Serves on the board of medical advisors for Seal Future Foundation
5by5 Performance Therapy
My brothers are my greatest source of motivation. Ricky, my younger brother, is an extraordinary person who lives with profound disabilities. From a young age, my parents instilled in us the belief that Ricky was a gift — someone we were meant to learn from, protect, and advocate for. My older brother, Jeff, has always been my hero. As a Blackhawk pilot in the Army, he has exemplified courage, dedication, and leadership — qualities I deeply admire and aspire to emulate. I've gained more brothers along the way, including mentors within the special operations population, along with my 501c3 co-founder, Steve Nisbet. These humans are, and continue to be, the reason I am committed to helping others find happiness and meaning in their lives.
Jennifer Byrne was born and raised in Connecticut and attended undergraduate school at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Byrne commissioned in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in OT and entered active duty in January of 2014 after earning her Master of Science in OT. As a First Lieutenant, she created the Air Force’s first special operations training performance team, earning her Biomedical Science Corps CGO of the Year for 2016. She created numerous innovative healthcare programs for the military including embedded programs. In 2020, Jenn separated from the Air Force because she felt that she could help more military members as a civilian. She formed 5by5 Performance Therapy, a multidisciplinary therapeutic program for special operators and simultaneously returned to school to earn her doctorate degree in occupational therapy through Boston University in 2021. That year, Jenn and her Pararescue colleague formed Shields & Stripes, a 501c3 serving military and first responders with a 3-month holistic therapeutic program.
