Joelle Merrifield

Joelle is a native of Beirut, Lebanon. Her bicultural and bilingual background enables her to engage with a wide range of people. She values the creation of environments that enable students to engage authentically and embrace their diverse abilities. Joelle is passionate about shaping positive perceptions regarding disability among students and faculty and encouraging individuals in their own journeys of self-acceptance and the discovery of their strengths. She is excited about working with a team committed to insuring accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of Wheaton College’s academic and campus life.

 Joelle is the parent of children with attention, behavioral, and learning difficulties. In Lebanon, she worked in the Accessible Education Office at the American University of Beirut. She also provided one-on-one counseling for individuals struggling with mental health issues and was a resource for parents raising children with special needs.

 Joelle is married to a Wheaton grad and is the proud mother of four wonderful children. She loves coffee, Vienna, and good food. 

Lebanese American University
B.A., 1998

Trinity International University
M.A., 2001