After graduation from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 2003, Joel attended Millersville University. While at Millersville Joel graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biology with a concentration is Respiratory Therapy. In 2008 he started working at Lancaster General Health as a clinical respiratory therapist. In 2017 Joel graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Masters degree in Health Education. He accepted a faculty position with Saint Joseph's Respiratory Care Program in 2018.
Joel has been married to his wife Janelle since 2007. Together they have three sons, Simon, Leo and Mack. They reside in Lititz, PA.