Joanna Smith grew up in Jefferson City and graduated Cum Laude from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She completed her Master of Science degree and Physician Assistant training at Baylor College of Medicine - Houston in 1997 and moved to Austin, Texas where she worked in family practice and internal medicine until moving back to Jefferson City.

She and her husband, Andrew, have two children and enjoy being active in the community, traveling, the outdoors, and spending time with family.