Background: Co-founder, In True Nature, a wellness center located on Slate Mills Road in Boston; practitioner of Ayurvedic wellness, which seeks to connect individuals with their inner self and the rhythms of the natural world; manages a community fund to support those in need of wellness programs. Marine scientist and former program fellow at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); outdoors educator, teaches summer programs with Headwaters Foundation; board member of State Climb, a rock climbing gym in Culpeper; Old Rag Master Naturalists volunteer; Rappahannock County High School varsity soccer coach. A Rappahannock native, Jenn, 44, lives with her co-partner and husband Daniel Mintz, two Australian cattle dogs and a cat on their homestead and wellness sanctuary in Boston.
The Spark: Growing up in Rappahannock forged my connection with nature. Being out in the woods, exploring creeks or walking country roads inspired a curiosity about the natural world that eventually led me to where I am today. As a youngster, I often observed people around me providing support to those who needed help. We were raised to give back to the community and that has always stayed with me. This connection between service and a deep appreciation of nature guides me in what I practice everyday.
Proudest Achievement: I don’t tend to seek “pride” or “achievement,” rather, personal fulfillment and being of service are what motivates me. When I worked in the federal government at NOAA, we took our public service very seriously and strived to communicate climate change science to the public in a way that was understandable and accessible. In my work today, I am guided by Buddhist principles that teach how fulfillment comes from compassion and contributing to something beyond yourself. For instance, seeing a “spark” in the eyes of young children when they connect to something in the natural world, that can be considered an achievement — but I think of it as fulfillment. That philosophy is rooted in all that I do.
Biggest Challenge: Six years ago my mother had a serious stroke. We didn’t know if she would recover. Always independent with a can-do spirit, Mom was a huge figure in my life. Our roles became reversed. We moved her to our home in Rappahannock and this strong woman was now in my care. Gathering the energy and patience to be a caregiver was challenging, but with forbearance, tenderness, support from our family, and Mom’s own grit and determination, she has now recovered and is living on her own once again.
Why It Matters: Creating personal spaces that provide a sense of connection to oneself and nature is really important, especially in this fast-paced, high-technology environment. Our digital lives have sometimes made it difficult for us to slow down and make those connections. My hope is the people we work with become a little more at ease with themselves, are more connected with others in the community, or more grounded in the natural world. When someone tells me they feel less alone, more at peace in their mind or body or appreciate the beauty around them, I know my work really matters.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: This community has such a sense of serenity. The mountains and landscape offer this quiet steadiness that invites us to slow down and listen to ourselves and each other. The natural beauty here supports and nourishes strong connections among the people who live here. You can see and feel it everywhere. It is why I returned.
