Joanne Knapp-Philo
This page is a place to remember and celebrate the life of Joanne Knapp-Philo. Please add your condolences or share your favorite memories and photos on the Memory Wall below.
Life Story
Joanne was born August 12, 1947 in Charleston, WV to Denver and Theresa Knapp, the first of their 4 children. At the age of 7 her family moved to Salisbury MD, where her father was a high school teacher and football coach. She attended Catholic school through middle school, and then public high school. After graduating from Wicomico HIgh School in Salisbury in 1965, she attended Mt. St. Agnes College in Baltimore.
She met her future husband, John Philo, in 1968, while they were both seniors in college in Baltimore. After graduating with a B.A. in Elementary Education in May 1969, Joanne moved to California to become a Special Ed teacher in Hughson, a small town in the Central Valley, while John started grad school at Stanford. They were married in Salisbury, MD in June 1970. She then entered graduate studies at San Francisco State University, earning an M.A. in Special Ed in 1972, and in 1974 did additional post-graduate studies in England on a Rotary Club Fellowship.
Her son Evan was born in Palo Alto in 1977, and the next year they relocated to Connecticut for John to take up a postdoctoral position at UConn. In 1991 they relocated to Thousand Oaks, CA when John left academia to work for Amgen. In 2001 (at age 54) Joanne completed her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology-Birth to Three from the University of Connecticut, and then in 2012 she & John moved to San Diego.
Joanne loved reading, cooking, gardening, traveling, and gathering with friends and family. Her home was filled with more than 1,700 books (including ~270 cook books), as well as artworks, baskets, and other crafts collected during her travels. In her last year she became the steward for a Little Free Library, a role that she dearly loved. Her favorite vacation spot was Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, which she visited at least 10 times. Her overseas travels included China, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the British Islands, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Kenya & Tanzania.
Joanne was predeceased by her parents and her brother Jerry. She is survived by her husband of 55 years John Philo, her sister Yvonne Barhight and brother Tim Knapp, her son Evan Philo and his wife Lisa Philo, and grandsons Linden & Tannen Philo.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Joanne had a long and distinguished career in education and education research. She began as a classroom teacher in Special Ed at the Elementary level, where she pioneered integrating/mainstreaming Special Ed with regular ed students. Then in Fremont, CA she developed and implemented a program for students with autism and severe emotional disturbance. After relocating to Connecticut she became a principal for special education students (pre-K to 12), and for adults in institutional settings. Later Joanne switched to working with infants and families as a supervisor in the Connecticut Early Intervention (Birth to Three) program.
After moving back to California in 1991, Joanne began working as a principal for the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office. In that position she managed programs for preschool children with disabilities, and was co-Principal of a K-12 school for children with severe emotional and/or behavioral disorders.
In 1996 Joanne began working with Head Start programs and Head Start families, as she did for the rest of her career. She first joined the Region IX Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network housed at the California Institute of Human Services, Sonoma State University. She provided training and technical assistance to Head Start programs in their delivery of disabilities services for children with disabilities and their families in Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Outer Pacific.
Then in 1998 CIHS/Sonoma State University received a grant jointly funded by the Office of Head Start and the Conrad Hilton Foundation. That grant led to the curriculum creation and delivery of the nationally acclaimed “Special Quest” mentor-coaching staff development model that supported Early Head Start programs throughout the country in delivering services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. As the National Special Quest Director, Joanne was an integral member of the team that created the “Special Quest” staff development curriculum and training workshops throughout the country.
In 2002 Joanne started working as Principal Investigator for the National Head Start Family Literacy Center, becoming its Director in 2005. In that role she developed and implemented "Story Quest" workshops to show teachers and families how everyday speech and interactions at home and in the classroom provide the tools for literacy, and ways this process can differ among different cultures and languages. She also managed the research component of Story Quest, which found significant changes in the early language and literacy skills of infants and toddlers in the treatment group compared to the control group, as well as significant changes in their parents and teachers in the use of key strategies that promote language and literacy development. Later this Family Literacy Center also developed training materials for math literacy.
In the final phase of her career, from 2010-2015 Joanne worked as Principal Investigator and Co-Director of the Head Start National Center on Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness. There she developed research-based programs, materials, and frameworks to support Dual Language Learners (DLLs) and their families, including the Planned Language Approach (PLA). She also worked with seven Native American tribes to develop Making It Work (MIW), a guide for early educators to implement and use tribal cultural experiences, values and beliefs to meet school readiness goals.
Joanne formally retired in 2015, but continued to do some consulting and training for several years. She also continued serving as mentor for former employees and other colleagues until her passing.
Timeline
1947
August 12th
A life begins
Joanne is born in Charleston, WV, the first of 4 children of Denver & Theresa Knapp. She lives in West Virginia to age 7.
1954
Joanne and her family move to Salisbury, MD
Her father becomes a teacher and high school football coach there.
1965
June
High school graduation
Wicomico HIgh, Salisbury, MD
1969
May
College graduation
B.A. in Elementary Education from Mt. St. Agnes College (later merged with Loyola)
Baltimore, MD
1969
September
Moves to California for her first teaching job, in the Central Valley
She was the only Special Ed teacher in the school district. Several of her students were only in Special Ed because they (and their parents) did not speak English. Because her undergraduate degree was a 4-year degree in Education (she had no "5th year"), under California rules she could only teach under a temporary credential. Given that, plus being only a first-year teacher, she was literally the lowest paid teacher in California that year.
Hughson, CA
1970
Marriage, moves to Palo Alto, starts graduate school
Joanne marries John Philo on June 27. She chooses to change her last name to Knapp-Philo (and that hyphen caused issues with computers for decades). She moves to join John in Palo Alto, where he is a graduate student at Stanford. In the Fall she starts a graduate program at San Francisco State University to obtain her permanent California teaching credentials.
1972
May
Graduates with an M.A.in Special Education from San Francisco State
This qualified her for permanent teaching credentials in both Elementary and Special Ed.
1972
September
Teaches Special Ed in Elementary classrooms
Her class at McKinnon School in Santa Clara was the first time Special Ed classes were integrated on a regular elementary campus in that district.
1974
August
Joanne wins Rotary Club Fellowship to study Special Ed in England
She did post-graduate studies at the University of Birmingham.
1975
August
Program Manager/Teacher
Program for Intermediate-Secondary Level Students with Autism and Severe Emotional Disorders, Fremont, CA, at an integrated campus.
1977
August
Her son Evan is born
Joanne resumed working part-time the next January, teaching courses at Ohlone Community College, Fremont, CA.
1978
August
Moves to eastern Connecticut
John was starting a postdoctoral position in Biophysics at UConn.
1979
Becomes principal for Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation
Supervises school programs for both children pre-K to 12 and adults in institutional settings.
1986
Begins working with infants & toddlers and their families
She manages and directs the Early Intervention program for eastern Connecticut (this became 'Birth to Three' in 1990)
1991
September
Moves to Thousand Oaks, CA
John left his faculty position at UConn to join the biotech company Amgen
1992
Principal, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office
Managed and directed the VCSSO programs for preschool children with disabilities and was Co-Principal of Phoenix School, a K-12 school for students with severe emotional and/or behavioral disorders
1996
Infant/Toddler Specialist, Head Start Region IX Training and Technical Assistance Network
Provided training and technical assistance to newly-funded Early Head Start Programs with a focus on serving infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families
1998
Special Quest director, Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program
California Institute on Human Services, Sonoma State University. Led the development and delivery of cutting edge national trainings on the inclusion of infants and toddlers with disabilities into Early Head Start programming.
1999
Co-authors research article in Young Exceptional Children
Catlett, C., Winton, P., Garland, C., Frank, A., & Knapp-Philo, J. (1999). Resources Within Reason: A place to discover good, inexpensive materials for providing effective services to very young children and their families. Young Exceptional Children, 2(3), 27.
2001
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Birth to Three, University of Connecticut
Her thesis "An Exploration of Training and Change in Practice in Infant/Toddler Programs" measured how much participating in the Hilton/Early Head Start "Special Quest" training affected teachers and parents.
2002
Joined the National Head Start Family Literacy Center as Story Quest director
Developed and implemented "Story Quest” training to share with teachers and families how everyday speech and interactions at home and the classroom provide the tools for literacy
2004
Co-authored research article in Infants & Young Children
Knapp-Philo, J., Corso, R. M., Brekken, L. J., & Heal, H. B. (2004). Training to make and sustain change: The Hilton/Early Head Start program. Infants & Young Children, 17(2), 171-183.
2005
Becomes Director of the National Head Start Family Literacy Center
Joanne had a real passion for supporting parents and families. This project provided innovative high-quality family literacy training to Head Start programs nationwide
2006
Co-edits book "Learning to Read the World: Language and Literacy in the First Three Years" with Sharon Rosenkoetter
Joanne also was a co-author of 3 chapters in this book, which is "considered by some as an early literacy 'must read' for teacher/educators". (Zero to Three Press)
2006
Co-authored research article in Birth to Three
Knapp-Philo, J., Hindman, J., Stice, K., & Turbiville, V. (2006). Professional Development that Changes Practice and Programs: Six Successful Strategies. Zero to Three, 26(3), 43-49.
2007
Disseminates "Getting Ready for School: Fun Activities for Caregivers and Children"
Joanne brought these materials originally developed in Hungary to Head Start programs across the US, had them translated into Spanish and put online for parents, and brought the developers to the US to train Head Start staff.
2010
Becomes Co-Director of the Head Start National Center on Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness
This was the first national training effort supporting the culture and language of Head Start children and families. Many of the resources her team developed, such as the Planned Language Approach (PLA) and Making It Work (MIW), are still in use today.
2012
Moves to San Diego
Joanne & John take advantage of falling housing prices in the wake of the Great Recession to buy their dream home near the ocean
2015
Joanne formally retires
2025
October 24th
A full life ends
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Memory Wall
Post your condolences or share your Memories and photos.
December 27, 2025
Joanne was a remarkable person-warm, caring and dedicated to improving the lives of young children and their families. I will treasure many fond memories of interesting conversations and creative projects especially from working together with StoryQuest and the National Head Start Centers.
December 23, 2025
I feel incredibly lucky to have known Joanne as a friend and colleague. I learned so much from her and we always had so much fun. Your positive impact on children and families is ongoing my friend. I miss you!
November 24, 2025
Pamela and I met Joanne and John shortly after we moved to Palo Alto in 1971 and they have been part of our lives ever since. John stayed with us when Joanne was studying in England and later we all shared a house. They were beloved extra parents to our children, Jes and Ethan. Later when we were all living back East we frequently celebrated holidays together with my sister Ellie especially Thanksgivings in Connecticut. When John, Joanne and Evan moved back to California we didn’t see them as often but were always in touch.
Joane devoted her prodigious intelligence and abundant energies to an outstanding career in Education as a teacher, researcher, administrator and mentor, with special concentration on the very young and disabled. We knew her as a devoted friend and charming companion. A serious person who loved to laugh. She left her world better than she found it. Her generosity of spirit, thoughtful analysis and wise counsel will benefit us all for many years to come. She is a blessing in our lives and she will always be with us.
Joane devoted her prodigious intelligence and abundant energies to an outstanding career in Education as a teacher, researcher, administrator and mentor, with special concentration on the very young and disabled. We knew her as a devoted friend and charming companion. A serious person who loved to laugh. She left her world better than she found it. Her generosity of spirit, thoughtful analysis and wise counsel will benefit us all for many years to come. She is a blessing in our lives and she will always be with us.
November 20, 2025
My path crossed with Joanne briefly during her work with the Office of Head Start during a 5 year grant period before retiring. She was kind, generous and oh so much fun to be around and work with. An incredible human and lovely soul.
November 18, 2025
Joanne and I were childhood friends. Her family and mine lived on the same street, Oak Hill Ave., in Salisbury, MD in the 1950s and 1960s and all of us children in both families attended the same Catholic school nearby. Our mothers were best friends and Mrs. Knapp stepped in to comfort me like no other could after my mother died when I was a teenager.
With Joanne, I have fond memories of sharing birthday parties, city park adventures, and bike rides in the neighborhood, as well as with her brothers and sister. The biggest adventure of all was the time our mothers took us kids to New York City to visit Mrs. Knapp's mother and we climbed up inside the Statue of Liberty.
Later in life, Joanne and I ended up on opposite sides of the country, and enjoyed phone calls to share memories of our mothers, our growing up years in Salisbury, and our careers as adults. Since we both had traveled a lot, we swapped meaningful stories from our trips.
Her caring nature was definitely a gift to me throughout my childhood years, and I felt it again on those long-distance calls. I will miss Joanne’s warmth and sensitivity. During one such call she remarked on how happy our mothers would be that we were in touch once again.
May she rest in peace.
Charlene Lamy Edge
Winter Park, FL
With Joanne, I have fond memories of sharing birthday parties, city park adventures, and bike rides in the neighborhood, as well as with her brothers and sister. The biggest adventure of all was the time our mothers took us kids to New York City to visit Mrs. Knapp's mother and we climbed up inside the Statue of Liberty.
Later in life, Joanne and I ended up on opposite sides of the country, and enjoyed phone calls to share memories of our mothers, our growing up years in Salisbury, and our careers as adults. Since we both had traveled a lot, we swapped meaningful stories from our trips.
Her caring nature was definitely a gift to me throughout my childhood years, and I felt it again on those long-distance calls. I will miss Joanne’s warmth and sensitivity. During one such call she remarked on how happy our mothers would be that we were in touch once again.
May she rest in peace.
Charlene Lamy Edge
Winter Park, FL
November 14, 2025
My first memory was at a NAEYC conference years and years ago. She and colleagues were presenting a session on their StoryQuest early language development project and videos - and they were looking to promote them to a wider audience. I was working with Teaching Strategies, Inc. at the time and suggested she stop by our booth to talk to our leadership. Fast forward. I got to work with her as we created a CD of the videos and a user's guide to accompany them. I loved working with her on this project! Several years later, we were both on OHS-funded national TTA centers - she as a co-director for the National Center on Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness and me as a trainer/resource developer for the Early Head Start National Resource Center. Our paths periodically crossed at national training events. I loved her energy, enthusiasm, genuineness, and font of knowledge. May her memory be always for a blessing...
November 12, 2025
Carl and I first met Joanne and John on a cruise along the Dalmatian Coast and enjoyed our shared experiences with them very much—we so easily connected! They visited us in Santa Fe—fun showing them around our favorite little places they’d not yet seen!
We then spent time with them at their home in San Diego, and then they joined us for a wine-tasting adventure in Paso Robles, Cambria and Pismo Beach in June, 2024. We so love them. They are adventurous, curious and just fun.
Just wonderful memories; we will miss Joanne very much.
We then spent time with them at their home in San Diego, and then they joined us for a wine-tasting adventure in Paso Robles, Cambria and Pismo Beach in June, 2024. We so love them. They are adventurous, curious and just fun.
Just wonderful memories; we will miss Joanne very much.
November 12, 2025
I learned so much from Joanne in my time working with her at the NCCLR and Family Literacy Center. She created amazing teams of people from across the U.S. And she was fun and passionate and knew how to get work done and into the hands of the people who were serving children and families. May we all be such committed advocates for babies and toddlers and preschoolers. And she was always full of laugher and stories of her travels and her family - especially her beloved grandchildren. She changed my life; and I am grateful for the time I had with her.
November 11, 2025
So thankful to have shared with Joanne nearly 30 years of adventures making a difference in the lives of young children with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. Joanne gave so freely of her compassion for marginalized children and their families and inspired professionals with her heartfelt passion, expertise, and brilliant mind. So, to my Travel Buddy, Office Mate, Co-trainer, Partner in grant and curriculum writing, and such a good friend as we shared the ups and Lord, have mercy of parenting. Rest in Peace and be received in eternity with the words, "Well done, oh Good and Faithful Servant.
November 10, 2025
I met Joanne at my first SpecialQuest in 1998 (Alexandria?). Joanne welcomed me (and everyone) with open arms and nurtured me, as an early childhood professional and as a parent. I had a child, or two or three or four with me often and they were lovingly embraced as well. Joanne lived her life in meaningful relationships and sharing her passion for young children and families. She shared her knowledge and wisdom about adult learners and the follow through that is needed to help teams put learning into practice. I will forever be grateful for having known and received so much from Joanne.
November 10, 2025
Both Pilar Trabado and I are saddened by this news.
Joanne was kind, caring and generous with her gardening and fruits of her labor.
Both she & John were very supportive during my time of loss.
She will be greatly missed.
Carmen
Joanne was kind, caring and generous with her gardening and fruits of her labor.
Both she & John were very supportive during my time of loss.
She will be greatly missed.
Carmen
November 10, 2025
I don’t know when I first met Joanne, but in common lingo “it was love at first sight.“ We scratched our heads and rolled our eyes over world, and work events. We giggled over children’s antics.We shared stories of our loved ones with special needs.
Joanne had a depth of knowledge about children’s literacy plus practical advice that filled the void in my professional life. She introduced me and the Head Start world to a favorite children’s book, The Cow that Went Oink. It is a staple in program libraries.
You couldn’t be a professional in Joanne‘s presence without discussing dialogic reading. Once again, she had the scientific evidence at her fingertips, and translated it into good teaching practices.
Although I never visited her on the West Coast, we talked a lot about her San Diego home - the garden, the beach and the culinary delights. In turn, I shared with her my East Coast experiences near the ocean. Although we were a continent apart, it felt like we were chatting away on each other’s outside decks, a wine glass in hand.
Joanne was full of love and joy for friends and family. She regaled me with stories about her grandsons. Very recently, she told me about a favorite student, a young boy from a farm worker family in CA. She still took great pride in his capacity to learn English with her support.
Joanne, I will carry your deep compassion, your expansive love, and your thoughtful determination with me. I am grateful.
Judy David
Joanne had a depth of knowledge about children’s literacy plus practical advice that filled the void in my professional life. She introduced me and the Head Start world to a favorite children’s book, The Cow that Went Oink. It is a staple in program libraries.
You couldn’t be a professional in Joanne‘s presence without discussing dialogic reading. Once again, she had the scientific evidence at her fingertips, and translated it into good teaching practices.
Although I never visited her on the West Coast, we talked a lot about her San Diego home - the garden, the beach and the culinary delights. In turn, I shared with her my East Coast experiences near the ocean. Although we were a continent apart, it felt like we were chatting away on each other’s outside decks, a wine glass in hand.
Joanne was full of love and joy for friends and family. She regaled me with stories about her grandsons. Very recently, she told me about a favorite student, a young boy from a farm worker family in CA. She still took great pride in his capacity to learn English with her support.
Joanne, I will carry your deep compassion, your expansive love, and your thoughtful determination with me. I am grateful.
Judy David
November 8, 2025
John,
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to Joanne...she had such enthusiasm for life -for you and all the family, first and foremost.
For books, Christmas, your beautiful house. For baskets, art, ethnic crafts of the Southwest and around the world. For cooking and gardening. For her work with and for children. For nature and history in your travels around the world.
And for her friends. I was lucky enough to be one. It's hard to think of her - such a vital force-
gone. Deepest sympathies to you and the family.
Ellen
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to Joanne...she had such enthusiasm for life -for you and all the family, first and foremost.
For books, Christmas, your beautiful house. For baskets, art, ethnic crafts of the Southwest and around the world. For cooking and gardening. For her work with and for children. For nature and history in your travels around the world.
And for her friends. I was lucky enough to be one. It's hard to think of her - such a vital force-
gone. Deepest sympathies to you and the family.
Ellen
November 8, 2025
Joanne opened her mind and heart to so many. In this time of upheaval I have been missing her clearheaded and kind support of others. We go back to the National Center for Family Literacy . She inspired me to support others and hundreds of families that my program worked with benefited from her thinking.
I am so sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye. She was wonderful.
I am so sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye. She was wonderful.
November 7, 2025
I was blessed to join Joanne in January 2006. We worked together on two national HeadStart grants over the next ten years. I focused on the finance and operational efforts in support of her remarkable efforts. After we both retired in late 2015 I eventually ended up in my hometown of San Diego. I have many fond memories of regular lunches with Joanne and John. We all enjoyed reviewing the news of our kids and grandkids as well as stories of Joanne and John’s world travels. I loved their shared passion of their home overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the lush plants and gardens that surrounded them.
I will cherish the love and friendship we shared. I will miss Joanne for sure.
I will cherish the love and friendship we shared. I will miss Joanne for sure.
November 7, 2025
I was blessed to first meet Joanne through the SpecialQuest project, which I was a Learning Coach with. Joanne mentored me in my desire to work with the OHS National Centers, an ambition that I was able to achieve. I learned so much from Joanne around language learning and supporting children and families in ways that honor and build from the inherent strengths of culture and language. Her impact in the field of early childhood education and across the lives of so many educators, families, and children is immeasurable.
November 7, 2025
I was so sad to hear of Joanne's passing. What a lovely woman she was. She was like a second mom to me through high school since I was good friends with Evan. She made the best and most fresh pesto I've ever had to this day, and she was always happy to make it for me when I would join them for dinner. My hearfelt condolences to John, Evan, Lisa, Linden and Tannen. She was a special woman and will be missed dearly. Love to you all.
November 7, 2025
I enjoyed working with Joanne and learning from her wealth of knowledge and experience with Head Start. She will be missed. My prayers go out to her family.
November 7, 2025
I don't remember when I met Joanne, however, I remember my dear friend and colleague Lillian Sugarman introduced us. We spent many dinners at The Portofino Restaurant in Crystal City discussing everything from literacy and early childhood to our kids and grandkids. Joanne loved Linden and Tannen so much. Joanne's unwavering passion and dedication to her work was seen and felt by everyone who knew her. She was 'the best.' I was fortunate to have had a quick conversation and several texts from Joanne this past September, moments I will treasure forever.
November 7, 2025
I had the honor to know Joanne through Special Quest and Story Quest - as part of the Kansas City Regional Office Head Start Team. She brought such profound insight and passion to the work. She was always inspiring and challenged us to think of ways to further our learning experiences. But that was not all. She cared deeply about others. Each and every time we had the chance to work together, we also shared stories of our families. She was truly one of a kind.
November 7, 2025
Joanne made such wonderful contributions to head start children, families and staff. I learned a lot from her and she was savvy, strategic, smart and passionate in all her national center director roles-3 which is impressive! She was also just fun to work with! I appreciate who she is, what she has given, and has been in this life that goes all too fast. Blessings to her family, Kiersten, office of head start
November 7, 2025
Joanne was my Head Start National Center T/TA sherpa. She taught me about directing a federal funded project, writing for families, and plants. 🌱 Joanne’s creativity, passion, generosity and insightfulness were among her many gifts.
My friend spoke her mind and cared deeply about her work and people she worked with. Joanne was always in my corner.
We talked a lot about her grandsons whom she adored. Joanne always had a sweet story to share about something they said or did that tickled her. I can hear the love in her voice for them even now.
Rest in Power, my friend 🕊️
My friend spoke her mind and cared deeply about her work and people she worked with. Joanne was always in my corner.
We talked a lot about her grandsons whom she adored. Joanne always had a sweet story to share about something they said or did that tickled her. I can hear the love in her voice for them even now.
Rest in Power, my friend 🕊️
November 7, 2025
Joanne was a great lady. Her brilliant mind and passion for young children with special needs will continue to make this world a better place for many years to come!
November 7, 2025
Rest in peace and love my Early Head Start traveling buddy❣️
November 6, 2025
Joanne was truly one of the greats. I remember her most for the contributions she made to Planned Language Approach [https://headstart.gov/culture-language/article/planned-language-approach-big-5-series], one of the first and best comprehensive interventions to support the youngest of dual language learners. This was a brilliant example of research-to-practice. Her telenovela was classic. And I personally was so grateful to have her recognize my passion for DLLs and support me in every way she could. She was so kind and attentive that it stands out to me today. I express my deepest sympathies to the family on what must be a great loss, and count myself among the lucky to have had the chance to know Joanne and work with her.
November 6, 2025
Joanne made so many contributions to the national Head Start program, beginning with her work with the SpecialQuest model. She and her colleagues imprinted Early Head Start with a commitment to include children with disabilities and their families. She had the special education teacher's attitude of "we can do this, let's just figure out how". She managed very complex projects, and found humor amid the challenges. And she was so kind to the young parents of children with disabilities, helping them find their voices to advocate for their children. It was an honor to work with her. My condolences to her family.
Jim O'Brien
Jim O'Brien
November 6, 2025
Joanne had one of the most generous spirits of anyone I have known. That is first and foremost. She was passionate about children & families, particularly those with the least voice. She also knew, given her expertise and field of study, how far one can push and where /when to compromise. She was astute in that way, a gift not many possess. Joanne did. It was one of the many qualities that made her so effective and impactful in her work and life.
She loved her grandchildren fiercely, I feel like I got to know them, even though we never met. After Joanne retired,I developed a stronger personal relationship with her and in turn got to know John, her other wonderful half. I admired their relationship, the incredible longevity of two professionals, their shared and diverse interests, and always felt welcome in their home.
Joanne has left an incredible legacy to Head Start children and families, programs and throughout ECE, through her inclusion work and her focus on language and culture and so much more. And to all the people she worked with and touched. I will miss her.
She loved her grandchildren fiercely, I feel like I got to know them, even though we never met. After Joanne retired,I developed a stronger personal relationship with her and in turn got to know John, her other wonderful half. I admired their relationship, the incredible longevity of two professionals, their shared and diverse interests, and always felt welcome in their home.
Joanne has left an incredible legacy to Head Start children and families, programs and throughout ECE, through her inclusion work and her focus on language and culture and so much more. And to all the people she worked with and touched. I will miss her.
November 6, 2025
My very first and special memory of Joanne is having dinner with her in DC accompanied by my 7 month old son. I had hesitated to accept the invite since I had my son with me. I remember her saying, "But, of course you will bring him!" That was the beginning of her influence on my life as a mentor and friend. She made sure I had a 'seat' at the table! Of course, many tables I sat at with her had great food and lots n lots of laughter. There is a special story about her love for avocado and John. When studying in England she really missed eating avocados. John during a visit brought to her a precious avocado and she said it was the most delightful morsel she had tasted. Her joy, smile, and joy describing that moment are stamped in my heart forever!
Joanne's love and generosity extended to my children and family!
She was brilliant, a visionary, and brought her heart and spirit into every project! Her legacy will live on in Head Start and in the field of early childhood education.
Joanne's love and generosity extended to my children and family!
She was brilliant, a visionary, and brought her heart and spirit into every project! Her legacy will live on in Head Start and in the field of early childhood education.
November 6, 2025
Joanne became part of my life through SpecialQuest. She was a mentor and a friend who I will treasure and miss forever.
As I reflected on what I might share about her, I have so many precious memories. I used to refer to her during our SpecialQuest days as the "energizer bunny". Some how she found the wisdom, laughter and energy to keep going and appropriately handle all situations. I later found and sent her a stuffed "energizer bunny."
I was so blessed that as the years passed we continued to be colleagues while becoming cherished, true friends. She was someone I could share anything with, who accepted me for who I am and with whom I could giggle like a preteen adolescent.
I will love and miss her until we meet again.
Love you JKP!
As I reflected on what I might share about her, I have so many precious memories. I used to refer to her during our SpecialQuest days as the "energizer bunny". Some how she found the wisdom, laughter and energy to keep going and appropriately handle all situations. I later found and sent her a stuffed "energizer bunny."
I was so blessed that as the years passed we continued to be colleagues while becoming cherished, true friends. She was someone I could share anything with, who accepted me for who I am and with whom I could giggle like a preteen adolescent.
I will love and miss her until we meet again.
Love you JKP!
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If you would like to donate in Joanne's memory, please consider one of these organizations:
The Little Free Library's 'Indigenous Library' or 'Read in Color' programs (https://littlefreelibrary.org/programs)
Alzheimer's San Diego (www.alzsd.org/get-involved/donate)
The Little Free Library's 'Indigenous Library' or 'Read in Color' programs (https://littlefreelibrary.org/programs)
Alzheimer's San Diego (www.alzsd.org/get-involved/donate)
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