles. Since settling in LA, she has continued to work in film, television, and theatre, taking on a wide range of roles that showcase her versatility as an actress. Her filmography includes a comedic mobster's wife with a heart of gold in Who the F is Buddy Applebaum, a desperate ex-addict looking to make amends in The Mending, and the sweet and down-to-earth girlfriend in Somebody Marry Me, the first ever "one-shot" feature-length romantic comedy.
In addition to her acting work, Jen has also learned to speak Czech for the film My America, and has received critical acclaim for her performances in various productions, including the West Coast premiere of Mr. Kolpert, where she was described as a "tour de force" by Variety Magazine.
Jen is not only an accomplished actress but also a dedicated producer, developing independent projects, and has a budding writing career. She is a member of the renowned classical theatre company, Antaeus, where she has played the diabolical Regan in King Lear and the doe-eyed Valerie in Cousin Bette, adapted by Jeffery Hatcher.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Jen is also a Senior Instructor and the Director of the Youth Program at the highly reputable Warner Loughlin Studios, where she helps guide the next generation of performers.
