Janis was born in Marshall, Michigan. She is married to Troy and they have 4 grown children: Brandon, Bill, Emily, and Troy.

In 1990, her neighbor, Kathy, shared the gospel with her continuously. The next year, Janis and Troy both came forward at a Billy Graham crusade at the Kingdome. “My life took a 180-degree turn from that day forward. I praise God for His great forgiveness, mercy, and grace that I received that day and continue to receive each new day! (Lamentations 3:22–23),” Janis says, “Thankful for each new day to serve Him!”  

She began attending Christ’s Church in 2000. She loves ministering and sharing the Word of God through creative storytelling. Janis states, “I am thankful to God and honored that He is allowing me to serve Him doing Kingdom work at Christ’s Church. I love being useful and love, love, love serving, encouraging others, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the children and families in our community through Sunday school, Awana, and community outreach events.”

In her spare time, she enjoys writing songs, stories, and poetry. Janis also enjoys reading and listening to Bible commentaries (especially from Dr. James Vernon McGee). She loves going for long walks, gardening, birdwatching, and cake decorating.  

Her favorite books are Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, and David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Janis’ favorite childhood memory is working with her dad at the small-town movie theater he owned in Michigan.  Even at the young age of 5, her dad let her serve at the concessions stand. “I loved this time in my life! All the free movies, pop, and popcorn I wanted,” she says. Her favorite local getaway is just walking on the Redondo boardwalk with her husband.