Jennifer credits her education at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak with shaping her belief that education is both a privilege and a responsibility, one to be used in the service of others.  Her connection to Loreto runs strongly through her family, with her great aunt, Sr Kitty Murphy, holding a profound respect for Loreto’s founder Mary Ward and for Mother Gonzaga Barry, shaped through her service at Mary’s Mount in Ballarat. 

Jennifer graduated in 1979 and went on to study medical office management at Monash University before beginning her nursing career in 1982. Jennifer later attained a double certificate in midwifery and returned to The Alfred Hospital, where she held senior and specialised roles including Associate Charge Nurse in Road Trauma, Hospital Supervisor and clinical researcher in anaesthesia and cardiothoracic surgery.  Across every role, Jennifer’s focus remained consistent: improving outcomes for people facing serious health challenges and vulnerability. 

In 2009, Jennifer’s path took a defining turn when her beloved eight-year-old Border Collie, Jed, ruptured three spinal discs accruing huge veterinary bills. This episode became the catalyst for Jennifer’s foundation of Pet Medical Crisis, established to assist a small number of aged pensioners in urgent need of veterinary care for their pets. She understood that for many older people, a pet is not simply an animal, but a vital source of connection, routine, safety and purpose. 

Pet Medical Crisis prevents families from being pushed into deeper cost of living debt or facing the trauma of losing a beloved companion animal.  In 2026, the organisation receives approximately 40 to 58 applications each week, supported by a dedicated case management team. 

Jennifer’s leadership and service to the community were formally recognised in the King’s Honours List in 2026, when she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).