Joan is a lifelong member of St John's Gildehaus parish. She attended elementary school there and then Washington High School. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  After graduating, she taught at Immaculate Conception in Union, MO. Then after taking some time to enjoy her babies, she taught at the Washington School District. She earned her Masters from Southwest Baptist. She retired in 2012, after 24 years. When not working at St. Francis Borgia Grade School,  she is busy with her grandchildren and her farm.