Joanna Gillis began her clinical social work education as an intern at the community bereavement center The Gathering Place, leading grief support groups for children, teens, adults, and responding to crisis situations in schools. She continued her involvement with The Gathering Place for almost a decade, providing bereavement services, training, and outreach. 

After completing her MSW at USC, Joanna went on to a hospital setting where she initiated grief support groups and provided training to the other clinicians on bereavement counseling. She has also led groups at a cancer support center. Joanna is currently a LCSW in private practice in Century City, CA, specializing in grief and loss, trauma, depression, and anxiety.