Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Powell.
Hi Jodi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2016 I was faced with a decision to continue down the path I was on of running a typical swim school or start a non profit to help those with special needs in our community. Thankfully I have a guardian angel that inspired and guided me.
My father passed away in 1998 after a 20 year battle with MS. He was quadrapalegic and his doctor told him to swim and he did. Water is healing and freedom which stuck in my head.
In 2003 I lost a job and fell back on my lifeguarding and teaching skills to survive financially while going for my masters in counseling.
In 2011 I became a mom for the first time. Having children definitely changed me and my view of the world. My teaching and coaching has grown into an incredible program helping children and adults find freedom in the water
All this lead to the start of Special Fishies.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all! Fighting for the rights of swimmers in the communIty has been a challenge. Finding pool space allowing those with special needs has been the main challenge.
Sadly many people say they teach those with special needs but have no education or experience. Then families have bad experiences and they dont want to trust another person with their child. Earning the trust of parents and child is the first and hardest step!
Being a single mom these past 6 years has been difficult to manage two children, homeschooling and Special Fishies. Balancing and juggling have become important life skills.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Special Fishies?
We take a whole child gentle approach to teaching. Every class is different as no child is the same.
We create a safe environment so a child can feel secure.
We bring the children out to the bay or harbor with typical peers to SUP, kayak, swim and play.
We introduce and make safe a place a child with special needs can find freedom, exercise, social interactions and practice all their PT, OT, Speech skills. A place they can self regulate.
A place that gives their mind and body a break from the pressures of daily life. Whether they are verbal or nonverbal, walking or immobile, 5 or 50 … nothing stops them in the water!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Papa Ron -my dad
For always encouraging me and loving me uncondionally. Supporting all my ideas gowing up and always believing in me.
He taught me that no matter what life hands you you have the choice to be happy or not. Kind or not. Compassionate or not.
Be kind to the world.
Watching him suffer from MS my whole life led me to find ways for him and those like him experience freedom in the water.
My children:
Logan Ronald (14)
Sawyer Benjamin (12)
Being a mom has changed me in every way which has changed my teaching skills
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.specialfishies.org
- Instagram: @specialFishies
- Facebook: @specialFishies
