Janelle Gann-Austin's life-long love of reading and writing has led to the publication of her first book, A Kid's Guide to Kansas City. She is a native of St. Joseph, Mo. After graduation from Benton High School, she attended Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas where she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in mass communications and political science.

Janelle also holds a Master of Arts degree in management from Baker University’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies in Overland Park, Kansas. In addition to writing, she enjoys cooking, crafts, and being a co-leader of her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Her proudest profession; however, is being mom to Jillian and Jeffrey and wife to John. They live in Kansas City with their beagle, Roxie.