My Biography
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Janis grew up in the country in Jonesboro, IN. She graduated salutatorian from Mississinewa High School in Gas City, IN in 1986 then went to Ball State in Muncie, IN 1986-87 with 4 year complete scholarship studying general education while deciding on a major. She transferred to Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN in 1987 to study biochemistry to work in the field of industrial hygiene but transferred to St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in Lafayette, IN (affiliated with St. Joseph College in Renssalaer, IN) in 1990 after changing majors to nursing. She moved to Delphi, IN in 1992 where she married Jeff Chrissikos in January of 1993 then graduated salutatorian with an RN diploma from St. Elizabeth in May 1993.
Their first daughter, Jocelyn Elizabeth, born February 1996, in the hospital where Janis was an ICU nurse, with an OB. During her time in ICU she was certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and was a member of the code team, responding to all "Code Blue" emergencies in the hospital. She also became nationally certified as a Certified Critical-Care Registered Nurse (CCRN). The family moved to Fort Wayne, IN in August 1996, where Janis worked at Lutheran Hospital. Their second daughter, Emeline Victoria, was born at home March 1998 with a doula and an apprentice-trained, direct entry Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) but Jeff caught. After this birth, Janis did not return to Lutheran. She became a certified birth doula through BirthWorks and started attending homebirths with CPMs, as well as taking private hospital clients. She then started working as a Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) at the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center.
Their first son, Nathaniel David, born at home Christams Eve, 2000, weighing 9 lb 12 oz with a 14 3/4 in head (which was WAY bigger than the previous 6 lb 9 oz baby!), with a doula and another apprentice-trained direct entry midwife. Their second son, Nicholas Elias, was born at home February 2003, weighing 9 lb 11 oz, with a doula and an RN lay midwife. After this birth, Janis stopped working at the sexual assault center and began as an independent contractor with a homebirth certified nurse-midwife (CNM) practice.
The family moved to the country outside of Auburn in December 2003. Their third son, Matthew Joseph, was born at home December 28, 2004 in water before the midwife arrived so Janis caught him with her doula. Although having used a labor tub for the previous 3 babies, this was the first waterbirth. Sylvianne Marietta was born July 28, 2007 with Laura Gilbert CNM. This was the biggest baby yet at 10 lbs. Janis has homeschooled all the children since kindergarten. She has also nursed all 6 children.
Janis returned to Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne (IPFW) in May 2006 to complete a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree but enrolled instead at Frontier Midwifery Services in the Nurse-Midwifery Master's Program to complete the Master's Degree and become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).
WORK EXPERIENCE
RN on progressive cardiopulmonary unit 1993-1995 (St. Elizabeth, Lafayette, IN). RN in general ICU (med-surg, neuro and cardiac bypass) 1995-1996 (St. Elizabeth also). RN in critical care registry floating between med-surg ICU, coronary ICU, cardiovascular ICU, neonatal ICU, pediatric ICU and ER 1996-1998 (Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN). Doula 1999-present (Bedside Manners, Fort Wayne/Auburn, IN). Forensic nurse examiner (FNE) 1999-2003, specializing as an adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) (Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center, Fort Wayne, IN). Forensic interview, history, evidence collection, forensic photography, physical clients ages 14 and up reporting sexual assault occurring in the last 96 hours. Also taught several practicuums on pelvic exams for SANE training seminar. An independent contractor as an RN with a CNM homebirth practice since 2003, assisting with prenatal and postpartum care, labor and birth, breastfeeding support and education.
Below is a picture of Janis and her husband, Jeff, taken in 2006.
PRESENTATIONS, PUBLICATIONS AND SUCH
Article on Grieving and Healing for BirthWorks newsletter in 2002. Published 3 part series article on birth strategies in BirthWorks newsletter in 2003. Guest speaker at St Francis University School of Nursing BSN program to discuss career opportunities for RNs. Speaker for 3 sessions of an AWHONN (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical and Neonatal Nurses) continuing education program March 03 with the following educational objectives:
1. Identify potential fetal position and second stage problems associated with epidurals.
2. Describe birthing strategies to compensate for epidural complications.
3. Describe techniques to facilitate fetal descent.
4. Identify methods to reposition vertex malpresentations.
5. Describe comfort techniques for back labor.
6. Explain how the nurse can facilitate the patient’s desire for natural childbirth.
7. Identify methods the nurse can use to promote patient satisfaction in difficult births.
8. List barriers to utilizing birthing strategies with present birthing practices.
9. Describe historical evolution of the doula.
10. Define doula.
11. List typical training requirements for the doula.
12. Identify benefits of doula support.
13. Identify role of doulas in the hospital setting.
14. Identify negative aspects of doulas in the hospital setting.
15. Describe how nurses and doulas work together as birth team members.
Below left is a photo of our house, which is the satelitte office for Homebirth and Women's Health.
