Joan was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia, where she attended Huntington High School and Marshall University. Joan obtained a degree of Master of Arts in Theatre and Speech from Marshall University in 1964, subsequently relocating to Fairfax, Virginia. Joan became the Theatre Arts teacher and director at W. T. Woodson High School in the fall of 1964. Joan taught at Woodson for the next 30 years. While she taught and directed, Joan also found time to direct at George Mason University, Lord of Life Church, and the Jewish Community Center. During her career, she received many awards and honors, including the Virginia Theatre Association Career Award, the Southeastern Theatre Conference Outstanding Director of the Year, and first place honors in 24 productions in VTA, SETC, and Fairfax County Public Schools Competitions. Upon her retirement in June of 1994, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to name the auditorium at Woodson High School in her honor.

Joan, however, did not think of her awards and honors as personal achievements. She shared them with thousands of students, devoting herself every day to instill in them not just an appreciation for theatre, but an appreciation for humanity, for beauty, and for life. She used theatre as a tool for her students to build confidence in themselves and each other. When her students graduated, they took with them life lessons well taught that they could use wherever and whenever needed as well as loving gratitude for their very special teacher.

Joan was also surrounded by friends, near and far. Joan was an avid traveler, enjoying trips to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, London and other parts of Europe, and Greece. Her engaging personality resulted in friendships that lasted her lifetime. She was also respected and loved by many friends and colleagues near her home.