About the author

Jennifer Harris is a writer, musician, and minister who leverages her extensive special education experience and innate compassion to create meaningful art for all ages. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she received her early education in the city’s public schools. During high school, she participated in a child development program, which sparked her interest in special education. Jennifer went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Central State University and a Master of Science in Christian Counseling from Cairn University. A lifelong learner, Jennifer continues to further her education through professional development programs.

In 1994, Jennifer returned to her hometown to work with students in the School District of Philadelphia. She served as a learning support teacher in mathematics and reading for grades K-4 at the General George Meade School for over three decades. Jennifer specialized in learning support, emotional support, autistic support, and life skills support in both self-contained classrooms and inclusion settings. Her educational philosophy takes every student’s unique needs into account and adapts methods to help them produce their best work. While working at Samuel B. Huey Elementary School, Jennifer spearheaded the creation of the school’s award-winning debate team, which has since received multiple grants to further its operations. Jennifer has also leveraged her skills as a counselor to provide professional advice to other general education teachers and support staff. Jennifer is a master communicator, and her kindhearted, enthusiastic, and focused approach propels everyone to achieve beyond expectations.

Jennifer’s passion for helping others extends beyond formal education. She is the founder of the nonprofit Speak Life Graciously, Inc. This organization creates uplifting literature and music aimed at children, particularly at-risk youth, and honors adults for their acts of kindness and generous contributions to the community. Speak Life Graciously, Inc. is committed to offering hope, support, and emotional guidance to individuals as they pursue their goals and discover their life purpose. Jennifer will be launching her new children’s book, Mighty Hopeful, through Speak Life Graciously, Inc. in fall 2026, along with an accompanying song and play promoting the theme, “Stop the Bullying!”

Jennifer also gives back to her community through her work as a minister. In a program sponsored by Alpha Ministries, Jennifer serves as a bible teacher and counselor twice a month at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Eagleville, PA. Jennifer is an ordained minister at the Power in the Cross International Ministries Church in Norristown, PA, and she is currently serving as a pastor assistant as Pastor Mario Ford, Sr. recovers from an accident. She makes the most of her innate empathy, unwavering dedication, and excellent communication skills to support the mission and vision of the Power in the Cross Ministries. Working collaboratively alongside Pastor Ford and the ministerial team members, Jennifer embraces opportunities to engage in outreach programs such as supporting families living at the Salvation Army, assisting with drug awareness campaigns, feeding the homeless, hosting prayer vigils, facilitating prayer walks, and conducting street evangelism near her job. Jennifer is intentional about sharing the Word of God and displaying the love of Jesus to everyone she encounters.