LJ: What is it that you are especially thankful for?

JF: I am thankful for my friends and family and truly believe I am surrounded with wonderful people in my life. In the past 10 years, I have been very fortunate and am grateful to now be able to “give back.” I received much needed support during my "lean years" and have adopted the motto "pay it forward.”

LJ: I know you love helping others...is there an unforgettable gift that you ever received or gave?

JF: A close friend bought me Lasik eye surgery when I couldn't afford it and it changed my life... I'd worn glasses or contacts since I was 12 and didn't know what it was like to be able to read the clock in bed at night. It was tough to accept such an expensive gift, but I learned that sometimes when people offer you something, you should just say "thank you.” I also had my house mortgage paid off by that same friend when I still had about six years left of a 30-year note. Getting out from under that monthly payment when it was a real burden was amazing. It made me vow to help others if I ever got the opportunity. The best gifts I ever gave was to pay for bariatric surgery for a few friends; it has changed their lives, perhaps even saved their lives. That in itself is a gift for me.

LJ: What are your accomplishments outside poker?

JF: I have a college degree in business management from UNLV. Before some recent shoulder surgeries, I was a top-ranked local tennis player for 25 years. I have been involved with many charitable causes most of my life and am especially proud of the work I did in the early '90s with Aid For AIDS of Nevada (AFAN). Last year, I was the recipient of one of the CAI Annual Heroes Awards for volunteer work I've done in my community.

LJ: What are some of your past jobs?

JF: I had all of the usual jobs as a kid: working in nursing homes, diners, and so forth. My first good job was as a Teamster; I drove a forklift and worked in the warehouse for Eddie Bauer.

LJ: What skills or qualities do you have that people would be surprised to know about you? JF: I am a decent singer and I can sew. As a child, my grandmother taught me to sew and I used to make all of my own clothes. LJ: How did you get your start in poker?

JF: I fell in love with poker when I was a teenager and moved to Las Vegas to be a poker dealer shortly after turning 21. I have worked all phases of a poker room. Often I'm asked what I'd be doing if I wasn't involved in poker, and I don't have an answer since my entire adult life has been in this industry.

LJ: Tell us about some of your top poker accomplishments.

JF: I have been a partner in Card Player Cruises for 10 years. In 2009, I was inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame and got to be the Emcee for the 2010 class. Both were thrilling events and I am grateful for having been acknowledged with the award and then noticed as a public speaker (and comedienne). I have had numerous cashes at the WSOP and won the inaugural Japanese Poker Championship a few years ago. I've won many tournaments including back-to-back events inTulsa, OK. I co-founded the Tournament Directors Association and PokerGives.org, and am a World Poker Tour Boot Camp instructor. I also am an active participant of the "WPDG" (Wednesday Poker Discussion Group), a poker group that has met every week for about 12 years.

LJ: What was your most memorable tournament experience?

JF: When I was new to no-limit, I got to play with Phil Laak. This gave me the biggest "aha" moment in my poker life and helped me understand what no-limit was really about. I finally "got it" so to speak and realized that it was a cat and mouse game and not at all card dependent as in limit poker.

LJ: Who are some of your poker mentors?

JF: The late Kenny Flaton, Nick Brancato, Jules and Crispin Leyser, Rick Fuller, Linda Johnson, Mike Sexton, and the entire WPDG gang. These are the people who have talked poker with me and helped me with my game. Sharing expertise is extremely generous and I thank them all.

LJ: Who are your favorite poker players to watch?

JF: Daniel Negreanu, Tom “Durr” Dwan, Joseph Cheong, Mike Sexton, Linda Johnson, Erik Seidel, and many others.

LJ: What are your poker goals/ambitions?

JF: I would like to win a bracelet or major championship. I don't play that many so it's going to be tough.... ya gotta be in it to win it!

LJ: If you could make some changes in poker, what would they be?

JF: I would continue the fight to eliminate abusive behavior in the cardrooms. It would be great to have standardized rules in both tournaments and cash games. If I could wave a magic wand, I'd make the chairs more comfortable and provide good cushions! Being as short as I am, this is important. I'd also bring back seven-card stud.:)

LJ: What do you think you will be doing in 10 years?

JF: I am guessing I'll be doing the same things: charity work and still trying to retire. I am trying to wind down my professional duties and enjoy more play time.

LJ: Where's your favorite place to play poker and why?

JF:Of course I love playing poker on a Card Player Cruises poker vacation – what could be better than combining cruising and poker?

LJ: What is your favorite poker game and limit?

JF: I really enjoy limit Omaha/8 and especially like playing in the $40-80 and $75 - $150 range. I also like all five of the HORSE games.

LJ: Jan, thanks for all you've given to the poker industry. Thanks also for making me laugh so much for the past 30 years!