Senator Fred Akshar honors Jennifer O’Brien as a Woman of Distinction 

Last week Senator Fred Akshar recently recognized Jennifer O’Brien as his NYS Senate 2017 Woman of Distinction for the 52nd Senate District.

Each year, the New York State Senate honors women who have enriched the quality of life in their communities across New York.

Jennifer O’Brien wears many important hats in the community while caring for her husband Paul and daughters Paige and Maggie. She currently works for Health Processes Inc., a respected pharmaceutical and industrial gelatin and adhesives firm, while also serving as the founding Executive Director of Life is Washable, Inc., known as the Magic Paintbrush Project. On her free time, Jennifer has volunteered as a coordinator for hospice and serves as the Executive Director of the American Special Hockey Association.

Jennifer and her team work diligently at the Magic Paintbrush Project, the first of its kind in the nation, to provide innovative workshops and programs designed to improve mobility, communication, socialization, and community involvement for individuals and families with special needs.

Jennifer has worked extensively in her community as a dedicated advocate for the special needs community. O’Brien recently served as the project coordinator for the “OurSpace at Rec Park” project. This is a community space designed to provide a total of four acres of accessible playground, including a tree house, innovative garden, and amphitheater for families across the district. 

“Jennifer has shown true dedication in providing the special needs community and their families with inclusive, safe, and exciting spaces to learn and grow,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “I’m truly inspired by the great work she has done for our community and I’m proud to select her as the 52nd District’s 2017 Woman of Distinction.”

Among her many projects, Jennifer has also been involved in the production of “Sensory Safety Kits” that are designed specifically to support and provide individuals and families with various sensory needs with helpful tools to improve their experience at community gatherings such as sports games and concerts.

To view a video from the event, visit https://youtu.be/4ozXaSfXskw.