The Edinburg Center
Jen Thompson has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Jen is currently working as the Vice President at The Edinburg Center since July 2022. Prior to this, they were the Senior Director of Developmental Disability Programs at the same organization from March 2020 to July 2022.
Before joining The Edinburg Center, Jen worked as the Director of Residential Services at The Price Center from November 2015 to March 2020. In this role, they oversaw the operation of five residential programs, managed program development and administration, supervised program staff, handled program finances, and served as a liaison with other agency directors, families, government agencies, and the community. Jen also planned and implemented the expansion of residential services.
Jen also has experience as a Behavior Specialist at Recreational Education Center, LLC, where they worked one-on-one with individuals with autism, implemented behavior support plans, and collected accurate data. Jen held this position from January 2015 to February 2016.
In 2015, Jen worked as a Special Education Teacher through Teach for America in Memphis, TN, teaching students in grades K-12 and grades K-8. Jen was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants to join the national teacher corps, and participated in an intensive training program.
Prior to this, Jen was a Residential Supervisor and Program Director at Bridgewell from 2010 to 2015. As a Residential Supervisor, they oversaw and supervised five group homes, including medically intensive and autism homes. As a Program Director, they supervised an independent living house with individuals with disabilities and implemented individual support plans.
Jen started their career as the Sports Center Director at Melrose YMCA from 2003 to 2007. In this role, they managed the Sports Center and Gymnastics facility, recruited and supervised staff and volunteers, and oversaw various programs.
Overall, Jen Thompson has a strong background in leadership, program management, and working with individuals with disabilities.
Jen Thompson's education history includes obtaining a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Athletic Administration from Springfield College. Jen attended Springfield College from 2001 to 2003. Prior to that, Jen attended Regis College from 1996 to 2000, where they earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in Social Work.
The Edinburg Center
The Edinburg Center was established in 1977 as a non-profit community-based services agency. The Center’s mission is distinguished by our longstanding belief that all people have the potential to learn, the capacity for change and the right to live a meaningful life in the community of his or her choice. Our mission is to provide an array of innovative services which promote personal growth and independence, foster hope and enhance the quality of life of people with mental health conditions, co-occurring substance use conditions and/or developmental disabilities, and brain injury services. The Center maintains a specific commitment to and has an established reputation for successfully providing services to people whose complex needs and challenging behaviors have typically been barriers to community living. Over the past three decades, The Center has grown into a thriving organization which provides a robust range of community services which are based on the unique needs of the individuals we serve. This range includes adult community outreach support services, residential supports, short-term respite care for adults with both mental health conditions and/or developmental disabilities, day treatment services, clubhouse services, outpatient counseling and medication services. We also provide a range of notable children and family services statewide which are comprised of in-home behavioral services, therapeutic monitoring and in-home therapy services.