About Jen

Dr. Jennifer (Whalen) Bender grew up in Temperance, Michigan. She left the small township of Bedford to pursue her dream - teaching. After attending college at Coastal Carolina University, Otterbein University, and University of South Florida, she graduated as a Ph.D. focusing on Love and Communications.

Jen was married to Kyle Bender on New Year's Eve of 2016, and the two enjoyed their time together golfing, travelling, and going on adventures.

Jen's true passion was teaching and loving others. She never hesitated to help someone in need. Her students were her life and she did all she could to support them in every way.

Gifts of Gratitude was launched to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Jennifer Bender. "Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone."