Swim, Speech, and Safety

🏊‍♀️ Swim, Speech, and Safety: My Journey to SplashAbilities

SplashAbilities is a vision come to life for me.

It all started when I was 16 years old, working at a local swim center in Noblesville, Indiana. I was given the opportunity and trust to provide lessons to children who needed different support requirements. At the time, I just knew I loved kids and wanted to help them achieve their swim goals.

I became close with a couple of families, who are still near and dear to my heart. One family, in particular, had an oldest son with Autism. This was my first personal experience with an autistic child, and as a high school student, all I saw was just another kid to teach—one who just happened to love the Tiki Room and the order of the Catholic Church.

🌟 Finding My Passion at Purdue

Fast forward a few years, and I was starting college at Purdue University as a biology major, initially intending to become a pediatrician. However, I quickly realized that wasn't where my true passion was found.

After some soul searching and exploring, I landed on Speech-Language Pathology. I could not have picked a better field for my interests and drive! After graduating with my Master's (also from Purdue), I moved to Nashville, Tennessee. I started my career in the Sumner County School System and later transitioned to the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, where my knowledge grew exponentially over seven years.

🌊 Back to the Water with Purpose

I stepped away from my career at Vanderbilt in the Fall of 2025 to follow this new dream. Why? Because I hear it all the time: so many autistic and disabled children need access to swim lessons, but the availability is few and far between. This need is critical, as autistic children are, in general, more likely to be drawn to and then drown in water.

So, 16 years, a bachelor's, and a master's degree later, I am back in the water! I now have a better understanding of the neurodiverse brain and a deeper appreciation for building a child's confidence and rapport before expecting growth.

Thank you for being part of this journey! I can't wait to see what we accomplish together at SplashAbilities.