Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Rodriguez.
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a Pediatric Physical Therapist for 12 years, practicing in Ventura and LA counties. I had the good fortune of working in a pool early in my therapy career. I really enjoyed the unique properties of the aquatic environment and how it shaped my treatment and expanded my creativity with my clients. I started a private practice in 2016 and the business exploded.
I quickly realized that this was a special gift to the community and that I couldn’t take it on alone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself with extra time to finally work on my dream of starting a nonprofit. I worked with a team of friends and parents of my previous clients, to expand aquatic opportunities for children with disabilities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our road has had its bumps. Our team had to solidify partnerships with a community pool, fundraise, and market our programs during the most unpredictable and challenging year. Our greatest challenge thus far is our waitlist.
Once we began marketing, it was obvious that the demand was far greater than we anticipated. Within one month of operating, we doubled our swim instruction staff.
By our fifth month of operation, we started offering group swim classes. Our first swim session had 8 swimmers and our next session will have 20. I’m very proud of the growth we have been able to achieve while keeping quality and safety a priority.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Pediatric Physical Therapist with a specialty in aquatics. I guide children with disabilities to increase their functional independence. I customize aquatic exercises to improve strength, balance, and coordination. I have dedicated my career to enriching the lives of children from a medical perspective.
I now have the opportunity to use my experience to mentor swim instructors to improve swim skills and water safety through recreational activities. I am proud that the mission of SNAP with Stepping Stones resonates with others.
Sharing our story has moved people in our community to volunteer on our board, join our staff and donate, to ensure our program’s continued success.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The best part of LA is the vast options of things to do. We have beaches, museums, concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, and hiking trails, all just a car ride away.
There are endless opportunities to explore and soak in new experiences daily. The thing I like least about LA is the lack of a sense of community. My hope is that people can be more present and friendly when they pass others.
Slowing down to acknowledge our neighbors is a simple act that can make a huge impact, especially in a big, busy city.
Pricing:
- $40 private swim lesson
- $25 group swim class
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snapaquatics.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapwithsteppingstones
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/110584684110549
