Janessa came to the CBS 11 News family in October 2011 after working at affiliate FOX News and ABC 13 in Anchorage as a news, sports, and weather anchor.

"I was the kid that grew up watching Alaska weather on television saying, one day I will do that!" says Janessa.

Janessa is very familiar with Alaska weather, as she is a homegrown Alaskan. She is also known as an athlete around the community for being a part of the only team in Alaska history to win three consecutive state 4A basketball titles.

Even though she was a part of history while playing basketball, Janessa had a passion for volleyball. She earned a full scholarship to Winston-Salem State in North Carolina where she earned her degree in Mass Communication.

After college, she decided to pursue her modeling career in Hollywood California. Being in front of a camera became second nature and her dreams of being a spokesmodel became a reality.
She enjoyed the big lights for two years, but always had a passion for weather and her home state, Alaska. On what was supposed to be a quick visit home, Janessa saw an opportunity to be a fill-in Weather Anchor. She took it and ran with it. It was her dream finally coming true. She took a leap of faith and gave up the red carpet for her life-long dream in her hometown.

Along with waking you up to cheery weather each morning, Janessa is currently on the road to getting her degree in Meteorology from Mississippi State.

Her passions are marathon running, exploring severe weather, and, number one, being with her family.

When Janessa isn't exploring the wonderful world of weather you will probably find her out shopping for the latest shoes or preparing to watch her favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys.

Janessa is an avid supporter of the community and children of Alaska, and she enjoys being a mentor and voice for those that have desires to dream bigger then anyone expects of them.