Biography
Jennifer Bechtel is a seasoned aging services strategist and education program specialist with extensive experience in outreach, curriculum development, workforce education, and community engagement. As Program Manager in The Ohio State University College of Medicine's Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology, she leads innovative aging education initiatives that prepare current and future professionals to deliver person-centered, age-friendly care. Jennifer specializes in designing educational programs that strengthen soft skills, foster empathy in practice, and challenge age-related stereotypes through immersive learning experiences and evidence-informed curriculum.
With more than 25 years of experience spanning nonprofit and academic settings, Jennifer is passionate about transforming how aging is understood across healthcare and community systems. She collaborates with interdisciplinary partners to develop educational strategies that build confidence, compassion, and practical skills for working with older adults and family caregivers. Her work emphasizes the importance of relational care, healthy longevity, dementia awareness, and creating meaningful connections that improve the quality of life for older adults while preparing a workforce equipped to meet the needs of our rapidly aging population.