Joan's life journey began on a working ranch in Western Montana, where she spent her formative years surrounded by the rolling hills and rustic charm of the rural landscape. Following her academic pursuits at Carleton College, she made the bold decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Chicago, where she immersed herself in the world of acting by studying the renowned Meisner technique under the guidance of the esteemed Lois Hall.
As fate would have it, Joan's talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and she was soon approached with an offer to join the esteemed Huron Theatre acting ensemble during the 1980s, a period of remarkable growth and creative achievements in Chicago's thriving theatre scene. It was during this time that she had the privilege of sharing the stage with an impressive array of talented individuals, including the likes of Laurie Metcalf, John Malkovich, Terry Kinney, and Gary Cole, in productions that showcased the best of Steppenwolf and Huron Theatre.
After a thirty-year hiatus to focus on raising a family, Joan rediscovered her passion for acting and has since been actively pursuing her craft, with a impressive resume that boasts over thirty projects, ranging from independent shorts and features to commercials. Her work has been showcased at some of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, including the Austin Film Festival, Holly Shorts, Fantasia, Slamdance, Cucalorus, and Seattle International Film Festivals, to name just a few.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Joan is also a devoted student of her craft, training at the esteemed Carol Hickey Acting Studio and represented by the respected Collier Talent Agency. When she's not treading the boards or working on set, Joan can often be found indulging in her passion for beekeeping, as well as spending quality time with her beloved rescued standard poodle, Ed.
