Joan Gatto

Location: Blueprint Office

Professional Background:
My career began in New Jersey, where I started a successful computer tutoring business, was a technology coordinator for a Merrill Lynch group, and constructed a computer lab in a private parochial school. Once the lab was completed, I became the K-8 grade computer teacher. When I realized the lab had dual-purpose capabilities, I developed an Adult Computer Education program that provided a valuable service to the community while also raising money for technology supplies for students. I directed and taught the adult computer program for five years.

After moving to Arizona, I came to Blueprint Education from Challenger Middle School in Glendale, where I was an Alternative Instructional Setting Instructor. I also held a part time job as the Jones New York specialist at Macy’s.

Personal Life:
In 2004, my daughter Lisa and I packed our bags in New Jersey and temporarily moved to Arizona so she could attend ASU.  After two years, I enjoyed this sunny state so much that I decided to live here permanently. I sold my New Jersey home and bought one here in Glendale. Now, five years later, I am still enjoying the weather every day.  Yes, even the 115-degree days (thankfully, we have air conditioning in Arizona).

Lori, my first born, is happily married to Philip. They have blessed our family with three beautiful grandchildren, Payton, Philip and Josephine.

My wonderful mother lives on her own in New Jersey at the young age of 92.  She continues to cook, clean, do laundry and care for herself. She is an inspiration to all of us.

I enjoy a very active social life, and bring that energy to Blueprint Education by finding activities that we “wannado” outside the office environment.  We have gone hiking, explored the Lava Tubes near Flagstaff, rode horses at the Ponderosa near the South Mountain, and enjoyed bowling at the lanes and on the Wii at my house.  We even got a chance to see our former student Jordan Sparks when she won the American Idol contest, and appeared at the studio of Fox 10 and the American Idol Tour at the University of Arizona Stadium.

Quote You Live By:
"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." Albert Einstein

What draws you to Blueprint Education?
Getting up every day to work at Blueprint Education is a pleasure. All the staff are wonderful to work with and always willing to lend a helping hand. The company has advanced and expanded so much since I joined forces, and the energy committed to growing it is endless.