Born at St. Mary’s Hospital and a proud graduate of Reno High School, Janet is a second-generation Nevadan whose parents made Reno their permanent home after being stationed at Stead Air Force Base. Deeply committed to her roots, Janet is passionate about carrying forward her family’s legacy of helping build a thriving community, culture, and economy in Northern Nevada.
Janet earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Brigham Young University and began her career as an educator in the Nebo School District in Springville, Utah. After returning to Reno, she obtained her Nevada teaching license and continued her work with the Washoe County School District. While raising three children, Janet not only taught in the classroom but also launched a private K–12 tutoring business and actively volunteered with the PTA, serving both as a classroom support and an advocate for students and families.
Over the past decade, Janet’s focus in learning and development has expanded globally. Through her work with HFM, she has played a key role in introducing and supporting civic education curricula that promote democracy in Eastern Europe. Her work has taken her to Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Mandalay, Myanmar—where she also developed a fondness for Trdelník!
Janet has also devoted years of service in various leadership and volunteer roles within her local church congregation, further reflecting her commitment to community and service.
She met her husband, Gordon, while attending Brigham Young University, and together they are joyfully celebrating over 40 years of marriage. They have three children and six grandchildren. Janet finds joy in spending time with her grandchildren and enjoys playing the violin, water sports, snow skiing, biking, hiking, traveling, and making lasting memories with her family.