Joanna Finch grew up in Washington, Illinois, and pursued her education at the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later completed her Master’s degree at the University of Illinois. Mrs. Finch brings a wealth of experience to her role, having taught at St. Mark Catholic School and within the Peoria Public Schools District 150.
In her classroom, Mrs. Finch fosters a faith-filled and loving environment where students build the foundational skills for lifelong learning. She is deeply inspired by her Catholic faith, with the Blessed Mother, Mary, as her favorite saint and the St. Martha Novena as her favorite prayer.
Mrs. Finch’s faith journey was profoundly shaped by personal loss after suffering two miscarriages. In their grief, she and her husband turned to God, praying the St. Martha Novena every Tuesday. Their prayers were answered with the birth of their first daughter—on a Tuesday—solidifying their trust in God and deepening their relationship with Him.
In her free time, Mrs. Finch enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting, walking, baking, and traveling. She brings this same sense of joy and love to her students, creating a nurturing and Christ-centered learning space.