North Bay Woman

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2015 Jennifer Lehr knew from a young age what she wanted to do when she grew up. In junior high, she saw a film about a physical therapist who helped a football player with a spinal injury turn his life around, and ever since, she's wanted to do the same to help others. As the director of orthopedic services at Novato Community Hospital (NCH), Jennifer touches the lives of hundreds of patients not only as a physical therapist, but also by overseeing NCH's orthopedic service line and its two outpatient physical therapy (PT) facilities–Physical Therapy and Sports Fitness in Novato and Terra Linda. At NCH, she personally guides people through joint replacements, from pre-op through recovery; aids them in their sports medicine care; and recruits and works closely with orthopedic surgeons. In fact, in her time there, Jennifer has helped ensure the North Bay has access to the best healthcare by helping to recruit a number of the Bay Area's top physicians. "We have a great staff, and I'm lucky to be surrounded by people who love what they do," she says. "Nurses, physicians and therapists work closely to make the experience for our patients rich, seamless, and thoughtful. We see a lot of positive outcomes that help those patients continue doing the activities they're passionate about, and that makes NCH an uplifting place to work." Now Jennifer is also making a difference for youth in the community by introducing a new program whereby NCH provides Novato high schools with athletic trainers. The program will help students play sports in a better, safer way. "I've worked with many girls who tear ligaments and suffer other muscular skeletal issues that could have been avoided with proper movement training," explains Jennifer. "Now we can help kids prevent injury." Jennifer also contributes to causes outside of Marin County. She regularly organizes a trip to Haiti for a group of physicians, nurses and physical therapists to treat patients and share expertise with Haitian health practitioners. Jennifer first moved to San Rafael in 1988 after getting her undergraduate degree in PT from Boston University and then working in several large medical centers. She then came to NCH in 2004. "I was excited to become part of Sutter Health," she says. "Working for a non-profit and having the resources to build something that was about quality was very appealing. I've always enjoyed working with hospitals because I like the challenges of their various programs." Jennifer also appreciates the wonderful community that NCH serves. "I have relationships with patients here that have lasted 25 years," she muses. "We've grown up together and raised children together; I've treated their children and grandchildren. I love coming to work everyday." Jennifer Lehr, P.T. Director of Orthopedic Services Sutter Health Novato Community Hospital (415) 209-1460 Jenny Terry Founder & CEO Speak To Me – Intelligent, Inspiring Events for Women Inspired by the fabulous women among her in the Bay Area, and after endless conversations with many women in the community, Jenny created Speak to Me to stimulate thought and discussion on important issues that affect us all, and enjoy the magic that happens when women come together. Women today are constantly barraged with an overwhelming flow of information. Jenny is passionate about helping women cut through that clutter, get up to speed on current, meaningful issues from trusted, engaging experts, while having some much- deserved fun with other dynamic women in our community. "When women leave Speak To Me events, they are bursting with a sense of what's possible and ready to share their very best selves in their communities, workplace and families." Now in its 6th season, Speak To Me has a reputation for extremely high quality programming and creating a remarkable experience their loyal following deeply cherishes. Through the years Jenny has loved meeting so many inspiring local women, community and business leaders who are equally committed to creating strong, healthy, vibrant communities. With two young children at home, Jenny is dedicated to being "present" for them despite running a thriving business. When life gets chaotic, she remembers the impact they are having. Over 5,000 women have attended Speak To Me events over the years, many that share the positive changes they have made and are enjoying happier and healthier lives as a result. She hopes to share the experience with many more women in the years to come. Speak To Me www.speaktomeevents.com contactus@speaktomeevents.com 415-888-2329 68 NORTH BAY WOMAN | F A L L 2 0 1 5

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