About Joan

Prior to her loss of sight, Joan worked at The Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, where she frequently addressed groups on behalf of the school. From there it was a natural transition to a professional speaking career. She now resides in Arizona, traveling extensively on speaking engagements.

Joan is the co author of More Than Meets The Eye, which has been translated into several languages and is also a Reader’s Digest Condensed Book. She won the hearts of the insurance industry’s “Million Dollar Round Table” and the NBC Today Show with her story of courage, perseverance and acceptance.

In 2000, Joan was named national spokesperson to Prevent Blindness America, a non-profit organization dedicated to eye health safety training and research.

Joan’s keynote address, “More Than Meets The Eye,” is a surefire attention grabber as Joan draws parallels between her own story and the challenges which face organizations. The very nature of today’s business environment means the possibilities of merger, reorganization, or economic turndown are constantly on the horizon, and organizations must absorb such events with a minimum of disruption. As Joan puts it, “Life is full of irreversible opportunities, and you have a choice to see them as assets or obstacles.” Urging audiences to “play the hand you’re dealt,” Joan helps organizations see corporate challenges from a new perspective.

Joan’s Target Topics include :
Changes · Insurance · Women’s Issues · Financial · Faith · Organization · Humor · Education ·
Wellness & Medical · Family Issues · Communication