Congratulations to Janice Carello who is our IAJW Member of the Month for January 2026!
A message from Lynda Monk, Director, IAJW.org
Janice Carello, PhD, LMSW (she/her) is being acknowledged as our IAJW Member of the Month. Janice has been a long-time member of our journaling community and I have always appreciated her presence in our member events. She has a warm, gentle, and strong presence that exudes from her. Even in the medium of Zoom, I can always feel Janice’s warmth and engagement. She is always smiling and listening deeply as others share their journaling and stories. I’m always happy to see, even when she is quiet in group sessions, her presence can be warmly felt. Thank you, Janice! I appreciate you and I see you amazing journal writer.
Janice also completed our Art of Journal Coaching (AOJC) training and often joins us for Mastermind sessions that are held especially for participants in the AOJC program. Her consistent presence in our journaling community means a lot me and others too!
Get to know more about Janice in her Member of the Month Interview…
Where do you live?
New York, USA
Why did you join the IAJW?
I still remember the jolt of joy I felt when I discovered the IAJW! Journaling has been an integral part of my personal and professional life, and I was immediately drawn to the warmth of the IAJW community and the abundance of resources.
My favourite part of being an IAJW member is…
Being part of a community that values writing as a shared, accessible practice. I especially appreciate the “Writing Alone Together” sessions and the many other ways IAJW creates space for connection, reflection, and learning. I feel a true sense of belonging in the IAJW.
What is one of your favourite books on journal writing or creative inspiration?
It’s hard to choose just one. I’ve recently been inspired by Suleika Jaouad’s The Book of Alchemy and Lisa Weinert’s Narrative Healing. And Monk & Maisel’s Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapist, and Clients is a source I return to personally and professionally—it’s well-worn in the best possible way.
The one thing I would like you to know about me is…
In addition to using journals, I also love making and gifting them, including art journals and altered books. I can be shy about sharing my creative work more widely, but one of my goals in the new year is to be brave and submit one of my creations to an art journaling magazine.
My favourite part of being an IAJW member is…
The wonderful diversity and the expressive goodness of each member present on any given IAJW venue.
Anything else you might like to share…
Writing has been a steady companion throughout my life—sometimes quiet, sometimes transformative, always grounding. I’m grateful for spaces like the IAJW where writing is approached with curiosity, care, and compassion. I’m continually inspired by the creativity, bravery, and authenticity of this community.
Author: Janice Carello, PhD, LMSW
Janice is a member of the IAJW global journaling community and a regular journal writer. She is co-editor, with Phyllis Thompson, of the book Trauma-Informed Pedagogies: A Guide for Responding to Crisis and Inequality in Higher Education.
Leave Janice a comment
Congratulate her on being our IAJW Member of the Month. Also feel welcome to tell her: “Hello amazing journal writer, I see you!”
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