Jennifer Johnstone, A Chatham-Kent Athlete Who Came baCK

Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are now baCK, living, working, and staying connected to our own vibrant sports community in CK.

This week, we feature Dover Centre’s Jennifer Johnstone.

A former NCAA

Here are Jennifer Johnstone’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in what is now the former Dover township, just outside of Chatham.

2. What is your favourite Chatham-Kent pastime?

Just being around Chatham-Kent during the summer and being out in the fields on the farm and playing softball in the evenings. Having grown up on the farm, we spent most of our summers around the farm and I loved being outside all day in the tomato fields or helping my mom in the garden.

3. What did you do after high school?

After high school I attended Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS on a Track scholarship. I did hammer and discus thrower events. I have a BSc. In Exercise Science from MSU. I then attended Western University in London where I did a MSc degree in Kinesiology. I also continued to compete at the national track level in Canada and was an assistant coach for Throws with the university track team. After working for a year at the University I re-entered school at Western and did a Diploma in Pedorthics through the Continuing Education Program. I then worked as a C. Ped(C) in London before returning to Chatham to take over as manager of Bioped Chatham.

4. What are you doing now?

I am a Canadian Certified Pedorthist, C. Ped (C) and the owner of Bioped Chatham. We make custom foot orthoses and do compression socks and bracing of the lower limb. I have been married for 11 years this year and we have three boys, one 7 years old and two 3 year olds.

5. What has made you happiest, or been the best surprise about moving baCK to Chatham-Kent?

Just being closer our families. Our kids have the ability to see their grandparents more often than many others. We appreciate the lifestyle that we can have for our family by choosing to move here.

6. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?

I thinking living in Chatham Kent gives you so much more bang for your dollar. We have access to beaches, conservation areas and trails that allow you to be outdoors and active without spending money. There is so much to do throughout the municipality if you are willing to take a small drive.

7. Why did you choose to move baCK to Chatham-Kent?

We choose to move back to Chatham-Kent to be closer to our families. My husband and I are both from Chatham-Kent and we love to be outdoors and wanted to be able to have a place where we could spend more time enjoying the outdoors and being with our families.

8. Describe your current sports involvement?

I currently play volleyball durning the winter in the YMCA league and slow pitch in the summer. I am also a fitness instructor with the YMCA and teach a cardio kickboxing class two-three times a week called Group Fight. I enjoy being apart of the team at the YMCA because would three boys can all participate in different activities with us. It is a great family atmosphere.