A proud Army veteran, military spouse, and lifelong member of the military community, Joanne brings decades of personal and professional experience to her role on MFAN’s Advisory Board. As an Army brat turned soldier, the military has shaped every chapter of her life—including her career as a licensed mental health therapist and Military and Family Life Counselor. In this work, she has supported service members and families through the unique mental health and wellness challenges that come with military life.
Now in retirement, Joanne continues to serve the community that means so much to her. She is a member of the American Legion and serves as President of the Board of Directors for Operation Horses Heal. Joanne is a returning member of the MFAN Advisory Board – previously serving from 2021 to 2023 – where she helped elevate the voices of military families and bring national attention to the lived experiences of those connected to service.
Over the course of her family’s military journey, Joanne experienced life at a wide range of duty stations—from Georgia to Germany, Colorado to North Carolina—and supported her husband through five combat deployments. Her son has also served, adding another generation of military experience to the family’s legacy. These perspectives inform her continued advocacy for accessible, high-quality care—especially for veterans and retirees living in rural communities. Mental health is her professional calling and personal passion, and she remains committed to ensuring military-connected families get the resources and support they deserve.
Joanne and her husband now live with their two dogs, three cats, and a lively flock of seventeen chickens. With their children grown, she finds joy in the outdoors—whether kayaking, camping, backpacking, or simply going for a walk. Nature, family, and purpose-driven service continue to fill her bucket.
