Meet Jennifer Rose

We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Rose recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience was built at a very young age, during a period when my mother was involved in two severe car accidents. These accidents forced a role reversal, where I became the caretaker and my mother, once the caregiver, was left in a coma for nearly a year. Doctors told us she might not survive, but as a young child who didn’t want to lose her, I found the strength to fight, and this was the beginning of my journey into mental health. Over the past 25 years, I have witnessed my mother’s unwavering determination, as she defied the odds and continued to fight. Although she may not be the same person she was before the accidents, her resilience to stay alive has never faltered. This experience instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and dedication.

My resilience also comes from a deep commitment to the work I do, both as a behavior analyst and as the founder of LIFT East Tennessee. I am driven by the mission of supporting individuals and families, especially those affected by autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, to achieve meaningful progress. My personal and professional experiences have reinforced my ability to navigate challenges with persistence and adaptability. When my husband and I received our son’s diagnosis, I knew it was time to channel the lessons of resilience I had learned into something meaningful. I dedicated myself to helping him and others, using the strength and perseverance that had been modeled for me throughout my life.

Additionally, my family, my best friend, and the team around me provide a strong support system, reminding me of the importance of the work we’re doing and the positive impact it has on others. I also draw strength from my ongoing education and leadership roles, which push me to continuously grow and evolve both personally and professionally. Together, these experiences and relationships form the foundation of my resilience, driving my ongoing commitment to creating lasting, positive change for individuals and families.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am the Executive Director and Founder of LIFT East Tennessee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering Learning, Inclusion, Friendship, and Togetherness for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. At LIFT, we are passionate about creating a supportive and empowering environment where individuals and families have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Our mission is to build a more inclusive community, one where every person’s unique strengths and needs are valued.

What I find most exciting and rewarding about the work I do is the opportunity to witness real, positive change in the lives of those we support. Seeing the growth and progress of individuals and families through our programs is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s helping a child build social skills, providing a family with essential resources, or creating a space for meaningful connections, every success fuels my commitment to this important work.

As a behavior analyst, I bring evidence-based practices into our services, ensuring that our approach is not only compassionate but effective. My professional expertise, combined with a deep passion for advocacy, helps guide our programs and initiatives. I hold several certifications, including Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), CPR, AED, and First Aid, as well as certifications in Trauma-Informed Coaching, Fundraising Essentials, Grant Seeking Essentials, and Nonprofit Essentials. Additionally, my National Provider Identifier (NPI) allows for collaboration within healthcare settings, and I am also certified in TN Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting.

In my role, I am fortunate to be involved in various leadership positions and volunteer activities that extend my impact. I currently serve as Chair of the Webinar Committee for the Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis (TABA), where I have also served two terms as the East TN Student Representative. I am a governor-appointed member of the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder, advocating for meaningful policy improvements, and I also contribute to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel. Through my work with the Helen Ross McNabb Regional Intervention Program, I continue to support early intervention services that make a difference in the lives of children and families.

At LIFT, we are proud of the strong partnerships we’ve built with local organizations, such as Chota Masonic Lodge, Painting Around, Smoky Mountain Autism Success Hub (SMASH), and Breakers Billiards & Brews, among others. These partnerships allow us to expand our reach and provide more resources to the community. Some of our recent events include The SMASH Autism Expo, our annual 8-ball pool tournament, the sensory Santa event, the Chota charity sale, the Central Cinema movie event, back-to-school supplies distributions, and Christmas assistance programs. Looking ahead, we are excited to offer new opportunities like our Fall Festival, social skills groups, job readiness programs, and much more. These events reflect our commitment to creating a sense of belonging and providing essential support to individuals and families in our community.

I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Purdue University Global, continuing to deepen my knowledge and expertise in this field. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a 3.96 GPA. I also hold a Human Services Certificate in Child and Family Services, graduating with a GPA of 3.88. Throughout my academic journey, I have been honored to be part of the National Society of Leadership and Success and have participated in various student organizations such as the Human Services Club, Owls Club, Educators Club, Science Club, Autism Speaks Club, Psychology Club, and the American Red Cross Club.

At LIFT, we are constantly working to expand our impact and continue to make a difference. The work we do is driven by a strong sense of purpose, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization and support our community. We are excited for what’s ahead, and I look forward to continuing to grow this organization and the positive impact we have on individuals and families across East Tennessee.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have been most impactful in shaping my path are resilience, a strong commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to build meaningful relationships and networks. Each of these qualities has played a critical role in helping me navigate challenges, build effective programs, and ultimately support individuals and families in meaningful ways.

1. Resilience: My resilience has been forged through personal experiences and challenges. Growing up, I faced significant adversity, including my mother’s severe car accidents and subsequent recovery, which switched our roles as caretaker and child. This experience instilled in me a strong sense of determination to overcome obstacles, no matter how difficult they may seem. For those early in their journey, my advice would be to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. Resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties; it’s about learning how to navigate them with perseverance and a positive mindset. It’s important to stay connected to your purpose and mission during tough times.

2. Commitment to Continuous Learning: In the field of behavior analysis and nonprofit work, there is always something new to learn. My commitment to lifelong learning has been instrumental in my professional development, whether it’s pursuing higher education, engaging in specialized certifications, or staying up-to-date with the latest research and trends. For those starting out, I recommend finding a balance between formal education and hands-on experience. Never stop seeking knowledge, whether through coursework, reading, or mentorship, as this will help you stay adaptable and innovative in your field.

3. Building Meaningful Relationships and Networks: Collaboration has been key to my success. Whether it’s my colleagues, clients, or partners in the community, building strong relationships has allowed me to amplify my impact and access resources and support that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. My advice to those early in their journey is to actively seek out mentors, build a professional network, and engage with your community. Building authentic, trusting relationships will not only support your personal and professional growth but also open doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

Overall, my advice for anyone starting out on a similar path is to stay focused on your goals, remain adaptable, and be willing to learn and grow continuously. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, and most importantly, stay committed to the work that drives you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am always looking for individuals and organizations to partner with in order to expand our reach and build more inclusive communities. At LIFT East Tennessee, we are passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and collaboration plays a vital role in achieving this mission.

We are particularly interested in partnering with like-minded organizations, local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and community leaders who are committed to fostering inclusion and providing essential resources to individuals and families. Whether it’s through joint events, advocacy efforts, or service expansion, collaborating with others helps us build a more supportive environment for everyone in our community.

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, whether it’s through social skills programs, job readiness initiatives, fundraising events, or community education efforts, I would love to connect with you. We currently have valuable partnerships with organizations such as the Chota Masonic Lodge, Painting Around, Smoky Mountain Autism Success Hub (SMASH), and Breakers Billiards & Brews, and we’re excited to expand these relationships further.

If you’re interested in collaborating, please feel free to reach out to me directly at lifteasttennessee@gmail.com, or visit our website at https://www.lifteasttenn.org. We are always open to new ideas and partnerships that will help us advance our mission of inclusion, support, and empowerment for individuals and families in East Tennessee.

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Image Credits

Image credits for the graduation photo go to Kaliyah Denae Cannon owner of Denaé Photography

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