Specializing in career counseling and development, Dr. Bowlsbey has worked as a high school counselor and director of guidance, a college counselor, a college professor, executive director of ACT's Educational Technology Center, and as a consultant to Japan and other countries introducing the concept of career guidance.  She currently teaches in the Graduate Division at Loyola College, works as an employee and officer of the Career Development Leadership Alliance, and serves as a senior consultant to the National Career Assessment Services, Inc.  She has written numerous journal articles, conducted hundreds of training workshops, and authored several books and comprehensive curricula to support the career development of students, career-changing adults, and ex-offenders.

JoAnn joined The National Christian Choir as an alto in 2000.  In 2002, she was selected to lead a task force to develop an updated strategic plan for the organization.  She was invited to serve on the Board of Directors in 2003 and was later elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Board for 2004-2005.

JoAnn is married to L. Stanley Bowlsbey, now retired from a long-term position as Dean of the Graduate School at McDaniel College.  The Bowlsbeys are members of the Church of the Brethren in Westminster, MD, and associate members of the Ocean City Presbyterian Church in Ocean City, NJ, where they own a second home.