In 2003 she received authority to teach from Thich Nhat Hanh, her teacher for twenty years. Joanne leads meditation retreats for sanghas and groups throughout the Northeast. She lives in Rhode Island where she is the guiding teacher for the six sanghas which comprise the Rhode Island Community of Mindfulness. She is also an Associate Chaplain at the University of Rhode Island. Joanne feels that the Dharma is the greatest gift she has ever received, and her greatest joy is to pass it on. It is in this spirit that her Dharma talks and teachings are offered.