Bonnie Joia claims Mormonism as her identity, while serving as an Episcopal priest. Born in Salt Lake City, she raised her children in California. Her transformation began with an assignment to teach sex education in the notorious Anaheim program. Training in Reality Therapy led to an expanded world view and conflict with her family of origin.

With a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Direction (1985) she has listened to stories of hundreds of women from many denominations whose spiritual growth has been crystallized through fear and guilt.