Jena Snyder

Educational Background

Bachelor of Arts in English/Journalism, Baylor University
Masters in Education, School Counseling, Dallas Baptist University
LPC Associate, Board Certified Christian Counselor, Licensed School Counselor

Joined LCA

August 2014

My Family

Jena Snyder currently serves as the Director of Guidance Counseling and Guidance Counselor for the Upper School campus, grades 9-12. Her background includes a Masters Degree in School Counseling from Dallas Baptist University, a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University (SIC ‘EM BEARS!), and over 20 years of experience in education. Having taught all grades from 6th-12th, as well as college-level students, she is no stranger to the academic environment and the challenges it can sometimes present. As a Licensed School Counselor, Board Certified Christian Counselor and an LPC-associate, Jena loves her job and believes the Lord has placed her at Legacy “for such a time as this.”

Jena is married to the love of her life, Edward, and between the two of them, they have five children (Nichole, James, Amanda, Kyle, and Avery) and two precious grandsons (Jackson and Ace). She is also proud mama to our Upper School therapy dog Annie, a twelve-pound mini golden doodle with curly red hair. And yes, she’s named after Annie in the musical because “The sun will come out tomorrow…”

Jena was born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma. She loves hanging out with her husband and her family, shopping for bargains, searching for and restoring the beauty in old, rusty things, and writing (when she has the time). She tries to look for the good in everything and believes that life is full and beautiful and sometimes messy! Through it all, her prayer is that the Lord will find her faithful.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the school day might be surprising. I keep a candy jar in my office (yes, partially to bribe the kids to come by and say hello), and it’s those simple little drop-ins that make my day. It brings me joy and brightens my world to feel the students’ energy and excitement and be brought in on all the little details of their lives. Much of my day is full of serious talks, but this is more the “Oh Mrs. Snyder, you’ll never guess who Face-timed me last night,” or “That test was SO hard, I need chocolate” or “I GOT MY LICENSE!!!” It’s all the news they can’t wait to tell me. It’s the giggles and the sighs and all the highs and lows of being a teenager and all that goes with it. It’s the sweetest, most welcome interruption I have.

What is your favorite scripture? Why?

My favorite verse hangs above my desk where I can continually be reminded of it. It’s Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” God gave me this verse when I was walking through a very hard time in my life, and it is a beautiful reminder that no matter what I face, I am covered by a God who gives me peaceful shelter from the storm. I like that thought. The world can be really difficult this side of heaven. But I am so grateful that I have a Hiding Place. Because of this verse, I collect anything with wings on it!