In 2000 Joni received her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development, Cum Laude, from San Diego State University. She worked for four years on the Domestic Violence Response Team in El Cajon, CA where she provided direct services to survivors of domestic violence, recruited and trained volunteers and completed the Office of Homeland Security Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training. In 2005, she received her Graduate level Paralegal certificate, with honors, from the University of San Diego and has been working in family law ever since. She enjoys reading, gardening and cooking.