Joanne was born in Korea and moved to the U.S. in 10th grade, completing high school in Newport Beach, California. Pursuing a passion for science, she earned a degree in Molecular Cell Biology from UC Berkeley. After graduation, Joanne returned to Korea, where she discovered a love for teaching and founded a local SAT school, dedicating nearly a decade to education and academic counseling. Relocating to New Jersey, Joanne continued her teaching career by obtaining certificates in biological science and elementary education. Her experience includes working as a high school biology teacher and teaching across multiple grade levels.

In her free time, Joanne enjoys cooking, exploring new recipes, and spending quality time with her daughter, Anna.