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My name is Jani (rhymes with Danny), and I have lived and worked in Pierce County for over 30 years. Here is a little herstory to help you understand me.

  • Born in Olympia, WA in 1973 and grew up with 2 younger brothers and my mother (my father passed away when I was 4).

  • Attended public schools in Olympia and had an amazing experience. Decided that I wanted to be an educator.

  • Watched my mother advocate for students in the Olympia area as a long time member of the school board.

  • Graduated from Capital High School in 1992 and got my first job as a camp counselor at St. Albans Girl Scout. I returned to camp every summer for the next 10 years.

  • Attended Pacific Lutheran University and majored in Biology, while earning my elementary teaching certificate.

  • Worked as a substitute teacher in Tacoma, Bethel and Franklin Pierce School Districts for over a year, and learned all the things that they do not teach you in the college classroom.

  • Started my first full time teaching position in the Clover Park School District at Lochburn Middle School. I taught Technology Education, Leadership and Yearbook and loved the students I worked with every day. After 10 years of working with many amazing educators I wanted a change.

  • Earned my Masters Degree from the University of Washington-Tacoma in Educational Technology.

  • Married Paul Hitchen while working at Lochburn and we were living in Parkland.

  • Accepted a position in the Bethel School District in 2009 at Spanaway Junior High, teaching 9th grade Physical Science. I moved to Liberty Junior High when it opened and when 9th graders were moved to the high school, I followed. Worked as a biology, physical science and physics teacher at Graham Kapowsin High School.

  • Was a proud member of the Bethel Education Association union and it was their encouragement that inspired my interest and involvement to run for office.

  • Ran for the Pierce County Council in 2020, and won.

  • Was sworn in, January of 2021 and have loved the opportunities to make impactful changes as a member of the Council.

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My husband Paul, passed away in March of 2019, and though we had been working towards me one day running for office, I became inspired to NOT WAIT. You might not have a tomorrow to make the changes and do the work you want to and need to do. I am running with his blessing and know that he would be behind me 100%.

I am so glad I did, and I want to continue the work I have begun.

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