Jennifer DeShaw, JD

Jennifer supports implementation efforts for the Center for Health System Transformation. She is an advanced writer, editor, and researcher with a comprehensive background in law, government, and public policy focused on behavioral health, economic stability programs, and health systems and data. In her role at the Institute, Jennifer supports the work of the Center for Health System Transformation where she manages various policy projects and supports regional behavioral health improvement efforts to assess and solve gaps in the continuum of care.

A native Texan, Jennifer graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in government, interning during her undergraduate years at the Texas Capitol before working there as a legislative aide. Jennifer then was an industry content writer and editor for Dun & Bradstreet before attending South Texas College of Law Houston, during which she interned for Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, assisting lawyers with housing law cases. After graduation from law school, Jennifer was a Montessori educator before returning to the Capitol in 2016 to work for the Texas Legislative Council. She served as a policy research specialist and bill analysis reviewer, working closely with the Legislature through analyzing legislation to support public policy development and bill drafting and researching key policy issues, including Medicaid, public health, and behavioral health services. This role also provided her with the opportunity to serve as a Maternal and Child Health Fellow at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Jennifer resides in Austin with her twin sister and two cats. She enjoys reading, visiting local coffee shops, cooking, and spending time with her nephew. She also enjoys being outdoors, hiking, and gardening and would like to visit every national park in her lifetime