Jan comes from Albany, Oregon. She graduated college with a joint Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from George Fox University and Western Oregon State College. She has always loved working with children. Before moving to the Dominican Republic, she taught in a Christian elementary school for six years. She also served as Dean of Girls at Western Mennonite High School from which she graduated.

Jan has always cared for those who are hurting, especially the defenseless, and showing them the way to Christ. She is thankful for her rich Christian heritage and supportive family, many of whom are pastors and missionaries. Because of her family’s influence in her life and what Christ has done, she is passionate about serving and reaching out to others in her community or overseas. Her heart’s desire is to see those living in captivity set free in the Lord as stated in Isaiah 61.

Jan first came to the Dominican Republic in 1989 where she served as Assistant Director/Teacher at the Ark Children’s Home. Kid’s Alive International acquired the Ark in 1993. Currently Jan serves as the director of The Fountain of Living Water School in Palo Blanco, which she started 17 years ago.

In her free time, she enjoys scrapbooking, spending time with friends, playing board games, and reading a good book.

Matthew 20:28, “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”