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I grew up with Jennifer in Champion Ohio and knew she would do incredible things with her life.  Georgia Singer Scott

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I grew up with Jennifer in Champion Ohio and knew she would do incredible things with her life.  Georgia Singer Scott

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Dr. Romack pushed us to another level of learning.  While taking her motor learning class, I remember how challenging it was.  She expected you to be prepared and professional every time you showed up for class.  She would let you know if you weren't  haha!
Dr. Romack was a passionate and caring professor.  She will be missed !! My condolences to her family.

Jason J.
Former Student

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Strong Leader
It has been a wonderful pleasure to have known Jennifer!  As both proud mother of Emma and as professor of Kinesiology overseeing groups of students enrolled in the Motor Development class she always demonstrated exemplary practice in teaching and providing service to many. She was a strong leader, mentoring people along the way and sharing her expertise with all of us. In 2006 she collaborated with the CHIME Infant and Toddler Program on a sabbatical project to enhance her professional knowledge and skills. We felt so lucky to have her and she became an instant part of our early intervention professional team as she focused on learning more about young children with mobility issues. She consistently shared that knowledge and passion with her students and was a great support to our staff and families.

Dr. Romack was instrumental in connecting CSUN students in Kinesiology to CHIME Institute programs bringing great benefit to all involved. By sharing her expertise, she made a great, long lasting impact on the quality of CHIME Early Education programs. We are forever thankful for her generosity and appreciative of her generosity.  We will miss her very much.
The CHIME Institute Early Education Program Staff:
Jodie Agnew-Navarro, Erika Barnathan, Annie Cox, Olga Quirarte and Fran Smith

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Without her, I would not be where I am now. As a professor, she inspired me. She loved to teach and sparked the same love for teaching I had within. She always came into class with the biggest smile because she did what she loved. I didn't know it at the time, but she continuously pushed me to strive for more because she believed I could do better, even when I didn't. She filled my life with opportunity. I could not thank her enough for all she has done for me.

Not even a thank you could amount to all you have done for me.

Andrea Cabadas

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What a great person and certainly an outstanding professor, teacher, mentor, researcher, colleague and mom. I have to agree with all of the comments which precede this one. A great smile, a very warm and compassionate human being. A good friend to so many and a super mom to Emma. What a great loss to all. It was an honor and pleasure to have known her and worked with her. As Steve stated “we are all better just having her in our lives.” Such a loss, we have got to end this senseless disease. Fortunately she will remain in the hearts and minds of thousands and will continue to be a powerful role model and influence for so many. Thank you Jennifer.
Don

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Thank you all.  Jennifer was very impactful in my life.  I was Emma's preschool teacher at the Lab School and then when I needed an independent study class in order to get my graduate degree, Jen took me under her wing and we did some amazing work together for kids in the area of motor development. I was able to get my degree, but furthermore, when I went on to help create Our Community School, Jen was very open to coming and seeing our campus and found an opportunity to have KIN students work with our K-3 students.

She was on campus here in late February.  She told me then that she was not well.  We cried together and hugged.  As we pulled away, we looked across my campus and the 20+ students that were working with my third graders.  It was a beautiful, sunny day and there was so much activity and LAUGHTER on the yard - from both kids and university students.  She made that happen and I thanked her for being a part of so many lives and told her I loved her.  It was the last time we spoke.

Today, as I look across my campus out of my office window, I am watching the same amount of activity and laughter from both the CSUN students as well as from my kiddos.  Her legacy will live on here at Our Community School.

I hope to be able to send flowers and pay my respects.  Thank you for keeping me in the loop.  I am sure you are receiving a flood of emails.  She was that amazing!

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Biggest Smile!
When I think of Jen I see a loving mother, lifelong learner and empathetic teacher.
She went through so much personally, but never missed an opportunity to encourage others.
Her smile will be with me always.  I truly miss you, my friend.
PT

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Courageous, passionate, hard working, knowledgeable, sincere and joyful are just a few words that describe Dr. Romack.

Intimidating, was the first thing that came to my mind the first time meeting Dr. Romack. But little did I know, she was the complete opposite. I first knew Dr. Romack as my Kin 325 professor and advisor but after a semester, I had the opportunity in being her intern and part of her research team the last year and a half of my undergrad. Throughout the course of that year and half, I had the pleasure of being guided by the most knowledgeable and passionate educator I've ever met. Dr. Romack loved what she did! It may have been a rough day for her but she still had the passion and energy to teach motor milestones, gross motor skills, fine motor skills and so on. Dr. Romack taught me so much! And, she truly believed in me. She took me under her wing and let me be a part of her Motor Development team. Dr. Romack taught me to be a strong individual, to never give up, to keep on pushing till the end and challenged me in ways I didn't think possible. She made me believe in myself, that I can do anything. Dr. Romack did not just educate me while in school but also taught me the importance about life and family. Dr. Romack had a big heart. Happiness to her was not just about teaching but also about family. The fondest memory I have with Dr. Romack was when we were out doing research for the childcare providers out in Agoura Hills. We were on our lunch break and decided to have our lunches at a near by park in the neighborhood. I remember, we were talking about life and exchanged different stories on how our families are. She talked a lot about her daughter, Emma and how she was always proud of her. The joy in her eyes when she talked about her loved ones was priceless. That day was great! I really got to know who Dr. Romack really was. I will always remember that day; we shared great stories and good laughs. Dr. Romack and I shared some great memories that I will forever cherish.

Dr. Romack, I will miss your big smile, big heart, witty personality, and our great talks. You are truly an inspiration! You were not that intimidating professor/advisor anymore but a friend. And, a friend that turned into family. Thank you for everything! For guiding me through the rest on my undergrad year, pushing me beyond my limit, making me a better student and person. And, a big thank you for always believing in me. Dr. Romack, I will truly miss you and you will always be a part of my life! This is not a goodbye, but a see you later.

- Dana Masangkay

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When I first met Dr. Romack in Kin 325 I said ," oh man she sounds tough." Sure enough, she was but she made us think about what we were learning.  I had interned for her for 1 year and I remember our times in lab. She told me one day that during my first semester interning she was checking on me. My job was to observe students at the Associated Students Children Center during lab. She had left early but I thought she left to a meeting. In reality, she said, " I was spying on you from over the fence. Making sure you did your job." We both laughed and I couldn't believe it.  My second semester interning, I got to see her perform "Poi." She had so much fun and she wanted to eventually do it with the balls on fire. I think my fondest memory will be when she gave me a hug and kiss at an award ceremony in San Fernando.  "I'm so proud of you," she said. I had no idea she was there nor did I know the ceremony was to recognize me.  Dr. Romack has a special place in my heart and I will always remember how strong she was.  May you be at peace and rest my dear. Thank you for the knowledge, tough love and great times.
D.S

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Jennifer Romack was an amazing educator, colleague, and friend. Her passion and energy for her students and research will always be an inspiration to me. And I will definitely miss her funny, witty personality. She was a truly special person.

Kim Henige
Kinesiology faculty member

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I haven't seen Jennifer or been in touch with her very often since our years in Bloomington, Indiana.  Our jobs took us to different places, and life went on.  I would meet Jennifer occasionally, here and there, at conferences. But everytime, I saw her again, it was as in the old days, as if time had not passed.

I am so glad I had the chance to see Jennifer one more time last year at a meeting in Portland.  Despite the many years since the days in Bloomington, Jennifer had not changed; she was still wearing her big, radiant smile.

Daniela Corbetta, Professor

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Jen Romack has been a treasured friend and colleague for 20 years.  We worked together for many years on the Standing Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects, on the Learning Habits Project, and with the Early Childhood Affinity Group.  In each case, Jen’s leadership, respectfulness, and playfulness made these meetings worthwhile, meaningful, and fun.  We always made sure to catch up with each other’s families and I especially appreciated Jen’s honest but optimistic realism about her illness.

Last year, I invited Jen to give a special guest lecture to our graduate students in Early Childhood Education.  Without saying one word to each other, we both knew timing was critical.  To my surprise, she agreed and the learning that took place that Wednesday night in spring 2015 is still influencing students and guests.  Jen was able to share her expert knowledge about young children’s physical development within the larger context of overall development.  Her presentation balanced research, vivid examples, and group participation.  We all sat transformed and transfixed – three graduate students changed their thesis topics right on the spot!

Jen’s legacy is one of award-winning teaching, high quality research, community leader, and she will always be remembered as a beloved, trusted, and valued colleague and friend.  She will be profoundly missed but her blessed memory will live on and continue to inspire.

Carrie Rothstein-Fisch, Educational Psychology and Counseling

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“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

― Eleanor Roosevelt

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I have had the extreme pleasure of knowing Dr. Romack. I have never met a person that carried themselves so well, she always had a smile on her face, always expected the best from you, and always took time to teach....even when it was not in the classroom. She has taught me to be a strong independent person and to always find the best in any situation. Going through her motor development class, back then when I took it it was Kin 325 it was never easy she taught so well and I have never learned so much from a teacher. She was so approachable and I hope one day to touch people's lives as you have done for me and so many other students. She saw things in me I had yet to see and she always pushed me to be better. She guided me with knowledge in the internship programs within motor development and leaded me with guidance into graduate school. If I ever had to ask her about something, she would tell me to "critical think it out" and I would figure it out on my own. I miss the wisdom you have to give and the chance to talk with you once more.  To the best mentor anyone could ask for going through undergraduate and graduate school!! You will be missed greatly.
Natalie Fleming

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I first met Jennifer when she arrived on campus as a newly hired tenure track faculty member. I immediately recognized that she was someone who would make outstanding contributions to CSUN! She had the warmth and personality that made you engage with her right away. She was passionate about teaching and research and through the years we worked together on a number of projects. She was an inspirational leader in every endeavor. We will truly miss her. What a legacy!
Elizabeth Berry, Professor
Emerita

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I was lucky enough to work on a research project with Dr. R for about a year.  Throughout the course of the year I had the opportunity and pleasure of getting to know her and learn from her.  She was truly inspiring, and constantly pushed me to be better, and challenged me in ways I didn't think possible.

I was absolutely heartbroken when I heard the news.  I wish I could have the opportunity to go visit her once more, talk about where I'm at in life, see what advice she could give me, and just talk to her as a friend like we did so often.

I think one of the things I will remember the most is how much she loved her students.  She advised, mentored, and taught all sorts of students from grad students to interns to someone who took her class.  I would always see her face light up when someone would walk into the lab or her office.  She truly cared for and took interests in each student as a person as well as a student.
My sincerest condolences to the family.  I know the pain I feel must be 10 fold for you.  I know she is  smiling down on us all now.

-Chad sticher

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You will be missed for a million reasons here at CSUN and I'm sure at every other place you graced.  Always a good friend and a consummate professional, quick with a smile and a word of support.   We are all better for having known you.   - Steve

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I served on the IRB committee with Jen for eight years. During the last four years or so, she served as the head of the committee. She was bright, insightful, funny, and efficient. When she decided to step down from the committee, I knew it was my time to go as well. Thank you Jen for your wisdom, your kindness, your passion for teaching. CSUN was a better place because you were here.  I will miss you. Rest in peace.
Gaby Chavira

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Jennifer Romack, Ph.D.

Teaching her students by example that balancing what’s important while always striving to challenge yourself  and recognizing there’s no  challenge too great to overcome  and

of course that . . . Motor Behavior just might be . . .

the Center of the Universe though this remains to be confirmed.
Steven Loy

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Thank you Dr. Romack for all the times you showed me that leadership is done by setting an example. Never one to allow "the easy road", Dr. Romack always pushed me to take on task after task with pride and vigor in my internship with her and Dr. AB,  as well as in her class. I never understood then why she pushed me so hard or why she always held me responsible but now as  I've graduated I see it was because she believed in me as well as strongly as she believed in every student she taught. Always wanting the best for her students, Dr Romack had a knack for  seeing the good in every bad situation. I never once heard Dr. Romack make an excuse.  Anytime I was discouraged from rejection or failure to succeed, she'd always encourage me to look at other options and never give up on my goals. We loved talking about Ohio State basketball together or playing UNO with the children in our research group. I will always remember you for believing in me and your memory will live on forever through your family and all of the students you inspired including myself.
Sincerely,
A.B.D.

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Dr. Romack was one of my professors during my most challenging semester in 2008.  My mother passed away from cancer in the middle of the semester.  When I returned to CSUN, I met her for her class at a nearby preschool (part of the class for Kin 335?).  She saw me and gave me a very long hug.  I remember feeling solace and a wave of calm come over me after about 2 weeks of constant grieving.  She helped me get involved with the counsellors on campus to help with bereavement.  I had no idea Dr. Romack had her own battle with cancer until I received the email about her passing.  I hope her family and loved ones will feel the same comfort as she gave to me that day.

-a former student

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I had a hard time even naming this post, as there are no words to adequately describe Dr. Romack. Although I knew her only two semesters she made a huge impact in my college education. She expects a lot from her students and she challenged me to think on my feet, be a better writer,  communicator, and scholar. Dr. Romack was hands down one of the best professors I have ever had, she will be missed greatly. ~C.R.

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I will always cherish the many years that Jen and I worked together at the Early Intervention Program in the Dept of Communication Disorders - especially our work with the Transdisciplinary Assessment Team. I learned so much from her and will miss her terribly.
J.B.A.

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Dr. Romack pushed me. She was NOT an easy grader as anyone who has taken her classes knows. She encouraged us to strive for more, not for herself but for us. I truly believe I'm a better student because of her. I pay more attention to detail and recognize that my hard work doesn't go in vain. She inspired me and sparked an interest in me for motor development. I ended up as an intern in her and Dr. AB's lab.

My condolesences to her loved ones. She is missed.

In her words (after every class): "Have a beautiful day at Cal State Northridge! :)"

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Babies begin to run 6-7 months after walking.  

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Babies begin to run 6-7 months after walking.  

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Dr. R was a very passionate teacher, certainly one of CSUN's greats. I remember when a friend and I would come to her lab just to study for Chemistry. Her smile is something I will never forget. I took her Kin 477 class and the amount of goosebumps she got when talking about infants and different embedded characteristics from birth inspired me to become passionate in my studies especially when motivation is needed. Dr. R, may you rest in peace. You are most likely looking down on me asking me about milestones, rating movements, and asking your jeopardy questions. Miss you Dr. R!!!!!

-A student from your class

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I will forever miss learning from Jen.  She taught me about life, about how to be a professor with integrity, about how to be careful and meticulous in work and still have fun, and so much more.
- Jen's Energizer Bunny