Jen Abbott values community engagement and is an advocate for public education.  She started her career as an educator, teaching in elementary and middle schools in Virginia, Montana, and the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Germany.

Arriving in Newton in 2007 with three young children, Jen jumped into volunteer roles at Bowen Cooperative Nursery School and the Cabot PTO.  The sense of community forged in these spaces inspired Jen to take on leadership roles both in the schools and the broader Newton community. She has served as co-president of the Cabot PTO and the Newton PTO Council, co-chair and advisor on local campaigns, Fundraising Chair for the Newton Food Pantry, and board member and treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Newton.