Jenny Rae (Herndon) Nelson

“The staff were so positive and encouraging,” shared (Herndon) Nelson.

During her years as a Barlow Bruin, Jenny felt supported by Sam Barlow High School faculty such as Sharon Flood and Tom Johnson. 

She was involved in volleyball, basketball, and track. Staying involved in extracurricular activities helped her stay focused on her academics and future goals. 

After graduating, she continued her passion for playing Division I volleyball at Washington State University and earned a degree in psychology. She spent many years coaching volleyball across age groups, including at the collegiate level at Corban University.  

She’s spent a lifetime serving others in her personal and professional life. She started her career as a mental health advocate and treatment specialist at the Waverly Children’s Home. She’s worked at Youth Guidance Association, Head Start, Multnomah County, and Integrated Services Network.

Currently, she works with intellectually and developmentally disabled adults in Lincoln and Tillamook counties and finds it to be a blessing in her life. 

She and her husband live on the beautiful Siletz River in Lincoln City. They share four children together. Most of their days are spent fishing, crabbing, boating, and spending time with family and friends.