Joan has always lived in Montgomery County, MD, with the exception of the time she attended college.  Joan is a graduate of Damascus High School (1981) and Frostburg State College (1984) where she earned a bachelor's degree in Recreation.  After working at numerous jobs (none of which were recreation-related), she became an office manager for a local plumbing company.  After 5 years, she joined the Federal Government.  Since Joan enjoyed the bookkeeping aspects of her prior job, she went back to school for an accounting degree.  Joan has been with the Federal Government for 16 years -- currently an accountant in the Travel Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.  Perhaps when she retires, she will dust off that Recreation degree!

Joan's husband of 22 years is David Carlson who sings Tenor I with The National Christian Choir.  They have one child -- Tony -- who is 18 years old.  Tony is autistic, providing many challenges in all aspects of their lives; however, Tony has a wonderful personality, and Joan and David have truly enjoyed watching his growth and accomplishments.  Buffy, a 15-year-old cat, rounds out the family.  The Carlson family recently moved to Clarksburg, MD.

Joan grew up in the Methodist Church, but she has been a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since 1988.  During the past 19 years at Good Shepherd, Joan has participated in the Altar Guild, Teller Team, Capital Campaign Committee, Handbell Choir, Praise Band, and various other musical groups as needed.

Joan's musical background started with the piano when she was seven years old.  She took lessons for about seven years and currently plays for her own enjoyment.  She became interested in bass guitar while in high school.  After a couple of lessons to learn where the notes were, she mainly practiced on her own.  She was a member of the Stage Band in high school and the Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble in college.  Joan's other hobbies include bowling, puzzles and games of all kinds, and traveling.