Jennifer was born and raised in the country outside of the small town of Whitewater, Wisconsin. She grew up in a large family with four siblings, one brother and three sisters, and had a pleasant childhood, spending much of her time outdoors surrounded by nature.

After graduation from high school Jennifer attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in 2001. During college her paintings explored female identity and sexuality. Jennifer's paintings explore female identities as well as the beauty and fragility of nature. In 2003, she moved to San Francisco and attended the Academy of Art University. She received her Master’s of Fine Arts degree in 2006. After graduation Jennifer decided to stay in San Francisco and currently splits her time between painting at her studio and teaching art classes to children at a local after school program.