From a young age, Joanne has had a passion for birds-of-prey; the novel “Hawkmistress” by Marion Zimmer Bradley fired her imagination, then later, the movie “LadyHawke” sealed the deal.

A good deal of years, and many adventures, (including learning to fly small aircraft, and completing the first leg of her post-secondary education), passed before she finally set her feet on the path of working with raptors. It took time to find inspiring mentors, but trusting in the guidance of the 13th Century ‘Grandfather’ of modern Falconry, Frederick II, Joanne set off in an exciting new direction — her goal and passion to inspire and educate others evolving from an imagining, into a reality.

Leah Reimer has been apprenticing with Joanne for the past four years, and loves every moment spent with “Team Feathers”. This is her graduating year at King George Secondary; Leah’s intention is to pursue an education in Zoology, and to continue working with animals all over the world — including big cats and penguins.

Joey Norris has always felt drawn to birds of prey. In school, most of his projects were focused on — or inspired by — Falcons, Hawks, and Eagles. For the past two years he has been honored by the opportunity to learn the Art of Falconry with Joanne. When he is not working hands-on with “Team Feathers”, he is usually pursuing one of his short list of passions; working in the film industry, studying European martial arts, or “Fire Dancing”. There are several paths opening up to Joey, however he firmly believes no matter which direction he chooses to follow, Falconry will definitely inform a big part of his life.