Naropa Institute, MA Psychology
Joanne trained for 10 years in Boulder, CO in Buddhism and Shambhala philosophy and practice with the Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and then continued her training at Marpa Institute in Nepal, founded by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, as well as at Nitartha Institute, founded by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. She was the videographer for Khenpo Rinpoche's 13 year cycle of teachings at Karme Choling. In December 2023, Joanne completed a three-year study course of Sanskrit at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Nepal.

From 1996 for about 10 years, she lived in Nepal five-months of the year, working with Khenpo Rinpoche's nuns as their English, math, science and social studies teacher. Under Khenpo Rinpoche's guidance she helped establish a school at the nunnery in Nepal, and encouraged the nuns in Bhutan to go to the village school for education as Khenpo Rinpoche clearly saw that the nuns were going to need a secular as well as a sacred education to live in the modern world.

When Khenpo Rinpoche was no longer able to travel, Joanne helped create the Nun Sponsorship Program under Marpa Foundation. She managed it for 10 years, providing support for over 280 nuns in Nepal and Bhutan. The Nun Sponsorship Program also sponsors nuns to go to Thrangu Rinpoche's school Shri Mangal Dvip in Nepal for further education as well as helps the nuns in Bhutan study in their shedra.

Joanne resides in New York City and Nepal. She is a retired entrepreneur. She built a computer consulting company, called Burgess Software & Systems, Inc in NYC.