She teaches art at the Codman Academy in Dorchester. When she is not teaching art lesson or creating her own work, Joan is heavily involved in dance. She is a choreographer, teacher, and dancer. She is the director of Back pocket dancers, which performs for elders and community groups. Her goal is to bring dance into the community. She has also had a hand in the creation of a few performances, such as Across the Ages Dance and Dance in the Fells.