Janel holds a BS degree from Utah State University in Special Education. She taught in the public schools for seven years. During that time she participated in the statewide autism training and worked as a Mandt trainer for the Weber Utah School District.

Currently, Janel is the Lead Teacher for the ABC classroom in the Up to Three Early Intervention Program at the Center for Persons with Disabilities at USU. This class is for families who have a child with a Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis or are in the proccess of getting one. The ABC classroom follows the DIR/Floortime approach. Janel has completed the coursework for the Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters and is a certified PLAY home consultant.