FAMILIES FIRST OF VIRGINIA - Key Persons
Jennifer is the Executive Director and a founding officer of Families First of Virginia. She acquired her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2000. She earned her Master's degree from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 2002. Jennifer furthered her ability to practice by obtaining her Clinical License to practice Social Work from the State of Virginia Board of Social Work in 2006. Jennifer has always had an interest in macro level Social Work and systematic change within agencies and communities to promote social welfare and wellbeing for underprivileged children and families. Prior to establishing Families First of Virginia, Jennifer's experience consisted of juvenile probation and parole, working within a Head Start program for infants aged birth to three and their families, and leading group and individual therapy with students at an alternative high school. Jennifer has received specialized and intensive training in working with juvenile sex offenders, Neurofeedback, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also a certified Nutritional Therapist Practitioner. She currently provides Clinical Management to the Therapeutic Foster Care Program at Families First, as well as Program Development and Evaluation, and Quality Assurance Compliance with all regulations for licensed child-placing agencies and terms of the agency's current license issued by the Virginia Department of Social Services. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her two sons and husband, traveling or enjoying the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Associates
- Founder and CEO of Families First of Virginia, Inc
John Murray is a Founder and CEO of Families First of Virginia, Inc. He earned his Bachelors degree in Psychology from Elon University, and his Masters degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. John has more than 22 years experience working with foster and adoptive children and families and has specialized training in Neurofeedback and Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. He is honored and humbled by serving those in need as a social worker for over 30 years.
John was born and grew up in Scotland. He started his career in the US as an engineer with General Electric. After completing an MBA he branched into business consulting with a large public accounting firm, and there he focused primarily on health care. In this position as a senior consultant he managed both mergers and the startup of various medical groups.
John later, along with two associates John Murray and Jennifer Tuggle founded Families First of Virginia, Inc., and feels privileged work with a team of dedicated professionals with a primary purpose and goal of helping children.
John is married, has two adult children and a grandson who keeps him very busy. He plays violin and has a particular interest in 18 th century Scottish fiddle music, but also enjoys playing popular music genres with the band Glasgow Kiss.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Sociology and Urban Studies.
Prior experience in law enforcement, alternative education and juvenile detention settings as well as serving in several roles as Family Counselor, QA Superviso and Placement Coordinator with Families First of Virginia.