Joanna S. Kishner was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 27, 1964.

She and her husband were married at Temple Beth Sholom—the temple where she had her bar mitzvah and where she raises her own children in the Jewish tradition.

Judge Kishner has been recognized for her legal work throughout the years, this includes pro bono work for disadvantaged children through the Children’s Attorney Project.

Touro University Nevada (TUN) is a private Jewish-sponsored higher education institution in Henderson, Nevada. Founded in 2004, it is part of the Touro College and University System, which consists of 29 schools in five countries. TUN and Touro University California comprise Touro Univeristy Western Division, which is overseen by chief executive officer and senior provost Shelley Berkley. TUN provides educational programs in health care and education.