Dr. Joan Bernard Bradley

Dr. Joan Bernard Bradley’s journey began on the vibrant island of Jamaica, where she was born and raised. During her high school years, her family moved to the Bahamas, and she was selected as valedictorian of her graduating class. This marked the start of a fulfilling path in education and leadership.

Joan then moved to Toronto, Canada, to pursue higher education at the University of Toronto where she earned two undergraduate degrees, one in history and politics, followed by a Bachelor of Education. This was the foundation of a fulfilling 25 year career in education and leadership. Her passion for learning continued after teaching and raising her family, leading her to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, which prepared her for a role as a principal. Ultimately, led by a commitment to improve school systems Joan later earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from St. Louis University, Missouri.

Driven by the question, “Why can't our schools consistently deliver better outcomes?” Joan focused on supporting teachers and developing teacher leadership. By fostering unity and shared purpose across the staff and students, Joan transformed school environments, making education more effective and impactful.

Retirement didn’t slow Joan down; it shifted her focus. After years of improving school systems, she felt called to address similar challenges within the Christian Science movement. She joyfully began serving her branch church as First Reader and sincerely wanted to share Christian Science more broadly with her community. “I've been a part of different branch churches, and I noticed similar issues—a lack of community interaction and a declining membership.” Just as she had once transformed schools, her deep desire was now to help revitalize Christian Science churches and Reading Rooms, which she found were facing these same challenges.

Joan wasn’t raised in Christian Science. However, while attending a Wednesday testimony meeting, she realized Christian Science could be applied to daily life. Hearing others share how they used Christian Science to overcome everyday challenges deeply resonated with her. She thought, “This is something I could apply to my own life.” Through deep study and practice, she had many healings and later her young son was healed of asthma. Years later she noticed that Wednesday meetings had lost some of their vibrancy, with fewer attendees and fewer testimonies being shared.

This insight inspired Joan to create her first workshop, The Vital Role of Testimonies in the Christian Science Church. Through her research, she discovered that early church members were consistently referred to as "workers," whereas today's members are more commonly called "members." Reflecting on this, Joan remarked, "Members of a club often expect to be entertained or served. Compare that to the active role of a worker—could this perspective help illuminate some of the challenges facing today’s church?" Since that initial workshop, Joan has gone on to lead more than 60 workshops and talks across the U.S., Canada, England, and Kenya, many of them held via Zoom and has taught leadership and organizational development.

Joan treasures living at The Willows because it’s a community of like-minded people—all Christian Scientists. Being part of this supportive community offers her a sense of safety, love, and support which she finds invaluable. As a single woman at this stage in her life, she finds that having this kind of support has given her the freedom to pursue her passions.

In her downtime, Joan is working on a book titled The Biblical Roots of Servant Leadership, exploring leadership through a spiritual lens. She believes servant leadership, though popular today, is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. By tracing its origins to Jesus’ teachings, Joan aims to demonstrate that these principles are a rediscovery of enduring wisdom.

Through her workshops, book, and ongoing research, Joan inspires many. Her journey reflects a life of purpose, grounded in education, faith, and the belief that true leadership is about serving others and elevating the community, as she continues to do at The Willows and beyond.