Swim Angelfish: Transforming Abilities with Adaptive Aquatics
Swimming is a life skill—but for many children with autism, sensory challenges, or developmental differences, traditional lessons don’t always work. That’s why Swim Angelfish was created. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to make swimming safe, accessible, and enjoyable for every child, no matter their abilities.
About Swim Angelfish
Swim Angelfish is a leader in adaptive aquatics, offering specialized swim lessons, aquatic therapy, and professional training. With programs available in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire—and training offered online—their impact reaches families and professionals across the country and beyond.
At its core, Swim Angelfish believes that children who learn differently deserve an approach that meets them where they are. By focusing on safety, confidence, and inclusion, they help children succeed in the water while empowering families and communities to embrace adaptive aquatics.
About the Founders
Swim Angelfish was founded by Ailene Tisser and Cindy Freedman, two pediatric therapists with decades of combined experience. Their clinical backgrounds as physical and occupational therapists laid the foundation for the organization’s unique approach.
Together, they developed the Swim Whisperers® Methodology, a specialized teaching method that identifies and overcomes the obstacles children face when learning to swim. Their passion for inclusion and water safety has transformed Swim Angelfish into a trusted name in adaptive swim education and training.
Services They Offer
Swim Angelfish provides a wide range of programs designed to support swimmers, families, and aquatic professionals:
- Adaptive Swim Lessons (Swim Whisperers®)
Tailored for children and young adults with sensory, motor, or learning challenges. Lessons are offered as private, semi-private, or small group classes. - Aquatic Therapy
Water-based therapy sessions delivered by specially trained therapists to support motor development, sensory regulation, and confidence. - Professional Training & Certification
Online and in-person courses, including the Swim Whisperers® Certification and adaptive aquatic therapy training, designed for instructors, therapists, and swim schools. - Consulting & Program Support
Expert consulting to help organizations design, launch, or improve adaptive swim and therapy programs, including guidance on staffing, safety, and community integration. - Resources & Toolkits
Educational tools such as adaptive water safety guides and mini-courses that empower parents, teachers, and instructors.
What Makes Swim Angelfish Different
With so many swim schools available, Swim Angelfish stands out for several key reasons:
- Expert Methodology: Their Swim Whisperers® approach is backed by decades of clinical experience and specifically designed for children who face challenges in traditional lessons.
- Personalized Instruction: Every lesson adapts to the swimmer’s unique needs, whether that means sensory adjustments, therapeutic techniques, or patient pacing.
- Global Impact: Beyond local swim lessons, Swim Angelfish trains instructors and therapists worldwide, extending their reach far beyond their own pools.
- Holistic Support: They don’t just teach strokes—they focus on water safety, confidence, and long-term independence.
- Commitment to Inclusion: Every child deserves the joy and safety of swimming, and Swim Angelfish is dedicated to making that possible.
Connect with Swim Angelfish
If you or someone you know could benefit from adaptive swim lessons, start by visiting swimangelfish.com. Explore their lesson options, professional training programs, or consulting services to find the right fit for your needs.
Together, we can ensure that children of all abilities experience the safety, joy, and independence that swimming brings—with confidence, compassion, and inclusion at the center of every splash.