Joanna Morello

About Joanna

I am currently living in Nelson Bay, Australia, which is where I grew up.  It’s a small costal town, three hours north of Sydney. I started skiing at the age of three.  My family and I would ski most years in Thredbo, Australia.  My passion for skiing developed at an early age and it has always been a huge part of my life.

Career Background

When I was in my final year of high school I decided that I wanted to become a ski instructor.  The following year in 2010 I got my dream job and taught in Thredbo, Australia.  I decided to chase the winter and worked the next season in Whistler, Canada.  I worked a total of five seasons teaching private lessons in Whistler.  In 2015 I worked in Niseko, Japan as I wanted to experience a season skiing powder.  I achieved my level 1 through 3 APSI certifications in Australia.  My goal is to obtain my APSI Level 4 certification within in the next few years.

Treatment Procedure and Recovery Plan

On the 5th of March 2016 I fell while skiing in Niseko and tore my ACL.  I had a knee reconstruction on the 15th of April 2016 in Sydney, Australia.  The surgeon said that I could ski 6 to 9 months after my surgery. I have worked very hard in the gym to strengthen my knee to get back to skiing.  My physiotherapist gave me an excellent rehab program that I do every day.  I am returning to Niseko in December 2016 to teach skiing again.  I am really looking forward to be able to ski again only 7 and a half months after my surgery.

Testimonial

"I cannot express how much I appreciate the help I have received from the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation. I tore my ACL and was not sure when I would be able to return to ski instructing. The foundation gave me the financial support I needed to have knee surgery and paid for my rehabilitation. Without this support I would not be able to do what I love again so soon after my injury. This foundation is truly one of a kind, I am so thankful for what they have done for me."

- Joanna Morello