Joy is an accredited public relations professional with Communication Infrastructure Group in Denver. A graduate of Broomfield High School, Joy marched in the Blue Knights’ snare line in 1984 and 1985 before marching with Suncoast Sound in 1987 and 1988.

After graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in Journalism in 1989, she moved to the Chicago area, where she served as a news editor and marched one summer with the Chicago Vanguard Senior Corps.

She returned to Colorado and played with the Denver Concert Band for five years, serving on the DCB’s Board of Directors for two years and with the Arvada Festivals Commission for two years.

Joy joined the Ascend Performing Arts Board of Directors in 2025 after a long hiatus from the drum corps activity.