Joan Bliss was born in Tallahassee, Florida and raised in Manatee and Pinellas counties. She completed high school at Gibbs High in St. Petersburg going on to Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida majoring in Social Work. She received her Master's degree from the University of South Florida in Gerontology.

She has over 24 years of experience in the Department of Children and Families which included managing Aging and Adult staff in the provision of probate services here in Pinellas county. Over those years, she worked with single mothers and their children, truant teenagers, ALF's (Adult Living Facilities) and disabled/elderly adults.

She believes that teaching should be provided in an environment that enhances learning that is fun, yet productive in the preparation for individuals to become the best that they are capable of becoming. She enjoys attending church, traveling, bowling, mentoring all age groups, civic work, cooking, and going to the beach.

She lives in St. Petersburg with her husband and enjoys sharing personal time with her adult children and granddaughters.