JoElla grew up dancing at DuHadway Dance Dimensions in Alma, MI, and dual enrolled in dance at Alma College during high school. Through her classes at Alma College, JoElla worked with Lynn Bowman and Kristen Bennett, co-artistic directors of Third Coast Dance Company. Upon her high school graduation, JoElla danced with TCDC before attending Wayne State University. JoElla graduated from WSU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. While at WSU, JoElla minored in dance and had the opportunity to train with Meg Paul, Dr. Ras Michael Courtney, and Dr. Biba Bell. At WSU, JoElla performed in student choreographed works, attended Complexions Detroit Summer Intensive, danced as a company member for Fun Girl Dance Company’s first season, and choreographed for local studios in Metro Detroit. In 2023, JoElla performed at St. Mary’s College of California for Kate Morley’s Master of Fine Art thesis, and joined ConteXture Dance Detroit. During the summer of 2024, JoElla was chosen as ConteXture’s Darling Endowment Choreographer, which allowed her to choreograph a concert length work on the company’s interns and apprentices to perform at their annual show. JoElla is currently the Head Coach for the Dance and Cheer program at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, and is a teacher/choreographer at Dance Beat in Plymouth!