Reverend JoAnn Barrett was ordained in 1995 from the then New Seminary which is now One Spirit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Policy, specializing in collaborating efforts with faith-based organizations and social service agencies. She is also a certified counselor with a degree in Substance Abuse. She served as Co-Chair of the Interfaith Anti-Bias Task Force of Suffolk County and local task forces and served as a member of Faith Leaders Task Force for NY State. Newsday has regularly featured her in its publications.

Her ongoing classes in ‘A Course in Miracles,’ since 1980, have helped numerous seekers on the spiritual path. She founded many Community Service projects, under GOL's LightWorks: Starter-Packs  for the homeless families of Long Island and Bedding for Babes. She has also served as the Pastoral Care Associate for North Shore, Syosset and Huntington Hospitals, and has held the position of Clinical Director of a major Long Island Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Center. Locally to GOL, she is a member of the Huntington Clergy Association and Leadership Huntington and was asked to author a chapter in the well-received book, Mature Interspirituality: Wayne Teasdale's Nine Elements and Beyond. She also has published prayers and poems with Guideposts. She has officiated and performed hundreds of individualized wedding ceremonies in the tristate area and conducts sacraments and ceremonies for all life events. Several prestigious institutions including Stony Brook School of Social Welfare, and VA Medical Center have invited her to render spiritual and inspirational orations.

Reverend JoAnn’s burning desire to cultivate ‘Similarity in Diversity,’ has put her in the center stage of the Interspiritual Movement, with droves of like-minded individuals responding to her mission dedicated to diversity and the right to personal spiritual expression.

Reverend JoAnn lives with her husband in Long Island and has six children and five grandchildren.