Joanne was born in Los Angeles, California. Raised with two older brothers, she grew up a tomboy who loved playing sports, especially soccer. Joanne has always had compassion and empathy for those who felt different or unseen and would go out of her way to make sure people felt included and cared for. Joanne was also the first in her family to have a proclivity toward the sciences and health support fields.

Joanne graduated from Village Christian High School as a student athletic trainer and an ambassador in the Health and Environment concentration. In 2019, she entered UCLA intending to traverse on the pre-Physician Assistant track. The summer after her first year at UCLA, she became certified as an EMT and was hired by an ambulance company. In her role as an EMT, Joanne was able to support people in crisis and grow her desire to help those in need. After discovering Occupational Therapy(OT) through her friend and volunteering at various OT clinics, Joanne plans to pursue a graduate degree in OT after she graduates from UCLA. Joanne is currently majoring in The Study of Religion and minoring in Disability Studies.

Joanne joined the Level Up Team in 2022 as a Direct Support Professional, and she is excited to inspire and help guide people toward their highest potential by teaching them life skills. Her goal is to impact the people around her and learn and grow in the field of supporting others. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, sports, and reading.