Grounded in twenty years of leadership experience.

Over the span of twenty years at Boston Children’s Hospital, I did work I deeply believed in.

I led two surgical foundations as Executive Director, partnering closely with clinical chiefs and C-suite leaders. I built diverse, high-performing teams, turned around cultures, and drove enterprise-wide change. In these roles, I also had the privilege of directly supervising, mentoring, and developing leaders across both the administrative and clinical space.

Along the way, I began to notice a common thread that kept me connected to my purpose.

It was the people.

More specifically, it was the ability to see potential in someone—sometimes before they could see it in themselves—and to witness what became possible when they finally did.

What Drew Me Here

Over time, I realized that the work I found most meaningful was not just leading initiatives or driving results, but developing the people around me.

I was drawn to the moments that required more than technical expertise—moments that called for deeper listening, self-awareness, and a more human approach to leadership.

That realization is what led me here.

Why I Do This Work

I understand the realities of leadership because I’ve lived them.

I’ve carried the weight of important decisions, navigated competing priorities, and operated in environments where expectations are high and the margin for error is small.

I also know what it feels like to reach a point where something needs to shift—and to find the courage to make a change.

That experience shapes how I listen, the questions I ask, and how I support leaders through their own moments of transition.

This is the work I care most deeply about.

Credentials & Experience

Experience
Over 20 years of leadership experience at Boston Children’s Hospital including roles such as:

  • Executive Administrative Director

  • Senior Director of Enterprise Revenue Strategy and Innovation

Education
Master of Science in Management
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Coaching Training
Executive Leadership Coaching Training — Georgetown University

Community
Secretary, Board of Trustees, Beverly School for the Deaf
Chair of Personnel Committee, local non-profit

The Story Behind Aperture

  • "From our very first session, Joanna created a space that felt warm, human, and completely free of judgment. As someone who spends most of my time in high-stakes, highly analytical environments, that kind of space is rare and incredibly valuable."

    - Interim Director of Engineering

  • "Joanna's approach was open and honest. She was never judgmental and met me where I was in every situation. She is a wonderful coach, and I have referenced our conversations to many friends and colleague. She seems to love this work and thrive in helping people become themselves."

    - Vice President of Content Strategy

  • "Joanna’s coaching went deeper than just addressing my initially stated goal. Joanna deftly pivoted with me, and her warmth and validation helped me to address these topics. I felt understood, seen, and validated. She helped me see the larger patterns and motivations behind what I was describing and helped me sort through to where I had some concrete next steps. Our conversations leave me feeling confident, clearer in my thinking, and with actionable next steps for each issue I encounter."

    - Director of Physician Assistant Services

  • "Working with Joanna has been such a meaningful and impactful experience. I’ve truly appreciated her consistency, professionalism and the level of care she brings to every session. What I admire most is how thoughtful and attentive she is. She listens deeply, asks the right questions and creates a space that feels both supportive and empowering."

    - Sr. Program Manager, Leadership Development Programs