Jo grew up in country Victoria and had access to fresh, quality produce. As a child, she would often cook the family meal while her parents and siblings were working on their property, hydroponically growing tomatoes. They traded their vegetables with neighbouring farmers, to get fresh meat or they would hunt and fish the local game.
After completing her high school studies, Jo gained an apprenticeship at Chatlers Restaurant, an a-la-carte restaurant in Victoria, whilst completing her trade studies at Gordon Technical College. In 1990, Jo worked as a Commis Chef at Café La, a brasserie style restaurant at the Regent Hotel in Melbourne.
Jo moved to Adelaide in 1993 and joined the five star hotel, Hitlon International in their brasserie restaurant. Her true style and ability was quickly recognised by world-renowned chef Cheong Liew who seconded her to The Grange Restaurant kitchen.
Jo has left The Grange restaurant, a position that she held for 7 years. She has moved to Sydney but will continue her association with Cheong Liew in various projects both here and abroad.