Jan Finkelstein was born in Perth, Western Australia. She trained as a school teacher at Mt Lawley Teachers’ College, WA and then travelled widely in Europe, North Africa and Asia. She lived and worked in London between her travels.
Upon her return to Australia in 1985, she settled in Concord West. She worked as the Manager of Burwood Area Community Housing for 8 years. Jan then worked as a casual teacher in local primary schools. She has been working as a primary school teacher in Strathfield South Public School for 14 years. She was one of the founding members of the local Greens group. She is a volunteer for Wheelchair for Kids and has been involved in the local residents’ groups.