1996 Alumna Designs Her New Art Teaching Career

“I love it,” said Jen. “I can’t wait to start my first year of teaching. I’ve been busy this summer pulling my curriculum together, organizing my supplies, and decorating the walls in my classrooms with art. It’s all coming together!”

Jen will also develop after-school, art-enrichment programs for students at both schools.

“It’s a beautification program,” said Jen. “We have a lot of white walls at Saint Lawrence for our students to paint on and make beautiful.”

Before teaching, Jen ran her own graphic designer firm, Ifferzdesigns, for 11 years. She also worked as a student teacher in Hamden and New Haven schools, held various part-time jobs at Big Y for 16 years, and continued her education. Jen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in computer graphics in 2000 from Manhattanville University in Harrison, NY, a second BFA degree in Graphic Design in 2007 from Paier College of Art in Bridgeport, Conn., and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in art education in May 2025 from Southern Connecticut State University.

When asked how she did it all, Jen responded that, “sleep is for the weekends.” 

Growing up, Jen said she always carried a sketchbook with her and that creativity was nurtured at Hamden Hall.

“I always wanted to be an art teacher,” recalled Jen. “Mr. Westbrook really inspired me. I remember creating a huge cube that we all signed, and it sat in the courtyard for two years. Betty Lou Blumberg was also an inspiration. She helped me connect with my Jewish heritage by learning more about the Holocaust.”

Jen’s homelife sounds busy, too. Her sister, Paula Schaeffer, Class of 2000, and her husband expanded their house, and they are all living with their parents, Paula’s children, six chickens, and Jen’s dachshund, Rubie.

Jen’s Hamden Hall connections are still strong with annual get-togethers around the December holidays with her 1996 classmates: Mindy Marks, Effie Thieme, Nia West-Bey, and Jamil Harp.