Arriving in Flagstaff as a young adult with only a backpack, Joan immediately felt a sense of place in Flagstaff. Her roots grew deep and fast as she began exploring the surrounding Colorado Plateau. She studied at Kent State and Northern Arizona University, receiving her degree in graphic design and visual communications. She has since been offering her creative services to a wide variety of clients throughout the Southwest. She has worked with the Trust on design projects through her independent business for over 20 years and joined the team full-time in 2019.