Jane was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in Wilbraham (home of Friendly Ice Cream and the former Stateline Potato Chips). She attended Mile Tree School, Soule Road School and Minnechaug Regional High School. Jane spent one year out of those 18 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Jane’s family moved to Tuscaloosa and lived on the campus of University of Alabama (Roll Tide Roll!), where Jane’s father worked on a post-doctoral fellowship in chemistry. That year (fifth grade), Jane attended Verner Elementary School and swam in the University Aquatic Club.
Jane was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in June of 1975, at what is now Baystate Medical Center. Her first diet soda was Diet Pepsi, closely followed by Tab, Diet Sprite and Fresca. The family was filled with relief (yet disbelief) that she actually liked it!
Jane took ballet lessons from Adeline R. Johnson for 13 years. She played field hockey and swam on the synchronized swim team in high school. She also played (flute) in the band and sang in the Madrigal Singers.
Jane attended St. Olaf College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology. While at St. Olaf, Jane sang in the St. Olaf Choir.
Immediately after graduating from college, Jane continued her education at Yale University School of Nursing. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing and became a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. While at Yale, Jane sang in the Yale Camerata. Jane’s master’s thesis was titled, Impact of Diabetes on the Family.
A few years later, Jane went back to school for her doctorate. She attended University of Connecticut School of Nursing, where she earned her PhD in Nursing. Jane’s doctoral dissertation was titled, The Lived Experience of Female Adolescents with Diabetes. During her time at UConn, Jane met her husband, Randall W. Hannaway. They were married and Jane joined Randall in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where they currently live with their two teenagers.
When she is not working (see Jane’s Professional Profile) or spending time with her family, Jane enjoys walking, hiking, snowshoeing, music, reading, baking, writing, and mowing the lawn (but not weeding). Jane’s favorite vacation spots are Cape Cod and Lake Ossipee (New Hampshire).