Page 18 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE Digital_Neat

MEMBER PROFILE

Facing health-related issues can
be a struggle for anyone that
often transforms into an even
more daunting task when they
must navigate the health system
to ensure the best quality of
care. It can be a stressful time
often requiring a strong voice to
advocate on their behalf to receive
that care.
For the past year, Jen Higgins has been
providing just that voice through her
burgeoning business Living Better With Jen.
“I am a medical health advocate and
provide health coaching with a twist,” says
the Cambridge entrepreneur, describing
her work in assisting others. “It might be
someone who requires help with their
aging parents who need care and trying to
determine if they need assisted living or
even hospitalization. Or it may be someone
trying to lose weight, or someone dealing
with hormonal issues and needs advice
about making informed choices. I’m here to
help people walk through their journeys.”
Growing up in Waterloo, her journey in the
medical field began when she became a
psychiatric nurse at the Homewood Health
Centre in Guelph fresh out of university but
soon realized it was not the right fit.

“I knew that mental health nursing wasn’t
necessarily what I wanted to do forever,”
says Jen. “I learned to do dressing changes
on a mannequin in school and then I came
to Homewood and discovered I wasn’t
really doing hands-on care, and I worried
about losing my skills.”
A career switch to community nursing
which took her to patients’ homes around
Waterloo Region provided her with the
opportunity she craved to maintain those
skills and support others. It also enhanced
her empathy towards others facing difficult
situations.
‘The reality is, life is “My family didn’t have a lot of money when
I was growing up and I couldn’t afford to
spend years attending university, so a year
never perfect’ - Jen Higgins and half of school was in the budget and
nursing seemed like the best choice,” she
says. “As soon as I got into the program, I
immediately loved it and I also have always
had a gentle heart and being a nurse just
sort of fit.”
PHOTOS BY JEN HIGGINS & BRIAN RODNICK

18 Winter 2026 www.cambridgechamber.com