Education
PhD in Human Development & Family Studies, University of Georgia
MS in Therapeutic Recreation, Clemson University
BS in Therapeutic Recreation, University of Florida
Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Janke’s scholarly activity focuses on the role of leisure engagement in promoting health and well-being during later life. Specifically, her research examines (1) trends and patterns in leisure participation among older adults, (2) the effect of evidence-based programs and leisure activities on different populations of older adults, and (3) how transitions during later life (e.g., onset of chronic conditions/disability, retirement, widowhood) influence leisure engagement and health. Dr. Janke has more than 40 publications and 100 professional presentations in the areas of therapeutic recreation, leisure, and gerontology. In collaboration with her colleagues, she has secured over $400,000 in research funding.
Featured Publications
Janke, M. C., Chen, G., Wong, J., Stafford Son, J., West, S., Liechty, T., & Juris, J. (2025). Health, sport and physical activities among adults with arthritis. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1080/0192477.2025.2471718
Janke, M. C., & Walter, A. (2022). Changes in engagement for adults with dementia: Effects of an intergenerational program. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 29(4), 504-521. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2022-V56-I4-11536
Janke, M. C., Son, J. S., Jones, J. J, Payne, L. L., & Anderson, S. K. (2015). Leisure patterns and their associations with arthritis-related self-management and health. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(4), 281-292. https://doi.org/10.18666/TJR-2015-V49-I4-6294
Leadership & Professional Service
Dr. Janke has served in a variety of leadership roles over her career. She served as Treasurer/Secretary of NART and Secretary of the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy. She was Co-Editor of the ATRA Annual and Co-Chair of the ATRA Research Institute and is currently Senior Associate Editor for the Journal of Leisure Research. She has served as a reviewer of manuscripts and abstracts for many journals and conferences in the areas of RT, leisure, and aging. Dr. Janke has also served on coalitions and boards in her community, directly impacting services and programs to older adults.
Professional Awards & Recognition
Dr. Janke is an award-winning educator and researcher. Her honors include the Ray Martinez Teaching Award (ECU) and the Sue V. Saxon Outstanding Teacher Award (USF) for her performance as an educator. She has also been nominated for awards related to her research throughout her career.