Jen Lyman

Jen Lyman’s passion lies in ensuring that individuals with complex cerebral palsy have the opportunities to actively participate in meaningful experiences that promote self-expression, optimal health, lead to lasting friendships, and that are challenging, fun, inclusive and demonstrate to others that those with disabilities should not be excluded. 

She is the parent of teenager, Bower, who has complex, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, including visual and communication impairments. He is a healthy, happy New Orleanean who loves festivals, working out, eating sushi, swimming, school, and so much more.

Prior to the birth of her son, Jen’s academic training and career path were focused on breaking down barriers to participation for those with disabilities. With a career background both in therapeutic recreation and in case management serving children and adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities, she has worked in a variety of inpatient, outpatient and community settings, coordinating care and promoting social, recreational and leisure activity participation.

Jen is the Content Manager for CPResource.org, the cerebral palsy health education website for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. She serves on the Community Council for the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Community Council (past chair) and hosts the podcast Cerebral Palsy Health. 

Jen has an M.S. from University of Florida’s College of Health and Human Performance in Therapeutic Recreation and she holds certifications in Conductive Education for cerebral palsy and yoga with a specialty in brain injury.  She lives in New Orleans with her husband, Chris, Bower and their golden retriever Everest.