
Congratulations D’Anna!
We love our employees and it’s pretty awesome when others do too! That’s why we wanted to give a special shout out to D’Anna our Assistant Director of Aquatics.
D’Anna has been with the resort since 2015 and many of you may remember her for being part of the team who saved guest Michael Kirkham’s life in 2023 – https://www.wildernessatthesmokies.com/wilderness-aquatics-team-revive-guest-after-heart-attack/
Well, D’Anna has been up to more great things that we wanted to share with you! In July 2024, she obtained her Paramedic License after completing the rigorous Paramedic Program at Roane State and successfully passing the National Registry Exam.
Then in early November, she was selected to join the World Waterpark Association (WWA) Education Committee, which is comprised of 11 members from waterparks across the United States. As part of this committee, she will be using her industry expertise to help to design, improve and expand the educational programs offered by the WWA.
Finally, in December, D’Anna was selected by Ellis and Associates, the World Leader in Aquatic Safety since 1983, to become a Lifeguard Instructor Trainer based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to Aquatics industry. We can honestly say that few in our industry carry this trainer title, and even fewer are handpicked by the Ellis and Associates executive leadership staff. This is indeed a very prestigious recognition.
We are so incredibly proud of D’Anna for her accomplishments and can honestly say we feel so blessed to have her on our fabulous Wilderness at the Smokies Aquatics team!