Joyce Mayo, born into a military family, spent her youth navigating the East Coast from South Carolina to Rhode Island and back to Virginia. With a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University and a focus on early childhood education at Norfolk State University, she pursued a teaching career for over a decade. A military spouse for thirty-seven years, Joyce deeply understands the challenges faced by military families, addressing issues like PTSD, alcoholism, and domestic violence. Following her husband's passing, she continues to volunteer, focusing on supporting veterans and their families, particularly in shelters for abused women, while also raising awareness about domestic violence, especially among the youth. Joyce is the author of "Abused and Abandoned," "Too Late to Turn Back," and "Love Guides Me." Currently residing in eastern Virginia, she leads a quiet life, dedicating her time to gardening, writing, and enjoying retirement with her family.