Joanne grew up attending a Hiawatha Baptist Missions church (now CBM) in northeastern Wisconsin. It was through the ministry of the missionary pastor and his wife that she came to trust in Christ as her Savior at an early age. In 1985, Joanne and her husband, Brad, partnered with CBM as church planters. After ministering in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and planting a church in Sioux City, IA, Brad was asked to become the Field Director for CBM. With his acceptance, the Hoffs returned once again to Michigan. When not traveling and ministering with Brad, Joanne works part-time as an administrative assistant at the home office.