Joni was born and raised in Orlando , Florida .  She received her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, majoring in Political Science, from the University of Florida and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society upon completion of her undergraduate studies. Joni obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida College of Law. She began her legal practice with a specialization in family and marital law matters. In 1990, Joni was selected to serve as a Judicial Hearing Officer and General Master for Orange County , Florida 's Ninth Judicial Circuit Court. She served for thirteen years in this capacity. During her tenure, she resolved pre-trial, trial and post-judgment child support enforcement issues and presided over Baker Act hearings brought pursuant to Florida 's mental health statute.

Joni is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts