Work Experience

Through my experience working as an Adaptive and Division of Developmental Disabilities Water Safety
Instructor and Special Olympics Swim Coach over the past six years, I have become comfortable
interacting with children and adults with various cognitive, physical, and developmental disabilities. I
have demonstrated leadership, communication, and creativity. I have effectively communicated with
people of varying levels of cognitive development while incorporating creative and understandable ways
to relay information. I regularly developed and utilized innovative techniques to communicate effectively
while teaching a diverse set of aquatic skills. I found that teaching was much more effective when the
material was modified for the particular person and/or family, their background knowledge, and cognitive
abilities. As a Head Lifeguard I have demonstrated leadership skills in ensuring effective communication
with my supervisor and the pool coordinator, resolving staff and customer conflicts, and in setting an
example to provide the best services possible when carrying out daily activities required of the position.
Additionally, I have gained firsthand experience working at the front lines of emergency situations
involving active drowning and head injuries among young, school-aged children that required teamwork,
immediate action, and critical thinking skills, which were imperative to providing appropriate, safe, and
timely care in order to promote positive health outcomes.