Jen's Story....

 

Jen Jacob is the co-founder and former Executive Director for Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network. She was a catalyst in creating DSDN and the creator of the DSDN online community that serves new and expectant parents. Under her leadership, DSDN worked towards its mission and vision and grew to more than 25,000 parent members and was recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a preferred resource for parents of children with Down syndrome. 

 

Jen is an author of "The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Advice, Information, Inspiration, and Support for Raising Your Child from Diagnosis through Adulthood" and the author and a contributor for "Unexpected, Stories of a Down syndrome diagnosis." The Parent’s Guide, co-written with Mardra Sikora, has sold nearly 20,000 copies since its launch in 2015. 
 

In 2025, Jen was nominated for the Nexstar Remarkable Women Award and was an Iowa Finalist.  

 

A lifelong educator, former instructional coach, and professional development leader, she lives in the midwest with her husband and four children; her youngest son has Down syndrome.
 

Currently, the Jacobs are guiding their high schooler and college-aged children while Jen homeschools Owen and volunteers as the DSDN Peer to Peer Fundraising Director.

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