Progressus Therapy Speech-Language Pathologist Jennifer Lehnen and Family Win National Award

April 9, 2008

Baltimore, MD – Jennifer Lehnen, a speech-language pathologist with Progressus Therapy, and her husband John Lehnen, chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, were named the January Family of the Month by the National Military Family Association (NMFA.)

The NMFA describes the Family Award as given families who "exemplify the best of the military family lifestyle" by becoming active in their communities and volunteering support to others.

The Lehnens are raising four children: n 8-year-old daughter Kathryne and 4-year-old triplets Lindsey, Jacob and Issac. Even though the triplets were premature and have needed extra care, Jennifer and John actively volunteer in their community as they pursue their careers and education.

Their efforts include community outreach programs, non-profits, the VFW, and their local service-related family readiness groups. The Lehnens were named Military Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes in 2003 and continue that work today.

According to the NMFA website, "John and Jennifer are always ready for the next project and looking for new ways to be involved in their community... Their commitment to others, even in the face of new challenges, makes them an incredible example."

Don Scheeler, president of Progressus Therapy, said, "It's a tremendous privilege to be associated with Jennifer and her family. Progressus is blessed with many outstanding people who give back to the community in so many ways. Clearly Jennifer stands out, personally and professionally."

In 2002 Jennifer Lehnen was pregnant with her daughter and two sons while she was graduate school for speech-language pathology. She completed the bulk of her thesis while on full bed rest.

Jennifer said that she and her husband started volunteering before they had children. The support they have received from other families reinforced for the couple how important their volunteer efforts are. In the future Jennifer will work with the VFW on "Mission Healthy Babies," an initiative to address stress and improve access to medical care for pregnant women in military families.

Each year NMFA gives the award to twelve families, who receive $500. One of the 12 winning families is chosen as the NMFA Family of the Year and receives $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.