Jennifer Bechard

As the Education Manager, Jennifer is responsible for planning, managing, implementing, and evaluating all aspects of an on-going education program for the Hydrocephalus Association. She manages our scholarship program; national conference, all educational meetings and events hosted by the association, and she is responsible for designing and developing all educational publications, materials, and products for our community. Jennifer also provides phone, email, and social media support to individuals and caregivers reaching out to HA for support.

Driven by her own personal experiences with hydrocephalus, Jennifer began volunteering for HA in 2007 and then came on board full-time in 2011. Jennifer was diagnosed with communicating hydrocephalus at the age of ten and to date has undergone more than 100 surgeries. In 2007, Jennifer, along with her mother, started the Detroit, Michigan WALK and continued to chair the event for the following five years. In 2009, Jennifer partnered with HA to create a support group in Michigan. Prior to working for HA, she began her studies in nursing at Madonna University. She left during her first semester due to health issues and focused her energy and time on stabilizing her health and volunteering and advocating for hydrocephalus.

Jennifer has spoken on several occasions advocating for hydrocephalus and has spent much of her time fundraising. She has received the 2010 Cash Sweat and Tears Award and the Hydrocephalus Association Distinguished Award for Volunteer of the Year 2010 for her efforts. In her free time, Jennifer likes to spend time with her family and friends, living life to the fullest.