Jenna Tutjer, M.A., M.S.W.

Jenna is an innovative administrator who has expertise in designing and implementing novel programs that meet diverse needs in complex environments. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Physiology and Biobehavioral Science from Teachers College, Columbia University, a master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University, and is licensed as an LMSW. She received her B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California. Her training and life experiences drive Jenna to center equity and common humanity in her work and in her life. She is deeply committed to uplifting community voices and to building collaborative relationships to drive change.

As the Director of Medical Education Integration at the Sanford Institute, Jenna collaborates with the Institute’s six Centers to design, implement, and evaluate empathy and compassion training programs in the medical education pipeline and healthcare environments. Many of the Institute’s core initiatives are ready to be scaled to other schools of medicine and Jenna is leading the effort to build partnerships and adapt content for implementation at other institutions.

Prior to joining the Sanford Institute, Jenna served as the founder and executive director of the Achievement Initiative at the Columbia University School of Social Work. Working with the New York State Department of Education as chair of the statewide advisory board, Jenna spearheaded a shift in programming towards social-emotional learning and trauma-informed interventions for 47 projects serving more than 10,000 students annually in New York State. Jenna was an Adjunct Professor, teaching motivational interviewing to graduate social work students, and served as an Educational Coordinator, mentoring and training graduate social work students in their field practicum. She also served as the founder and co-chair of the Columbia University interdisciplinary seminar on collaborative partnerships for community youth and families. Prior to Columbia, Jenna served as the Associate Director at the Community Leadership Center at Rutgers University, Camden campus, as well as the Director of the Hunter College Liberty Partnerships Program.