Here at The Bedford Mom, we love celebrating the amazing moms who help make our community so special! This month we’re excited to introduce you to Jennifer Gregory, better known around town as “Ms. Jen.” A longtime educator, business owner, and mom of four, Jen has spent years inspiring local children through art, science, fitness, and yoga classes across Bedford, Amherst, and Merrimack. She lives in Bedford with her husband Andrew, their four children (Ellie, Eric, James, and Abbie), and their beloved dog Bella. Originally from Norwood, Massachusetts, Jen moved to Bedford 11 years ago and quickly found a welcoming community filled with opportunities for families to connect and thrive. From local trails and favorite coffee walks to teaching little ones through her business, Paint and Play with Ms. Jen, Jen shares what she loves most about life in Bedford below!
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Jennifer Gregory and I live in Bedford with my husband Andrew, 14 year old daughter Abbie, 18 year old son James, 20 year old daughter Ellie, 22 year old son Eric and our 10 year old dog Bella. I am known to many in town as Ms. Jen and I spend my days traveling around Bedford, Amherst and Merrimack teaching Art, Science, Fitness and Yoga. I love teaching and working with kids of all ages. When I’m not teaching I love walking, running, hiking, skiing and just being outside.
Tell us about your work!
I got both my Bachelors and Masters degrees at Boston College in Elementary Education and Curriculum and Instruction. I have taught 1st Grade, 5th Grade, Title One Reading and many art, fitness, science and yoga classes through my own business, Paint and Play with Ms. Jen. I started being a consulting teacher when I was pregnant with my first son and it gave me great flexibility to be home part time with 4 kids and sometimes they could even come to work with me. Now that they are all in high school and beyond I enjoy my time teaching the little ones even more!
What are your favorite local restaurants?
Pressed, River Road Tavern, Flight and the Wicked Good Butchah for grilling at home!
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Love listening to a podcast and taking a long walk or grabbing an iced coffee or tea for an afternoon pick up. My mom is a baking expert so I am always trying to perfect my cookie recipes.
What brought you to Bedford?
We have lived in Bedford for 11 years, coming from my hometown of Norwood, MA. We moved up here for the great schools, more space, close proximity to skiing and we have flexibility with my husband’s remote job which made things easier. Now my third child is graduating from Bedford this year and I am so impressed with how prepared they all were for college and beyond.
What is your favorite thing about Bedford?
My favorite thing about Bedford is that there are so many places to walk and get outside. We like going to the Legacy Trails, the Cross Country trail, the track at McKelvie and so many other places.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
Joppa Hill Educational Farm, Pulpit Rock, Sierra, Trader Joe’s
What is your best piece of advice for moms who are new in town?
Get out and about, take a rec class, a sport or a library class, attend open house events at school. When I moved here with two in McKelvie, one in elementary and one in preschool I met most of my friends through the kids and volunteering at school. One of my fellow room moms from those early days is still my weekly walking buddy.
What is your best piece of advice for expecting moms or new moms?
Seriously enjoy every one of those early snuggles and outings with your little ones. I used to laugh when people told me how quickly time passes!
In closing, we hope you enjoyed reading this article about Jen! 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!