Joanna Berry was raised in the Dominican Republic, where her parents were pioneer missionaries. Her early life was marked by service, which continued when her family moved to Cuba until they were forced to leave after Castro's rise to power. At 15, Joanna was sent to boarding school, later rejoining her family in South Texas. She soon married John Berry, and together they settled in Corpus Christi, where John started an independent jewelry store. Joanna balanced working in the business with raising their three children—Joslyn, Jenna, and Jarett—and caring for extended family members.

As her children grew, Joanna sought further purpose, leading her to complete her BA at age 48 and a Master’s degree in clinical social work at 50. She was then hired by South Texas Children’s Home (STCH Ministries), where she started as a part-time family therapist. Her role expanded as she became the Director of Counseling and later Vice-President, overseeing the growth of Family Counseling across several cities and the establishment of the Christian Women’s Job Corps, which evolved into Community Ministries. Joanna also developed the Homes for Families program, a ministry offering respite and discipleship for single mothers and their children.

In 2006, Joanna was tasked with developing STCH Ministries' International Ministries. Drawing on her missionary roots, she pioneered family-focused mission trips to the Dominican Republic, and later El Salvador. These trips were designed to strengthen family bonds and align participants with God’s purpose for their lives. Despite initial challenges, the program grew, with God providing resources and partners along the way.

Over her 28 years with STCH Ministries, Joanna’s work has impacted thousands of lives. In just the past five years, the Homes for Families program has served 318 mothers and children, Family Counseling has reached 8,649 individuals, and 28,229 people have participated in International Ministries, with 410 coming to faith in Christ. Joanna humbly acknowledges that her work has always been God-led, crediting Him for the vision, resources, and people who have come alongside her to accomplish His purposes. She remains amazed at how God has used her, reflecting the words of an old hymn: "I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene and wonder how He could use me…How wonderful, how marvelous is our Savior’s love."