Joanne graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Arts (major in journalism) and spent many years as a working journalist for print and electronic media agencies before starting her own media and communications consultancy.

She has extensive experience providing communications advice to boards and management of a wide range of organisations including all levels of government, not for profit and professional associations. She has also worked extensively with people with disabilities in both government and not for profit sectors.

Joanne has also been involved with equestrian sport as a participant and with its administration at local, state, and national level.