Jan a Kansas native, received a BS in Nursing from Kansas University and joined the Navy Nurse Corps.  She has had the opportunity to travel extensively and live overseas, both in Burma and Japan.

In Virginia Beach in 1986, Jan became interested in pottery and began taking lessons. She now has her own studio and works mostly with Raku pottery. She retired from nursing after 40 years and now enjoys clay, gardening and travel, primarily cruising.  Jan is a member of Ceramic Designers Association.