Joan (E-RYT®500) began studying yoga in 1999 and immediately was drawn to its physical and mental benefits. After practicing Kung Fu for many years, she found yoga to be a natural evolution from martial arts for her mind, body and spirit.

In 2006, she completed her RYT®200 and began teaching shortly thereafter. She went on to complete her RYT®500 teacher training and yoga therapeutics training in her hometown of Annapolis, MD. In June 2014, Joan completed her certification in The Amrit Method of Yoga Nidra with Kamini Desai, and in 2017, received her Advanced Certification in Yoga Nidra (Also with Kamani Desai).

Joan met her current teacher and mentor, Jeff Bailey, in Costa Rica during a weeklong retreat offering the practice of Avita Yoga. In July 2023, she completed her 200-hour teacher training in Avita Yoga with Jeff and in 2024 went on to complete her Level 2 training. Joan has continued to study and teach Avita Yoga in the Annapolis area and has also assisted Jeff during the Berkshire Yoga Festival in June 2025, where Jeff was a presenter and teacher.

A lifelong learner, Joan has had the privilege of several Master Training's with Rod Stryker, in addition to training with Gary Kraftsow, Rolf Gates, Jenny Otto and Lynne Matthews. She brings humor and a lighthearted attitude to her classes and supports her students through hands-on adjustment, with awareness and attentiveness to each student’s individual needs. She sees yoga as a sanctuary from the busy rhythms of life and hopes to share this gift with her students.