About THRIVE Co-founders

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Jennifer Benjamin is a devoted mother, passionate advocate, and nonprofit leader committed to helping families navigate the challenges of parenting and mental health. As a mother of two daughters, Jennifer’s personal experiences with the ups and downs of family life have inspired her dedication to supporting parents and fostering stronger, more resilient families. Her journey has been deeply shaped by addressing mental health challenges such as BPD, ADD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, and Executive Functioning Disorders within her own family.

For over 20 years, Jennifer served as an owner and partner at The Institute for Health and Human Potential (IHHP.com), a global leader in emotional intelligence (EQ) for leaders. Her work focused on helping individuals understand how stress impacts the brain, soothing the amygdala, and responding with clarity and purpose. Now, she channels this expertise into THRIVE Parenting Project, Inc., the nonprofit she co-founded to equip parents with the tools, resources, and community they need to navigate the complexities of raising children with mental and emotional challenges.

In addition, Jennifer co-founded the THRIVE Youth Coalition with her partner, Kate Bell, to address critical community issues such as youth mental health and drug prevention. Together, they are creating safe, supportive spaces where families and young people can thrive.

Beyond her work with THRIVE, Jennifer is an active member of 100 Women Who Care of St. Charles, the MidValley Mental Health Partnership, the Illinois Prevention Network, the Kane County Opioid Task Force, and the Kane County Behavioral Health Council. Her advocacy extends to championing children’s and women’s rights, promoting mental health, and fostering wellness within the community.

In 2017, Jennifer was honored with the Humanitarian Award of Excellence by Flying For Hope, recognizing her compassion and tireless efforts to connect families during times of crisis. Today, she leads THRIVE Parenting Project, Inc. with purpose and passion, drawing on her personal journey and professional expertise to build a brighter, more supportive future for families everywhere.