Here at The Bedford Mom, we believe that every mom deserves to be celebrated, and this month, we’re excited to introduce you to Jennifer Doherty! A New Hampshire native now proudly calling Bedford home, Jennifer is a devoted mom to her son James, a military spouse, and a doctorally prepared, dual board–certified family nurse practitioner at the New Hampshire Neurospine Institute. So impressive! With a career rooted in compassion, service, and perseverance, Jennifer’s journey reflects a deep commitment to caring for others – both professionally and within her community. Balancing motherhood with an accomplished medical career, Jennifer’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and heart. Read on to learn more about Jennifer, her path in healthcare, and the life she’s built here in Bedford!
Tell us about yourself!
Hello, my name is Jennifer Doherty and I live in Bedford with my Husband John, and my 4 year old son, James, and our gray cat. I am a doctorally-prepared, dual board certified family nurse practitioner working at the New Hampshire Neurospine Institute. I am also a military spouse. My Husband John is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and currently serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve with the Office of Naval Research. He is an engineer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and a full time student at Dartmouth completing his PhD. We bought our first home in Bedford on May 4, 2018, and have been enjoying it ever since.
Tell us about your work!
I like to say I started my career in nursing when I started working in the kitchen of the Elliot hospital at the age of 16. I am a second generation American and my parents knew I wanted to become a nurse. Their recommendation led to me seeking a job at the hospital when I was still a student at Memorial Hospital. I worked my way through my associates degree landing my first job in nursing on a medical surgical unit. My love for critical care found me moving to the ICU after 2 years. Here I spent most of my bedside nursing career, obtaining critical care certifications in nursing and care of the trauma patient. During these years I received several awards in nursing, including the Elliot Hospital’s Nursing Recognition Award. I completed my BSN, and realized I wanted to become a nurse practitioner. I met my husband, and he was able to give me his GI bill. I left the hospital for a bit to become a full time student completing my master’s then my clinical doctorate of nursing practice. I am now working at the New Hampshire Neurospine Insititute in physical medicine and truly loving the provider role.
What is one fun fact about you?
My fun fact is that I used to compete in poetry slams and made New Hampshire’s slam poetry team in the late 2000’s. If life slows down a bit I’d love to compete and write poetry more frequently once again.
What are your favorite local restaurants?
My favorite local restaurant will always have to be the Copper Door. This was where my Husband took me on our first date! I love grabbing lunch with friends at the Tavern. We love getting ice cream at Inside Scoop.
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
I feel the basic tenets of self-care are exercise, good nutrition, sleep, time with friends and minimizing stress when I can. I am a Pure Barre lifestyle member. I love my Peloton and have recently started lifting weights. I really love taking time in nature and frequently walk a loop near Joppa Hill Farm. After all those boxes have been checked I love getting hydrafacials and aesthetics treatments at Ariya Esthetics here in Bedford.
What brought you to Bedford?
I grew up in New Hampshire. I think we live in such a special state. The ocean, mountains and Boston are all an hour away. I love hiking, swimming, sailing, skiing, and anything outside. We decided on Bedford for its reputation of excellent schools. It is also a great location for commuters.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
You will often find myself or my Husband with our son James, hanging around town at the library, Joppa Hill Farm, or the Ann DeNicola Memorial Playground. We were just snow tubing at the playground in this great snow! You will always see me at Whole Foods.
What is your best piece of advice for moms who are new in town?
Join The Bedford Mom! I find this group of women value inclusivity and welcoming kindness.
What is your best piece of advice for expecting moms or new moms?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that, even though we are often raised to be fiercely independent and handle everything ourselves, motherhood rewrites that script. When I become a mom, I had to learn that asking for help didn’t mean I was failing—it meant I was human. It meant I was growing. There is so much strength in allowing yourself to depend on others, in letting people show up for you. You don’t have to do this alone, and you were never meant to.
In closing, we hope you enjoyed reading this article about Jennifer! 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!