We recently connected with Jen Allen and have shared our conversation below.
Jen, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose in one of the hardest ways imaginable — through the loss of my son, Daniel, to suicide in 2023. That grief could have destroyed me, and for a while, I wasn’t sure if I would survive it. But I made a promise to myself and to Daniel that his legacy would be my success and not my destruction.
My family has always been my anchor, and their love gave me the strength to keep moving forward. My husband and I own Front Range Family Resource Center, a mental health practice, and after the loss of my son I stepped in fully to carry it forward and make it what it is today — a place where people can access quality, compassionate, and affordable mental health care. And, a space where clinicians feel appreciated, supported, and like they are a part of something bigger.
I had just graduated from Family Nurse Practitioner school before Daniel died, but the weight of my grief made it hard to take the next step. Only recently did I find the courage to take my board exam, become certified, and get licensed as an FNP-C. That accomplishment was deeply personal — a way to honor Daniel and myself by not letting grief stop me.
I have also stepped into the role of podcast host with The Ashes We Keep, where I share my story and give space to others who are grieving or navigating life’s hardest moments. It’s become a way to connect, to normalize grief, and to remind people that healing is possible, even when it feels impossible.
For me, purpose isn’t about avoiding pain — it’s about choosing to transform it into something that helps others. That’s how I honor Daniel, that’s how I stay true to my family, and that’s what keeps me moving forward every day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the co-owner and CEO of Front Range Family Resource Center, a mental health practice built on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate care — and that people should be able to use the insurance benefits they’ve worked so hard for. What makes FRFRC so special is our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. We accept most major insurances, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Tricare, because we believe mental health care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.
What excites me most about this work is the chance to walk alongside people as they navigate some of life’s hardest seasons. Whether it’s grief, trauma, anxiety, or family challenges, it’s incredibly meaningful to see people find hope, resilience, and connection again.
Something else that feels really special is that this work is deeply personal for me. After losing my son, Daniel, to suicide, I made a promise that his legacy would be my success, not my destruction. Every client we serve is part of that promise.
We’re also growing in exciting ways. I recently became licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), which allows me to expand the medical and holistic services we offer. Looking ahead, we’re planning to add hormone replacement therapy, functional medicine, and wellness services like IV infusions and injections under our Bloom Space brand. We’re also preparing to expand to Florida in 2026.
And beyond the clinic, I host a podcast called The Ashes We Keep, which is a space for conversations about grief, resilience, and healing. It’s been amazing to connect with others who are willing to share their stories and break the silence around grief.
At the heart of everything I do — whether through FRFRC, Bloom Space, or the podcast — is the belief that we can turn pain into purpose, and that healing is possible when people feel truly seen and supported.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I look back, three qualities stand out as most impactful in my journey:
Resilience. After losing my son, Daniel, to suicide, I had to learn how to keep going in the face of unimaginable grief. Resilience doesn’t mean being strong all the time — it means allowing yourself to break, and then choosing to get back up again. My advice: don’t wait until life knocks you down to build resilience. Start now by practicing flexibility, seeking support, and reminding yourself you can do hard things.
Vision. Taking over Front Range Family Resource Center wasn’t just about running a clinic — it was about seeing what it could become. I had to hold a vision for affordable, accessible, high-quality mental health care and keep pursuing it, even when the obstacles felt overwhelming. My advice: spend time clarifying what you truly care about. Vision isn’t just about business growth — it’s about knowing your why and letting that guide your steps.
Vulnerability. For a long time, I thought being a professional meant keeping my story hidden. But I’ve learned that vulnerability — in sharing my grief, in admitting when I’m struggling, and in being real with clients, staff, and listeners of my podcast — is actually where connection and healing grow. My advice: practice vulnerability in small ways first. Share honestly with safe people. It will build your confidence and deepen your impact.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say this: don’t wait until you feel “ready” to begin. Develop resilience by facing challenges head-on, nurture your vision by staying connected to your values, and embrace vulnerability as the bridge to authentic relationships. Those three qualities can carry you through both the hardest losses and the greatest successes.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is balancing growth with sustainability — both for my practice and for myself. On a personal level, I’m still navigating life after the loss of my son, Daniel. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it can make the demands of leadership, family, and personal healing feel especially heavy at times. On a professional level, Front Range Family Resource Center is growing quickly, and expanding services while keeping care affordable and accessible requires constant focus and creativity.
What I’m doing to overcome this is twofold. First, I lean into support — from my family, my team, and my own providers. I’ve learned that I can’t pour into others if I’m completely empty. Second, I stay rooted in my why: making Daniel’s legacy my success and not my destruction. Every decision — whether it’s becoming licensed as an FNP-C, planning to expand into wellness services, or hosting The Ashes We Keep podcast — comes back to that purpose.
It’s not about erasing challenges — it’s about meeting them with resilience, asking for help when I need it, and remembering that growth takes time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.frontrangefrc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjanursejen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.allenthenurse
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-allen-fnp-c-5b6450133/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenAllenAshes


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