Building Dreams in the Water: Adaptive Workshops in Action

What a journey this has been! It all started in 2020 when TheraSwim reached out to us for an In-Person Training at a home pool in Greeley, Colorado.

Susan Hunt, the inspiring founder of TheraSwim, had completed Swim Whisperers Level 1 and was eager to develop her skills through an in-water practicum to gain hands-on experience. Since then, Susan and her staff have continually invested in expanding their adaptive knowledge and education, with Swim Angelfish by their side.

From that backyard pool—where we held their very first in-water training— to now. We had no idea we were witnessing the start of something extraordinary.

Fast forward to today, and Susan has built an incredible facility, complete with two indoor pools and a full pediatric therapy clinic with 30 staff! We are so proud and excited to see her business thrive and grow! Susan is a shining example of a woman-led business making a real impact in adaptive aquatics, leading the way with vision, determination, and heart.

Susan tells us, ‘I always learn something new’ every time she attends a Swim Angelfish in-person training. Watch the magic happen for yourself.

First In-Water Workshop: Dipping Our Toes In

Theraswim’s first In-Water Adaptive Workshop in 2020 focused on aquatic therapy combined with adaptive swim instruction. Led by our OT/PT experts, Cindy and Ailene, who guided 15 therapists through hands-on training in the water, covering everything from handling skills and clinical problem-solving to using the aquatic environment to enhance strength, coordination, endurance, and motor planning basic swim skills—and so much more.

They demonstrated in real time how to pace and progress sessions for better outcomes, giving therapists practical skills that could be easily implemented in their aquatic therapy, and adaptive swim sessions. It was a fully immersive introduction to how the water can truly be transformative, and lots of fun!

Second Workshop: Expanding Adaptive Swim Instructor Training

Before our second training, Susan engaged Swim Angelfish for program development and business consulting—and the idea of building her own pool came into play! We connected her with our dream team partners at Build-A-Pool (TAP), and she even attended a pool-building conference with Mick and Sue Nelson. What followed was a two-year journey toward creating the perfect space for adaptive aquatic programs.

By 2022, Susan had not only expanded her facility but also her offerings. She invested in professional training from Swim Angelfish, including more adaptive swim instructor training through the Swim Whisperers® Certification. The demand in Loveland and Greeley for adaptive swim and aquatic therapy was growing, and Susan was ready to meet it.

For our second training, we took things in a whole new direction with their larger group. Therapists and swim instructors split into two specialized groups: Ailene led the therapists through advanced aquatic therapy techniques, while Cindy guided the instructors through adaptive swim instruction. Later, everyone came together for a collaborative session on adaptive water safety, bringing the groups back together to share knowledge and learn from one another as a cohesive team.

It was exciting to watch therapists and instructors grow from confident participants into adaptive leaders ready to bring these skills back to their own programs.

Third In-Water Workshop: Diving Deeper into Adaptive Aquatics

February 2026 was truly mind-blowing. Walking into Susan’s new 10,000-square-foot facility in Loveland, we were stunned. Two side-by-side pools, land-based OT/PT/Speech therapy spaces, and a full aquatic therapy program that even includes larger public pool options for swim teams.

We welcomed her 30 staff of therapists and swim instructors for this high-energy private in-water workshop, which included both land-based training and two hours in the water. Five had attended previous workshops, but the others were experiencing the magic for the first time.

Cindy and Ailene split the groups: one pool for OT/PT/Speech aquatic therapists and another for Swim Whisperers®-certified instructors. We brought in three live demonstrators for hands-on practice:

  • A visually and physically impaired client achieved more independent walking

  • A young boy with Autism improved pacing, participation, and swim skill benchmarks

  • For our sensory sensitive friend, self-regulation and modulation were enhanced using water properties and strategic pacing

Every participant witnessed what’s possible when adaptive aquatic training is combined with expert guidance and real-world practice. The energy, the breakthroughs, the sheer excitement—it was unforgettable.

Why Therapy Centers and Swim Schools Choose Swim Angelfish

If you’re running a therapy center or swim school that teaches children needing adapted lessons, our In-Person Training is designed for you. You’ll get:

  • A private, fully customized in-water workshop for your staff
  • Hands-on guidance from our OT/PT experts
  • Immersive in-water practicums for hands-on experience
  • Practice techniques from the Swim Whisperers® Method

We can help you turn your facility into a hub for adaptive swim and aquatic therapy success—just like Susan did.

Ready to see what’s possible for your team?

Book Your In-Person Training now, or if you’re unsure which mix of staff training fits your needs, Schedule a Free Exploration Call and let’s make it happen!

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene Tisser, a pediatric Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience and co-founder of Swim Angelfish® and the Swim Whisperers® method, specializes in aquatic therapy and adaptive swim for children with special needs. Trained in NDT, DIR/Floortime, and certified as an Autism Specialist and Primitive Reflex Specialist she fosters water safety, confidence, and independence in her young clients. Ailene is also passionate about educating aquatic professionals, setting a standard of excellence for adaptive aquatics training and professional development.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy, MS, OTR/L is an occupational and recreational therapist with over 30 years of experience specializing in pediatrics and aquatics. Driven by a passion for helping children with special needs reach their full potential, Cindy co-founded Swim Angelfish, an organization dedicated to providing adaptive swim and aquatic therapy services as well as professional training. Her expertise in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics, coupled with her love for water and experience as a national champion diver, has enabled her to make a profound impact on the lives of countless children. Cindy is certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES, and shows an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with special needs.