There's no specific person named Janie that it's based on exactly. She is more of a fictional character created to represent victims of abuse in general.
I'm not sure specifically about the Hawaii DOE sabbatical leave teacher stories. But generally, a teacher on sabbatical might use the time to travel and gain new cultural experiences in Hawaii. They could come back with amazing stories of the local traditions they witnessed and incorporated into their teaching.
It could be that Janie tells her story to a journal. Writing in a journal is like talking to an invisible friend. She can pour out all her thoughts and feelings without any judgment. This way, she can also keep her story private while still getting it out of her system.
It's possible that Janie confided in a trusted neighbor or a coworker. Maybe she needed someone outside of her immediate circle to listen and offer a fresh perspective.