Janelle brings 26 years of experience in elementary and middle school education — as a teacher and administrator across multiple districts — to her work as a counseling intern. Her years spent connecting with students, families, and communities from diverse backgrounds deepened her awareness of the emotional and developmental needs that go beyond academics, and ultimately drew her toward a career in counseling.

She is completing her internship under supervision while finishing her Master's in Counseling and Psychological Services from St. Mary's University. She also holds a Master's in Reading Education and an Education Specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas, and a Bachelor's in Education from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

Janelle believes wholeheartedly that her clients are the experts in their own lives. She takes a strengths-based, developmental approach grounded in existential and Adlerian frameworks, with a focus on meaning, purpose, belonging, and contribution. She sees her role as creating a space where safety and genuine curiosity make room for growth and self-discovery. Janelle has a particular love for working with children, adolescents, families, and adults navigating life transitions — walking alongside them as they find their footing and their place in the world. When she's not in session, Janelle enjoys traveling, gardening, and hiking local trails.