Meet Janet Jones-Jordan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janet Jones-Jordan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janet, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a Certified Diversity Practitioner and the parent of a 15-year-old son with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Coffin-Siris Syndrome, I have a deep, personal understanding of the critical need for accessible programs and services to support people with unique and varying needs. My journey has shown me that as children with varying needs transition into adults with varying needs, and these essential services often become harder to access, and society can become less accepting of those who are different.

For eight years, I served as Sr. Director of Community Inclusion at the largest autism organization. While this role allowed me to share my expertise on national platforms, I quickly realized it’s the marginalized and under-resourced families who consistently feel overlooked and unsupported within their communities.

This realization ignited a passion in me to make a difference. In November 2022, I founded Calculated Pathways, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children, teens, and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. By April 2023, we had secured our nonprofit status, and in March 2024, we proudly became a full-time program.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Calculated Pathways, Inc., our mission is to be a neuro-affirming organization dedicated to providing support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities. We achieve this by offering personalized programs, hosting inclusive family workshops, autism training, professional development training, and prioritizing psychological safety. Our aim is to meet the unique needs of families within our community through our unwavering commitment to understanding and empowerment.

Our vision is to create an inclusive and supportive community where individuals with varying abilities can thrive and flourish. Through our programs, services and training, we strive to provide intentional and evidence-based support while empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Our goal is to promote acceptance. Together, we envision a future where every person we support are valued and respected.

What distinguishes us from other autism organizations is our unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact. We go beyond merely sharing information about resources and services—we are a direct-service provider. Our work is deeply rewarding, yet it comes with its challenges, especially when supporting children, teens, and adults who each have unique needs. Whether someone requires minimal assistance or more intensive support, we are dedicated to providing professional, evidence-based care tailored to every individual we serve.

At Calculated Pathways, Inc., we may be small, but our commitment to making a difference is unwavering. We want the world to know that our size does not limit our impact—in fact, it drives us to be even more dedicated to the individuals and families we serve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a CEO, it’s essential to find moments to wind down and recharge. Some of my favorite places to unwind include City Winery Atlanta, where I enjoy intimate concerts, and I enjoy taking leisurely strolls through local parks. However, my all-time favorite retreat is Hunter Park in Douglasville, GA. This award-winning park offers the perfect blend of relaxation and amenities, providing me with the ideal environment to meditate, rejuvenate and strategize my next move.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This Shoutout is dedicated to my son Jeremiah, who has an autism and coffin-siris syndrome, my husband Joe, who is a special needs educator, and all individuals who are neurodivergent, or live with a disability. This is also dedicated to the millions of individuals, parents and caregivers who tirelessly advocate for access to programs, services, educational supports, and medical care, and to the remarkable grassroots organizations that rise to the challenge, recognizing a need and stepping in to do the hard work of supporting communities who are often overlooked. You all are my “why”.

Website: https://calculatedpathways.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calculatedpathways/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557626596091

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalculatedPathways 

Image Credits
Joe Jordan