Janell grew up in Castle Dale, Utah. She attended Snow College and graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Family, Consumer and Human Development from Utah State University. She has worked as a reading aid and paraprofessional in two elementary schools and has volunteered many hours as a part of her children's PTA presidencies.

Janell lives in her hometown with her husband and four children, 3 girls and one boy. Her kids keep her on her toes since her girls are all busy teenagers and her little boy is a busy 3 year old! The family is in the process of starting to run part of her family's farm and they are excited for that prospect. Janell enjoys decorating her house, spending time with her family and helping her kids run an at-home cookie delivery business! She loves working for Utah Online and helping her students achieve their goals!