Jenn Ennist

Jennifer has been teaching for 21 years in upstate New York in the heart of the Catskill Mountains.  She has taught pre-k, fourth grade, and third grade science. She has also co-taught fourth through sixth grade writing. In addition, Jennifer and her colleagues created and implemented a multi-grade level English language arts program. Most of her educational career has been spent teaching fourth grade, with a passion for teaching science. During that period, Jennifer’s son was one of her fourth-grade students. Jennifer has embraced being an active member of her school community. She was a high school class advisor and had the opportunity to bring the senior class on a cruise to the Bahamas.  Jennifer spent time as an elementary ski club advisor, was a member of writing and scholarship committees, served as a mentor to help new teaching staff, was a scoring leader for state assessments, as well as a vice president and president for her local teacher’s association.  Jennifer finds service-learning projects rewarding. She and her students completed projects to support the local humane society as well as the American Cancer Society. 

Jennifer was born and raised in upstate New York; however, she has done extensive traveling with her family. She has traveled to Ireland, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Panama, Bermuda, and several Caribbean islands. She and her family love to take cruises and spend time by the ocean.  One of her favorite adventures was a month-long trip across the United States with her family; during which time they visited many state parks.  She earned a master’s degree from the State University College of Oneonta in childhood education, a bachelor’s degree from the State University College of Oneonta in elementary education, as well as an associate’s degree in business from SUNY Delhi. She is a certified teacher in both New York and North Carolina. This will be Jennifer’s second year teaching first grade at FernLeaf. Jennifer and her husband, Mike, moved to Asheville last year to be in closer proximity to their son, Jordan. 

When she isn’t teaching, Jennifer can be found kayaking, paddle boarding, running 5Ks, walking, zip-lining, skydiving, hiking, gardening, and traveling with family.  She and her family are very excited to explore more of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. They are also excited to embrace more of the abundance of things to do and see in Asheville and surrounding areas. Jennifer has a passion for music and attends concerts often. Jennifer’s pug, Lucy, and her recent rescue cat, Oscar, keep her busy too.