Her Story
About Janeice
Janeice Garrard, Ed.D., is a life coach, educator, organizational effectiveness consultant, podcaster, and minister dedicated to helping women navigate personal and professional transitions, overcome limiting experiences, and release unforgiveness that may prevent them from moving forward. She brings more than two decades of experience in public education, where she taught band and choir for over 20 years and served for two years as a school principal. Her educational background includes a doctorate in higher education organizational leadership, a master’s degree in school administration, and a K–12 music education degree.
Following her career in education, Garrard pursued opportunities in higher education but ultimately transitioned into paralegal work while continuing to develop her expertise through professional coaching programs focused on attitudinal healing and forgiveness. She now operates a virtual coaching practice alongside her paralegal career, providing guidance to women seeking greater clarity, purpose, and fulfillment during significant life and career transitions. She is also the creator of the Finding Forgiveness Program and hosts the Claiming Your Voice podcast, where she explores personal growth, empowerment, and the importance of embracing one's voice and future.
Garrard’s professional and personal experiences have shaped her commitment to advocacy and service. As a Korean adoptee who grew up in the Midwest, she explored her own community and educational experiences through her doctoral dissertation, which examined the motivations of Korean adoptees in the region who pursued higher education. In addition to her coaching and educational work, she ministers internationally and advocates for safe housing and support for women escaping sex trafficking and domestic abuse. Through coaching, speaking, ministry, and advocacy, Garrard is committed to helping others find healing, reclaim their voice, and build a future defined by purpose and significance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janeice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the meaningful connections I have built through teaching, ministry, and service. Teaching for three months at a law office was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, allowing me to connect with students from a different perspective and bring the wisdom and experience I have gained throughout my 60s into the classroom. My work as a minister, particularly my commitment to creating safe housing for women escaping trafficking and domestic abuse, has also strengthened my sense of purpose and resilience. Speaking publicly about these issues and advocating for a safe house project have challenged me to remain persistent, even when securing funding and community support is difficult. Ultimately, my success comes from staying committed to serving others, using my voice to advocate for those in need, and continuing to pursue meaningful work despite obstacles.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to first ask yourself whether you genuinely love working with children. In education, we are not simply teaching a subject or delivering a curriculum; we are teaching and supporting children as individuals. It requires patience, compassion, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping students grow. If you have a passion for children and a desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives, education can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, forgiveness, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others grow. After spending 20 years teaching in the public school system, I transitioned into life coaching, where I focus on supporting women navigating career transitions and personal growth. Building my virtual coaching business has reinforced the importance of genuine connection, and meeting a client in person was especially meaningful to me. My academic work, including my doctoral dissertation on Korean adoptees in the Midwest pursuing higher education, and my experience mentoring community college students, particularly international students, have further strengthened my belief in the power of encouragement, understanding, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
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