Born in Phoenix, the second youngest of four children, Joanna's orginal aspiration was to direct films. She attended USC's Film School, producing and directing a number of undergraduate film projects and received her B.A.. After graduation, she wrote and produced several medical training films for the Hospital Satellite Network. Realizing that she did not have a thorough understanding of the acting process, she began studying with Darryl Hickman and with Peggy Feury's Shakespeare Workshop, where she was discovered by a casting director. She made her television debut in an episode of "The New Mike Hammer Show" and was then cast in a feature film titled "Killer Part," which filmed in Toronto. Returning to Hollywood, she guest starred on "Riptide" and "The Twilight Zone." Between roles, Joanna worked a variety of odd jobs including serving as an assistant director at an art gallery in West Hollywood before being invited to create the character of Caroline on "THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL." After leaving the role of Caroline, Joanna traveled the country and the world. Joanna is exceptionally popular in Europe, due to the international success of the series {of which she later returned to as Caroline's twin sister, Karen, who used to be called Faith}. In her spare time, Joanna is a sports enthusiast and an accomplished athlete. She enjoys jogging, hiking and eating healthy foods.