Josie was born in San Pablo City, the Philippines, and currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her family. She has a master's degree in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach; as well as an MS in Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines (Diliman) and a BS in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines (Los Baños).
 
She had worked and lived in Nepal and in the Sudan (Africa) until she and her family relocated in 1998 to the United States. She retired in March 2022 as a Mental Health Clinical Supervisor with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
 
Josie is happily married for 45 years with Dr Shambhu Dhungana. They have three children, all of whom are well settled with their respective professional careers and families. They also have two grandchildren to date. Both Josie and her husband love to dance, travel and are actively involved in volunteer work in the US, Nepal and the Philippines.