Meet Jen Shumway, LMSW-cc, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Case Coordinator. Jen has been with Spurwink for over five years, starting out as a family advocate at the Cumberland County Children’s Advocacy Center (CCCAC), then moving to her current role a few months later.
What’s a fun activity or memory related to your work at Spurwink? I work with the best team of people, and there is no one specific memory that stands out. Everyday is different, but I know that I laugh a lot with my team and also feel equally supported when I am struggling with a case or having a hard day.
When I’m not working or volunteering at Spurwink, I’m: I am usually at one of my kid’s sporting events. I practice and teach yoga and recently got certified to teach spin, so you will often find me at a class. I also love hanging out with my friends or reading a good book.
Spurwink program that I connect with most deeply: The Children’s Advocacy Center and Center for Safe and Healthy Families are two programs that are so very important to me. Being part of a collaborative team that is able to help children and families with resources, support, and guidance is something I am proud to be a part of.
Why behavioral health matters to me: When we are able to practice self awareness and connect with our own emotions and feelings, we are able to find more fulfillment in our own lives. By knowing what we connect with and likewise, don’t connect with, we are able to know what brings us joy and then pursue that.
My favorite way to de-stress: I love practicing yoga, going to a cycle class and I am a big fan Bravo tv as well as naps!
Words to live by: Happiness is not the absence of problems, it is the ability to deal with them.
Most interesting thing I’ve read or watched recently: I just watched American Nightmare on Netflix and thought it was fascinating. I found Jeannette McCurdy’s memoir a really interesting read.
The music I jam to alone in the car is: Taylor Swift of course!
Favorite ice cream: Chocolate!
Recent Netflix (or other service) obsession: I loved White Lotus and can’t wait for Season 3 to come out. I also love the Handmaids Tale and binge watched all of the seasons.
Sweet or salty? Sweet for sure.
Mountains or beach? Beach in the summer and mountains in the winter.