Employee Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Renshaw
Dr. Jennifer Renshaw, a Wilmington native, began her journey at CFCC 28 years ago, right after high school graduation. She began taking general education classes while waiting for CFCC to add the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program.
In the fall of 1998, Dr. Renshaw enrolled in CFCC’s first cohort of OTA students. The program, initially located in the S-building, marked its first graduation in May 2000 at the Schwartz Center.
In 2009, Dr. Renshaw decided to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She juggled this endeavor while working full-time as an occupational therapy assistant.
Dr. Renshaw as a graduate of CFCC’s first cohort of Occupational Therapy Assistant students.
Dr. Renshaw’s prior credits from CFCC and her clinical experience qualified her for Belmont University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant to Occupational Therapist bridge program. Belmont University’s guidance allowed her to approach occupational therapy from an advanced perspective while retaining the strong foundation knowledge she gained at CFCC.
After becoming the OTA program director, Dr. Renshaw set her sights on a doctorate in occupational therapy. In 2015, Dr. Renshaw graduated with a doctorate degree in occupational therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah.
Throughout this journey, CFCC remained a steadfast source of support, encouraging her as an employee striving for advanced education. Although CFCC has undergone significant growth since Dr. Renshaw’s time as a student, it will forever remain the place where her professional journey commenced 23 years ago.
Dr. Renshaw gladly offered her insights and experiences as both a CFCC student, faculty member, and program director.
Dr. Renshaw, as program director, with students at CFCC graduation.
WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT CFCC, AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?
In 2012, an opportunity to apply for the OTA program director position at CFCC became available, and 11 years later, I am still here! Having gone from student to program director/instructor is very surreal most days. It is especially nostalgic when working alongside a co-worker who once guided me as a student.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
Watching students grow and reach goals is a privilege; it is a season in my career that constantly helps me grow in teaching and learning. Whether in the clinic or educational setting, watching people achieve a goal is so rewarding.
Working in academia has provided me with a unique opportunity to walk alongside students in their path to becoming occupational therapy assistants. It is very similar to the clinic setting where clients arrive, a plan is developed, and we start working toward the desired outcome. There are often bumps along the way, but we work through those with support and interventions to continue in a forward progression.
To watch a student come in with a goal, overcome barriers to achieve that goal, and walk across a stage to earn a degree is one of the highlights of my career. The audience may not know where they have walked to cross the finish line, but in that moment, the world knows they have succeeded. I consider graduation a true holiday!
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow. -Lin Yutang. I love to adventure to places near and far, but it sure feels good to get home.
When I am not working, I take every opportunity to spend time with my husband and family, explore new and familiar places, cook new recipes, nap, and nap some more. I keep my friends close and my family closer. My time at home is filled with doggy snuggles, porch swinging, and evenings with people I love around the fire pit. I enjoy playing the piano, painting, needle felting in the winter, flower gardening in the spring, and, most recently, pottery classes.
WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR EDUCATION AND/OR CAREER PATH?
The clinical and educational experiences throughout my career gave me a strong desire to give back to the profession of occupational therapy. Educational leaders who provided excellent mentorship through their teaching practices and professional expectations encouraged me to provide the same rich experiences for others. Combining diverse educational experiences as a traditional and non-traditional student has shaped my perspective on teaching and learning. It is my goal to make sure students know it is not where you start but where you end that matters the most.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Working and attending college as a non-traditional student after being out of college for some time was difficult. It was shocking, and I quickly found my leisure time would no longer exist. There were many late nights and an abundance of declined social events. I experienced many sleepy mornings when it felt impossible to face a workday.
All of that being said, my mother often reminded me of my choice to go to college. I had the option to quit school or continue on and earn a degree. Regardless, time would pass. At the end of those years, I could have a job in a career I love or remain where I started. With that mindset, I was able to finish each degree with greater motivation to focus on the desired outcome instead of the mountain-sized obstacles that felt impossible.
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
- 2000 – Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington, NC- Associate in Applied Science-Occupational Therapy Assistant
- 2011 – Belmont University, Nashville, TN- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- 2015 – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo Utah- Doctor of Occupational Therapy
- 2023 – Institute for Healthcare Advancement- Health Literacy Specialist Certification
- Certified/Licensed Occupational Therapist
- Certified/Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association
- Therapy Dogs International- Team Otis
- NHRMC Novant Health Therapy Dog Team
PUBLICATIONS
Renshaw, J.K. (2023, October 17). A laugh a day. Go2 for Lung Cancer.
Renshaw, J.K. (2023, June 27). Finding your calm. Go2 For Lung Cancer.
Renshaw, J.K. (2023, March 2). Clearing the brain fog: Eight ways to improve memory and thinking. Go2 For Lung Cancer.
Renshaw, J.K. (2023, January 5). Energy Conservation Turning ON your energy. Go2 For Lung Cancer.
