By Joan:

"I like being on the ice and being able to feel the cold air on my face. I really like everything about ice skating-the coaching, the supportive people around me, the ice, competition, pressure, accomplishment after competition..."

"I just put the music in my head and make it me. I become the character in the music. I tell myself be part of the music." (on artistry)

"I just manage my time. In the morning I go skate. Then I go to school. After school I have a one-to two hour break. Then I go skating again. I come home, do things around the house and then homework. It makes me feel like I'm a regular person, not someone who has to be just a skater or a student. I can be both at the same time."

About Joan:

"She was just so pleasant to teach. Joan is always focused, she always looks you in the eye when you talk to her. She never talks back. And she always says 'thank you' at the end-no matter how bad or good the lesson was." -Laura Galindo Black-

"She is very special. Her artistry is extraordinary. She's an absolutely beautiful skater to watch. -Laura Galindo Black-