Here at The Bedford Mom we believe that moms deserve to be recognized and celebrated! This month we are so excited to feature Jennifer Hawkes. She lives in town with her husband Michael and their 5 year old daughter Jovie, as well as their two rescue dogs, Trinity and Bingo. Read all about her below!
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Jennifer Hawkes, and I live in Bedford with my husband Michael, our 5-year-old daughter Jovie, and our two rescue dogs, Trinity and Bingo. I’m grateful to have my parents nearby, who spend six months of the year with us as they split their time between Florida and New Hampshire during their retirement. I work as a speech-language pathologist and hold a RESNA certification as an Assistive Technology Practitioner. Originally, I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but I grew up in Huntington Station on Long Island. My sixth-grade state project was on Massachusetts, and my favorite childhood book was Little Women—between these two, I developed a deep love for New England, knowing I would one day call it home. I was fortunate to be accepted into the graduate program at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, and I’ve been here ever since. Moving to New Hampshire was always a dream of mine, and three years ago, I was finally able to make it a reality.
Tell us about your work!
I’ve been working in the field for 20 years, specializing in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). Throughout my career, I’ve gained experience in a wide range of areas, from early intervention to day habilitation programs. I’ve worked with students of all ages, from elementary to high school, in both public and private schools. While living in Massachusetts, I also started my own practice. After having my daughter, I took some time off, but then the pandemic hit. Unfortunately, many of my clients had medical complexities or were unable to participate in telehealth, which led me to make a shift in my career. Although I currently see a few clients and conduct evaluations occasionally, I’m now working at a private residential school in Manchester, NH. My goal is to eventually reopen my practice on a full-time basis. In addition to my professional work, I have a Zazzle store where I sell t-shirts and I’ve published two books on Amazon—a journal and a coloring book for preschoolers. These creative endeavors offer me a great outlet for self-expression.
What are your favorite local restaurants?
My favorite restaurants are River Road Tavern, Cooper Door, Tuckers and Vine 32. I have Celiac Disease and these restaurants can always accommodate my allergy. Also their food is amazing!
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
This is something I want to focus on more in the coming year. Whenever I can, I make time to pamper myself, whether it’s getting a massage or having my nails done. I also enjoy spending time with my family, friends and other moms, just relaxing and unwinding. I love playing games with my daughter, and when I get a moment of quiet, you’ll most likely find me curled up with a good book.
What brought you to Bedford?
We moved here to have more land, a safer community and for the schools.
What is your favorite thing about Bedford?
My favorite thing about Bedford so far is the people I have met since moving here. Every year I grow my circle and it feels nice to be in such a nice community.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
My daughter and I are big fans of the public library. Recently, I joined the Friends of the Library, and it’s been fulfilling to contribute and give back. Our family also enjoys spending time at The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill. And, I must admit, I often find myself spending a little too much time at Trader Joe’s.
What is your best piece of advice for moms who are new in town?
One piece of advice I’d offer to new moms who are new to town is to step outside of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. It can be intimidating at first, but don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to others. People in your community are often welcoming, and making those first connections can lead to lasting friendships. Joining local mom groups, like The Bedford Mom, is a great way to meet others who are in the same stage of life and looking to connect. Don’t hesitate to organize or attend playdates—these are wonderful opportunities for both you and your child to socialize, share experiences, and build a supportive network. The more you get involved, the more you’ll feel at home in your new community.
What is your best piece of advice for expecting moms or new moms?
Don’t let the opinions of others or what you see on social media—whether it’s Facebook, TikTok, or anywhere else—affect your confidence as a mom. It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, but remember, everyone’s journey is different. Trust your own instincts and make decisions based on what feels right for you and your family. Surround yourself with other moms who genuinely support and encourage you. Building a strong network of friends who understand the challenges and joys of motherhood can make a world of difference. Find those who lift you up, share advice without judgment, and create a community where you can thrive together.
What do you wish you could tell your pre-mom self about what motherhood would be like?
I would tell myself that motherhood is nothing like what I imagined. There are so many things I expected to come easily, but they turned out to be much harder than I ever anticipated. It’s okay to not have everything figured out and to make mistakes along the way. In fact, those mistakes are part of the journey and are opportunities for growth. I would remind myself that striving for perfection isn’t realistic and that it’s okay to be imperfect. What matters most is showing up, doing my best, and being present for my child. There will be tough days, but they don’t define me as a mom. Embracing the messiness of motherhood is part of what makes the experience so meaningful.
In closing, we hope you enjoyed reading this article about Jenn! If you’d like to nominate a Bedford mom to be spotlighted, please submit your nomination via email to info@thebedfordmom.com. Thanks so much!