Before coming to the University of Iowa, Joan served as the Charge Scenic Artist Manager for both UCSD and La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, CA. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Charge Artist / Lead Scenic at Cobalt Studios in New York State. Over the years, Joan has painted sets around the U.S. for Cruise ships, TV, Regional Theatres, Opera, Off Broadway and Broadway. Some of her favorite production credits include: The Disney Cruise Lines, Come from Away and Hunchback of Notre Dame (La Jolla Playhouse), Benny and Joon, the musical (The Old Globe), A Dream Play, operetta (Santa Fe Opera), A Doll House (UCSD), Sunday in the Park with George (UIowa Theatre), and Carmen (UIowa Opera).

Joan joined the University of Iowa in 2018.  She graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.