Dr. Yen was born in the city of Taipei, Taiwan. Shortly before the age of eight, her parents chose to immigrate to the United States, despite knowing only a few family members, no understanding of the language and no job prospects. Dr. Yen faced the challenge of learning a brand new language and culture, but with the support of wonderful teachers and her loving parents, Dr. Yen soon adapted to her new life. She strove for academic excellence, while balancing her family’s traditional Chinese culture and the more Westernized perspective of her peers.
By the time she reached college, Dr. Yen was accepted into the University of Houston Honors College with scholarships, and she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. She attended the University of Texas Medical School in Houston and obtained her Medical Doctorate in 2006. Dr. Yen received her general psychiatry residency training there before completing her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.
Since the completion of her training, Dr. Yen has split her time between a successful private practice and community and academic work. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry with the University of Houston Medical School in Houston, and she is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry with Baylor College of Medicine. She has served as the staff psychiatrist for Asian American Family Services, a non-profit organization serving the Asian American population in Houston. She is involved in local and national psychiatric organizations, and she speaks regularly on topics of mental health and mental disorders.
In addition to her professional work, Dr. Yen also has an alter ego in J.L. Clark, a writer whose mission is to connect with and encourage young people through enthralling storylines and engaging characters. Dr. Yen began her writing career in the fourth grade, writing short stories, poetry and fan-fiction starring strong and intelligent girls and women. She was recently inspired to pen The Avalon Relics, a young adult fantasy fiction series, after being introduced to several young adult books that depicted weak heroines and unhealthy relationships. Dr. Yen is currently working on several projects, including the third book of The Avalon Relics, and a storybook and game narrative for a local gaming company, Artistic Justice Games. She also recently accepted a position as Health Editor for CKW Luxe, a local luxury philanthropic magazine.
Dr. Jennifer Yen Clark aka J. L. Clark
