Most days of the week, if you visit HAC’s second floor fitness center, you’re likely to be greeted with a welcoming smile, a spark of energy, or even a contagious laugh from Jen Rozeboom. Jen is one of those people who makes a space feel brighter simply by being in it, which makes her the perfect fit for her role as Recreation and Community Wellness Assistant Manager here at HAC.
Jen’s journey to Holland Aquatic Center was driven by a lifelong passion for people. She grew up in Oakley, Michigan, before moving to Holland around age nine. After graduating from high school, she pursued studies in nursing at Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University. Nursing gave her a deep appreciation for health, but she found herself thriving most when she was connecting with others.
Before joining our team, Jen spent more than 20 years working in hospitality in downtown Holland. She loved the fast pace, the bustle, and most of all, the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. (Even now, she continues to run into folks who fondly remember her from years prior.) Anyone who meets Jen can instantly see how that customer-focused background shaped her: she radiates warmth, positivity, and genuine care for every person she encounters.
After two decades in hospitality, Jen was ready for something new. “I’ve always had an interest in fitness, so I thought [HAC] would be a great place to start,” she explains. She joined HAC just over a year ago as a fitness attendant and quickly found her stride. Her passion, curiosity, and excitement for wellness opened doors for growth, and she soon stepped into her current role working closely with department manager Jen Ritsema to help expand and strengthen our fitness and wellness offerings.
“This is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had,” Jen says with a smile. “I love that we support people’s health. Everyone is happy when they come to HAC!”
To Jen, HAC is more than a workplace. It’s a community built around shared goals. “I like that everyone is here for the same purpose: seeking health and happiness. They make friends and socialize… It’s a really happy place to be.”
Her love of learning is also fueling her development as a fitness professional. Jen holds a group fitness certification, recently completed a strength training course, and is actively working toward a Mat Pilates instructor certification. She’s even considering pursuing an aqua fitness certification in the future. Compared to the structured memorization of nursing school, she describes her current education as more engaging. She explains that a deeper and more personal connection to the material keeps her motivated.
When you see Jen around the building, don’t hesitate to say hello! She’ll likely greet you with laughter, encouragement, and maybe even a new fitness tip she just learned and can’t wait to share. We’re grateful to have her on the HAC team, and we can’t wait to see where her passion leads next.
Learn more about Jen
Favorite food: Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts
Favorite place to visit: The beach! Any beach will do!
Best vacation: I used to take my two sons camping for a week every year. I loved spending time together as a family without distractions—we were each other’s only entertainment.
Things that bring me joy: Sunny days propel me forward.
Favorite sport: I love to watch ice skating and gymnastics.
At Holland Aquatic Center, our facilities are awesome and so is our staff. In this We Are HAC! series, we will introduce you to the people who love to teach, coach, protect, serve, and inspire here. Our amazing team, more than 150 strong, is passionate about empowering healthy, connected lives through aquatics and wellness programming.