With over 60 years of combined experience as physical and occupational therapists, our founders have been transforming abilities one stroke at a time since 2000. They created the Swim Whisperers® method which helps to unlock the potential of swimmers with special needs and are professional training leaders in the adaptive aquatics industry.

Ailene is a pediatric physical therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating a wide range of diagnoses, both in and out of the water. She is trained in NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) for pediatrics and DIR/Floortime. Ailene is also certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. She brings all of her physical therapy expertise into the water, helping children of all abilities feel safe, confident, and independent. By combining her passion for working with children with special needs and the therapeutic properties of water, Ailene achieves remarkable results. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience by educating other aquatic professionals, enabling them to make a meaningful impact on the lives of swimmers with special needs.

Cindy is both a recreational therapist and an occupational therapist (OT). After working for ten years as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, she pursued a Master’s degree in OT. Her career as an OT includes specialty training in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. As a swimmer and national champion diver, her love of the water, combined with her education and work experience, created the opportunity for Swim Angelfish to become a reality! ‘Our mission is to create an aquatic community of trained instructors so that, together, we can reduce the alarming statistic of drowning being the leading cause of death for children with special needs.”