As Director of Upper House Commons, Joy leads the design and implementation of thoughtful, welcoming programs and events that invite people to explore faith, engage in dialogue, and build connection.

Joy brings over two decades of experience in higher education. Most recently, she served as Assistant Director for Internships and Faculty Engagement at Messiah University, where she mentored students and collaborated with faculty and community leaders to help students explore and live into their vocation. She has also taught psychology as an adjunct professor. Earlier in her career, Joy was Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life at the Stony Brook School, a Christian boarding school in New York. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a bachelor’s in Secondary Social Studies Education from Colorado State University.

Joy is passionate about creating opportunities where faith, learning, and community intersect. She loves dreaming big ideas and making sure individual details are equally valued. She especially enjoys working with college students and sees this stage of life as full of energy, curiosity, and potential. She was drawn to Upper House Commons for its vision, beauty, and commitment to gathering people who ask big questions and grow in faith together.

Joy is married to John, an American historian, and the most interesting person she knows. They have two daughters and a son-in-law and love traveling and thrifting together—especially in search of vintage glass Christmas ornaments. Originally from Colorado, Joy is excited to explore all that life in Madison has to offer.