Jan holds a Masters degree in Child Development & Family Relations (counseling) and another in Learning Disabilities (education). She has had a diverse career beginning as a kindergarten teacher and concluding with her most recent position as Executive Director of Promise Place, the nonprofit sexual assault resource center in New Bern, NC. Her work in community colleges, family court and mediation programs, mental health centers and private practice were all critical experiences as she began to turn her attention to deepening spirituality. Jan is a trained spiritual director, completing the program at Sursum Corda in South Carolina. She also completed the UMC General Board of Higher Education Ministry’s Certification in Spiritual Formation at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. Jan is now has a part-time private practice specializing in spiritual direction and trauma therapy. She is a Stephen Ministry Leader at Centenary UMC in New Bern, NC where she lives