Born in Detroit and raised in Royal Oak, Jo Anne went on to receive her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University before earning her graduate degree at Oakland University.

“I started out as a secondary teacher and left teaching to raise my family,” Jo Anne said. “I came back into education working in a Head Start program as a parent facilitator. Through all of that, all of this love of working with people, I had the opportunity to get into community education and I took it. It seemed right up my ally.”

In the 20 years she has spent in community education, Jo Anne finds her inspiration in those that surround her.

“It makes me feel good when I can see people connecting with each other and benefiting from experiences we’re providing through community education,” she said. “It’s good to see all the pieces come together. I get excited when I see we are truly meeting the needs of families and the community.”

As a new member of the MACAE board, Jo Anne would like to focus on increasing membership, and considering the board as a whole, would like to build on each other’s strength and knowledge.