We Transform Abilities!
We’re On a Mission
We are dedicated to transforming all abilities by providing life-changing aquatic skills through our unique therapy, adaptive swim and training programs.
We achieve this through:
We Have a Vision
We want to revolutionize the aquatic industry by creating a standard of excellence in the delivery of inclusive services. We will achieve this by using our adaptive Swim Whisperers Method to empower individuals to thrive.
Our Shared Values
The heart of our company and culture is built on shared core values that make us who we are.
Our values guide everything we do, helping us to keep it REAL.
How We Got Here
Ailene and Cindy’s paths met because of a shared passion for providing therapeutic care for individuals with special needs.
Ailene was working in an outpatient rehabilitation program, while Cindy had her own aquatic therapy business. Ailene, impressed by Cindy’s innovative program, referred countless families, sparking a powerful collaboration. Their shared dedication to transforming the lives of children with special needs, led them to pursue advanced training together through ATRI and they established a joint business.
The powerful results they achieved as a team were undeniable. Families raved about their transformative approach. It became clear that their expertise was in high demand, and they needed to share their knowledge with other professionals.
What began as a duo quickly expanded into a nationwide movement. Recognizing the desperate need for adaptive swim instructors, they developed the Swim Whisperers® Method and launched a wide range of professional training courses for therapists, swim instructors and aquatic professionals.
The staggering drowning statistics for the autism community ignited a relentless drive within us to create a global impact. From humble beginnings, Swim Angelfish has over the past 25 years grown to fill a critical gap in the adaptive aquatics industry.
Our ‘Aha’ Moment
We began sharing our insights at Swim industry conferences, highlighting the unique challenges swimmers with special needs face and the importance of tailored teaching methods. As we spoke, a glaring reality emerged: a desperate shortage of resources and practical guidance to improve water safety for this vulnerable population.
Simultaneously, we witnessed a heartbreaking trend: therapy clients ready to swim were turned away because no one could teach them. The alarming rise of autism and its correlation to drowning rates worldwide further underscored the urgency of our mission.
We knew we had the skills and knowledge, but the realization of how many lives were at stake was shocking. This was no longer just a job; it became our purpose. Fueled by a shared passion, we deepened our commitment to understanding swimming, therapy, and the unique needs of our students. We immersed ourselves in learning, earning certifications in various specialties, all with a singular focus: empowering these children to overcome the impossible.
Our Timeline
Cindy & Ailene meet and started to work together.
This in-person course became the standard for our staff training and was the basis for Totally Treatment.
We brought our expertise around the globe.
We introduced an overnight 1-week camp for our clients with a range of disabilities to provide a unique integrated experience. For many this was the highlight of their summer and the only chance to enjoy what neurotypical kids might experience.
This was a three week day camp based in Connecticut focusing on kids who struggled with attention, sensory and self-regulation preventing them from being successful at a regular camp.
Covering a broader range of topics including water safety, adaptive swim lessons, inclusive swim teams and aquatic therapy.
We brought all of our therapy training online to fulfill a need for professional education during the Covid Pandemic.
We started private consulting and training for organizations around the U.S. who had instructors certified in the Swim Whisperers® Program.
Partnering with drowning prevention organizations, we identified a gap in water safety resources for special needs individuals. In response, we launched a free adaptive water safety tool.
Partnering with larger community and Government organizations to bring adaptive water safety skills to everyone.
Our Team
Our team is the heart of our business. By working together, we help our Swim Angelfish family achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Join Our Team
Are you ready to transform abilities? Passionate about a career helping individuals with challenges thrive in the water? Become part of our Swim Angelfish family and help us lead the world in adaptive aquatics.
