Born and raised on the island of Barbados, Joy graduated from the Ursuline Convent School before attending Visalia's Mount Whitney High School as a foreign exchange student, graduating in 1973.

After returning to Barbados, Joy worked for an attorney's office for 22 years, first as an Office Assistant and later as an Assistant Accountant. During that time, she was actively involved in her daughter's school activities, volunteering and supporting fundraising events whenever she could.

​

In 1996, Joy returned to Visalia, where she worked as a property manager for 10 years before serving as an Office Administrator for another eight years. She has been part of the Sycamore Valley Academy community since the school's inaugural year and enjoys supporting students, families, and staff each day.

​

Joy has a special connection to SVA, with her daughter, Lori Poggione, serving as a kindergarten teacher at the school and her grandson having attended SVA as a student. She believes deeply in the school's mission and values the nurturing environment that allows every student to grow, learn, and thrive.