Written by: Abby de Riel

We have warmly welcomed a new Director of Finance to Wellness in the Schools, Janine Krause! Joining us full-time in the past month, Janine brings to us her background as a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer at multiple for-profit companies. Her blend of operational smarts and her can-do, positive spirit is already at work behind the scenes, and make her an extra wonderful addition to the WITS team. We introduce you to Janine in an interview below. 

What brought you to Wellness in the Schools? 

I joined Wellness in the Schools first as a consultant to help with finances in the summer of 2024. I had left my last full-time job a few months before and was doing some outsourced CFO work for two other clients, and was excited to get exposed to the non-profit world. I very quickly found the work incredibly fulfilling, my colleagues supportive and encouraging, and the WITS culture contagious. I joined WITS full-time at the beginning of 2025 and I have been so happy to work with such amazing people, especially such inspiring and powerful women! 

Why are you so passionate about wellness? What does “wellness” mean to you? 

Wellness encompasses more than just physical health — it’s about nurturing the body, mind, and spirit in a way that fosters balance, resilience, and happiness. For me, wellness means creating a lifestyle that prioritizes physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, while also recognizing the importance of community and connection. I believe that when we intentionally cultivate wellness in our lives, we can unlock our full potential, not only to feel better physically, but also to think more clearly, build stronger relationships, and face challenges with greater strength and optimism. Ultimately, wellness is about finding harmony within ourselves and with the world around us, and it’s something I’m deeply passionate about because it has the power to transform lives. 

With many opportunities and positions in your vast career in the for-profit sector, what insights are you excited to bring to the nonprofit space? 

Working in the for-profit sector helped me develop skills that are incredibly valuable in the not-for-profit space as well. One of the insights I’m excited to bring is the ability to drive financial sustainability while ensuring that resources are being allocated in the most impactful way possible because every dollar and every effort counts. I’m also excited to bring a fresh perspective to the finance, operations, and compliance functions and hopefully, I can lend a hand with overall strategic planning as well. My experience in the for-profit world has also taught me the importance of strong partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication — skills that can help WITS strengthen its relationships with donors, community members, and government to further its mission. 

What project or engagement are you most looking forward to doing this year as Director of Finance?

I am excited to help strengthen and further institutionalize the operations and controls. WITS is an amazing organization with amazingly dedicated employees and I hope that I can help to increase operational efficiency and productivity so that everyone can spend more time on the work that matters. 

What is your favorite wellness practice?

I enjoy exercising and playing sports regularly. I especially love combining both outdoors (weather permitting). Combining the competitiveness of sports with fresh outdoor air and rigorous exercise leaves me in a great mood and helps me sleep well — a beautifully virtuous cycle. 

What is your favorite meal or healthy snack to make?

I love apples. I used to be incredibly allergic (think epiPEN, which I never carried but I should have) but after having children my allergy miraculously disappeared. I am making up for around 30 years of lost time by eating Honeycrisps and Granny Smith as often as I can. I also love almonds, cashews, and pistachios, so you may find me with an apple and a bag of nuts in the afternoons.