SPEAKERSJessica Barnes
President, Cayla's Coats Inc
Jessica Barnes is a wife, mother of 3 beautiful children, teacher and co-founder of Cayla’s Coats. She, along with her husband Sean, has taken the tragic drowning of their daughter Cayla and created a nonprofit organization to educate and provide resources for families in their home state of Florida.
Yasmen Barnett
Communications Supervisor, Osceola County Sheriff's Office
Yasmen Barnett has worked in 911 communications for over 6 years in central Florida. She moved up quickly as a supervisor and recently decided to make the transition from public to the private sector but still in the 911 industry.
Susan Bathalon
Children's Risk Manager, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Susan was hired in 2001 at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and over 25 years of government service with her active duty US Air Force service time. Susan is a veteran. At CPSC, Susan works daily in children’s injury and fatality data. The Children’s data teams support standard improvement in safety, Office of Communication messaging, and collaboration with safety organizations. The teams are looking for emerging patterns in products.
Pools are a great source of fun and extremely attractive to children. Unfortunately and tragically, the same hazard pattern is all too common with toddlers and home pools. Unbeknownst to the caregiver, the toddler exits the house and gains access to the home pool. Susan is the agency’s strongest advocate for barriers that surround the pool and can delay the child’s access to the pool until supervision is restored. Susan works on many ANSI and ASTM pool and pool safety standards. Feel free to reach out and ask how you can be a participant in these standard efforts.
Susan has two adult children that grew up in a family home with a backyard in-ground swimming pool. She knows first-hand how important swim lessons, barriers, and designated water watchers are in home pool safety. Susan has a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and has a Hokie Virginia Tech bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Stacey Bender
Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Texas State University, Dept HHP
Stacey H. Bender, Ed.D., is a Senior Lecturer and Program Coordinator in the Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) and Physical Fitness and Wellness (PFW) Program at Texas State University. She teaches courses across both the ESS and PFW programs and specializes in aquatic therapy and social and behavioral sciences in physical fitness and wellness. Her research interests include aquaticity and other aquatic research, postpartum behaviors and physical fitness, and other behavioral, social, and physical issues faced by mothers.
Dave Benjamin
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Dave Benjamin survived a drowning accident in Lake Michigan December 26, 2010 and then dedicated his life to water safety and drowning survival (video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeqxKGQ_BJg) He co-founded the GLSPR which has tracked 1,112 Great Lakes drowning statistics since 2010 and performed over 950 presentations . He also organizes and leads Open Water Surf Lifeguard training, works with family and friends of Great Lakes drowning victims to advocate water safety, and has been featured in the media over 1,300 times across the Great Lakes region. 2020 NDPA Lifesaver of the Year Award 2021 Chicago’s Friends of the Parks “Very Important Volunteer (VIP)” Award 2020 Notre Dame Hockey “Hometown Heroes” Award 2020 Illinois Parks & Recreation Association “Outstanding Program & Special Event” Award 2018 & 2016 NDPA Community Lifesaver Award 2016 Because I said I would Supporter of the Year
Jenny Bennett
Executive Director, Parents Preventing Childhood Drowning
Jenny Bennett is a mother of 4 and a registered nurse from Houston, TX. As an Emergency Department nurse, she is currently assisting her hospital’s trauma department with performance improvement and injury prevention; making drowning prevention a major initiative for 2019.
In the summer of 2016, her 18 month old son drowned in their home backyard pool. Jenny has since discovered many mistakes they had made; lack of barriers, lack of alarms, and the use of a dog door. Some were not so obvious, like fun parent child swim lessons and the inappropriate use of floatation devices (specifically puddle jumpers).
The Bennett family wants to help educate others of these dangers and prevent the devastation of childhood drownings from happening to any other family. They have since established a chapter of Swim Safe Forever in the Houston area to help provide survival swimming lesson scholarships to families in need.
Ron Bregman
Aquatics Manager, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Over 25 years of beach lifeguarding experience in the Hawaiian Islands. Currently employed as the Aquatics Manager in charge of beaches and pools aboard the Marine Corps Base Hawaii located at Kaneohe Bay.
Jessica Brown
Program & Education Director, Colin's Hope
Jessica Brown is the Program and Education Director of Colin’s Hope and works with professionals, parents, and caregivers to provide water safety education and drowning prevention tools to communities across Texas. With an extensive background in child development, direct classroom experience, and expertise in professional water safety training, Jessica has helped Colin’s Hope stand out as a drowning prevention resource in the state and nation. As a former teacher and now mother of a 5-year-old, Jessica understands all too well the importance of advocating for child water safety.
Christi Brown
Executive Director, Judah Brown Project
Christi Brown is Judah’s Momma and the Executive Director of Judah Brown Project. She is a former Special Education teacher and writer who has now committed her life to the mission of breaking down the barriers that stop children from receiving the training that they need to keep themselves safer around water. She raises awareness through scholarships and educational programs at all levels for both children and adults and initiates and participates in advocacy initiatives and campaigns that will educate lawmakers and influence them in making necessary changes to society that will create a dramatic decrease in the rate of childhood drowning. She also assists those who have lost children to drowning, in navigating their grief journey. Christi does all she can to make sure no other child has to die from drowning and no other parent has to live the nightmare of losing their child the way she has.
Karen Cohn
Co-Founder, The ZAC Foundation
Karen Cohn co-founded The ZAC Foundation in 2008 with her husband, Brian Cohn, after their six-year-old son, Zachary Archer Cohn, drowned when his arm became entrapped in a pool drain. Zachary’s memory is the inspiration for the Foundation’s mission and activities. The ZAC Foundation has funded free water safety and swim camps for more than 20,000 children in at-risk communities nationwide and is spearheading the development of drowning prevention plans in four U.S. communities in the hopes of reducing the national drowning rate. Through her role at The ZAC Foundation, Karen has testified before Congressional subcommittees as well as before State and Federal agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She has written about water safety issues for CNN.com, USA Today, and The Washington Post, among others. She is also a Northeast Trustee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Clarey Collins
Curriculum Development Manager, Goldfish Swim School Franchising
Clarey Collins has served as the Curriculum Development Manager for Goldfish Swim School since 2016. Clarey has been hands-on in development the Science of SwimPlay curriculum and training programs. A mom of two herself, Clarey understands the importance of water safety, and is passionate about identifying new avenues to help children learn and retain swim skills, knowledge and muscle memory. Clarey has been featured as a water safety expert on The Weather Channel, as well as a variety of local news outlets.
James Collins
Curriculum Development Manager, Goldfish Swim School Franchising
James Collins has served as the Vice President of Curriculum for Goldfish Swim School Franchising since November 2018. As a father of two, he understands how imperative it is for young children to fully grasp the importance of water safety. This passion extends to his work in enhancing and executing The Science of SwimPlay® Curriculum, focusing on teaching swim and safety skills while building character through guided play. Additionally, he oversees and lends expertise to development and delivery of professional training for new schools, franchise owners, transfers, directors and team members, and works collaboratively with the franchise system to determine programmatic changes to meet the needs of students. James brings more than two decades of experience to Goldfish, having swam in college at Oakland University, and coached teams and technique clinics at the age group level.
Shawn Curtis
CSP, CSHM, CPSI, Safety Director, Marine Corps Installations Pacific
Shawn Curtis is the Safety Director for Marine Corps Installations Pacific, responsible for safety and health oversight of seven installations throughout the Indo-Pacific. He’s a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Safety and Health Manager and holds a BS in Management Studies, an MS in Industrial Technology, and is trained as a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival, Waterfront Lifeguard Instructor, and Water Safety Instructor. Mr. Curtis has twice been awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for development and administration of a vibrant recreational water safety program, and in 2020, was recognized as the Marine Corps Civilian Safety Professional of the Year.
Dr. Emily Dow
Assistant Professor, University of the Incarnate Word
Dr. Emily Dow is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at the University of the Incarnate Word. Her background includes a B.S in Recreational Therapy, M.S in Sport Management, and her Ed.D., in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition, Dr. Dow is a Certified Adapted Aquatics Instructor and a Certified Adapted Physical Educator. Dr. Dow has over 20 years of experience in teaching adapted aquatics, coaching, and aquatic instruction.
Mary Downing
Volunteer, NDPA
Mary Ann Downing is an NDPA RIPPLE Award winner, former NDPA board member and NDPA Historian. She is instrumental in connecting conference attendees and you’ll meet her in the New Attendee session!
Mary has a background in Aquatics from IUP( Indiana University of PA), experience as a Y Aquatic Director and owned a small business called Pool Safety Solutions. She is a passionate volunteer for water safety.
Mary Ann is currently certified as a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and US Masters Adult Learn to Swim Instructor. She loves April Pools Day, Water Safety Challenge events, Wear your Lifejacket to Work day, Bridge to the Beach, and any event promoting water safety. She shows up with Lifejackets, Josh the Otter, Water Watcher tags and turns into the “Pool Safety Mom” sharing lifesaving info.
Born and raised near Pittsburgh PA, Mary now lives in San Diego working for MedImpact. She is active with the California Water Safety Coalition as part of the Barrier Committee/CA Water Safety Action Plan. She has decades of volunteer work in drowning prevention and is a board member for the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation and Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego.
Dr. Claudia Duncan
CEO, Professional Pool Management
Dr. Claudia Duncan has been a certified pool operator since 1985. She was initially certified through the YMCA Pool Operator on Location course. All subsequent certifications were through the NSPF/PHTA. Since 1978, Dr. Duncan has managed college/university aquatics centers as well as seasonal municipal pools. She has been an American Red Cross instructor (Lifeguarding, WSI, First Aid/CPR/AED) for decades. Dr. Duncan has also authored 4 articles which appeared in Aquatics International magazine and was a member of a sub-committee for the Model Aquatic Health Code. She is currently a member of the US National Water Safety Action Plan and owns and operates Professional Pool Management, a small seasonal business.
Monica Fernandez
EMT and Swim Instructor, Baby Survival Swim
EMT NAEMT – instructor: PHTLS, EPC, AHDR, PTEP, TECC, GEMS, EMS SAFETY ECCSI instructor – First Aid, CPR and AED IDRA – The International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance Water Competency/Self Rescue Instructor ACTIVIST – Pre-Hospital treatment for drowning patients COACHING – “Team Building” Women’s Self Defense instructor Ultraman Triathlon World Champion / 2000-2001 Author – 130,000 MILES https://babysurvivalswim.com/ https://totifernandez.com/
Megan Ferraro
Executive Director, The ZAC Foundation
As the Executive Director of The ZAC Foundation, Megan Ferraro oversees the Foundation’s programs, directs philanthropic partnerships, manages the annual budget, and represents the nonprofit as a subject matter expert in aquatic sector initiatives, and at industry events, with both legislators and the media throughout the country. Ferraro is also a Steering Committee member of the National Water Safety Action Plan, founding board member of CA Water Safety Coalition and Co-chair of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance Advisory Board. Additionally, she is a founding member and Steering Committee member of Families United to Prevent Drowning.
Nychelle Fleming
Office of Communications, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Nikki has worked at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for more than 30 years as a Senior Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Communications. Nikki specializes in Children’s product safety and serves as the team lead for the Pool Safely drowning prevention education campaign. She is a founding member of CPSC’s Community Outreach Resource team engaging with grassroots organizations nationwide. Nikki also writes press releases, safety alerts and warnings, writes and produces safety videos and organizes several annual safety events for the Commission including the annual Holiday Toy Safety event and Fireworks safety event. Nikki serves as a lead spokesperson of the Commission and appears regularly on national and local media to help promote CPSC safety messages and announce major recall announcements. Quoted regularly, Nikki serves as a safety expert and provides advice in newspapers, parenting magazines, newsletters, online and on various social media platforms. Nikki has traveled throughout the U.S. speaking on panels and promoting CPSC’s safety messages and minority outreach initiatives at conferences, community fairs and exhibits. She has also hosted local safety events at children’s stores, Women’s and children’s shelters, health centers, day care centers, and hospital Lamaze classes. Nikki and her husband are the proud parents of three adult children. Nikki earned a B.A. in Speech Communications at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Cindy Freedman
Co-Founder, Swim Angelfish
Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder Ailene is a pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating a variety of diagnoses, both in and out of the water. She is NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) trained in pediatrics and is trained in DIR/Floortime. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. Ailene brings all of her Physical Therapy expertise into the water, where she helps children of all abilities feel safe, confident, and independent. She combines her passion and skill for working with children with special needs with the therapeutic properties of the water to achieve amazing results. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience by educating other Aquatic Professionals so that they can also make a significant impact on the lives of swimmers with special needs. Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder Cindy is a recreational therapist and an Occupational therapist. After working for ten years as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, she pursued a Master’s degree in OT. Her career as an OT includes specialty training in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. As a swimmer and national champion diver, Her love of the water combined with her education and work experience created them an opportunity for Swim Angelfish to become a reality! Our mission is to create an aquatic community of trained instructors so that together we can decrease the alarming statistic of drowning being the leading cause of death for children with special needs.
Dr. Julie Gilchrist
Co-Chief Medical Advisor, NDPA
Dr. Julie Gilchrist is a pediatrician and researcher who retired from CDC’s Injury Center after more than 20 years guiding research and programmatic efforts to prevent common childhood injuries such as drowning. She graduated from Rice University, attended UT Southwestern Medical School and completed her pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She joined CDC in 1997 as an EIS Officer. She has been passionate about drowning prevention since growing up in a swimming and boating family (in fact, her dad raced sailboats across the Gulf of Mexico). She served as a lifeguard in college. Her path was cemented after caring for too many children in the emergency department or intensive care unit following drowning or other injury incidents, often without desired outcomes. She has authored numerous research articles and book chapters and worked with many national and international water safety organizations. She has co-authored the last two American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statements and technical reports on drowning prevention. Since retiring from CDC, she has continued to support drowning prevention research and programs through work with national organizations like AAP and NDPA and foundations that focus on water safety.
Michael Haggard
Managing Partner, The Haggard Law Firm
Compassionate, empathetic and a fervent advocate for families that have been effected by drowning, Michael Haggard has dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice on behalf of his clients inside and outside of the courtroom. Haggard has secured unprecedented awards for his clients, and continuously lobbies for permanent solutions and change through local, statewide and federal legislation. Michael is widely recognized as a drowning expert and has been featured in media interviews nationwide. Ultimately, Haggard hopes to give victims the tools and resources to help rebuild their lives.
Connie Harvey
Director, Aquatics Centennial Initiative, American Red Cross
Connie Harvey is the director of the Centennial Initiative for Aquatics at national headquarters of the American Red Cross. She works daily to advance the Red Cross mission to prevent drowning with training providers in at-risk communities throughout the nation. Since joining the NHQ team in 1996, she has played key leaderships roles in the development of many Red Cross Aquatics programs, including Lifeguarding, Swimming and Water Safety, Safety Training for Swim Coaches and Longfellow’s WHALE Tales. Connie is currently serving as a steering committee member for the development of the United States National Water Safety Action Plan.
Stacey Hoaglund
President, Autism Society of Florida
Stacey Hoaglund is the president of the Autism Society of Florida, parent of a young man with autism, educational advocate, statewide coordinator of Partners in Policymaking, author, and disability consultant. She trains on a wide range of topics related to autism, including water safety, behavior, communication, and collaborative processes.
Alexander Hoehn-Saric
Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC
Alexander Hoehn-Saric is Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). He was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on July 13, 2021. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 7, 2021 for a term that expires on October 27, 2027.
Prior to joining the Commission, Mr. Hoehn-Saric was Chief Counsel for Communications and Consumer Protection with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce. In this role, he served as the chief legal advisor to Chairman Pallone on the Committee on consumer product safety, auto safety, consumer protection, privacy, broadband, and other communications issues. During his tenure, Mr. Hoehn-Saric was instrumental in oversight of consumer product safety matters and drafting legislation to increase the authority and resources for the CPSC.
Previously, Mr. Hoehn-Saric was Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, for Charter Communications. He also served as Policy Director for then Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel at the Federal Communications Commission and worked at the Department of Commerce as the Deputy General Counsel for Strategic Initiatives.
Mr. Hoehn-Saric also worked on the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for Chairmen Rockefeller and Inouye. While at the Commerce Committee, Mr. Hoehn-Saric worked on the subcommittees responsible for oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and was integral in the drafting of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. He also worked for Senator Boxer as her Policy Counsel.
Prior to joining government service, Mr. Hoehn-Saric worked for Latham & Watkins as a regulatory attorney and Sullivan & Cromwell as a litigation attorney. He also clerked for the Honorable Benson E. Legg, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Mr. Hoehn-Saric received an A.B. from the University of Chicago and a juris doctor degree from UCLA Law School.
KEYNOTE SESSION:: An Address & Interview with CPSC Chairman
Thursday Feb 16 8:45AM
Neil Ihde
Founder, Life IQ
Neil Ihde (Ee-dee) is a speaker, lecturer, consultant and founder of Life IQ where he motivates groups and individuals to work, play, relate and live intelligently. Neil has worked with 30 Fortune 500 companies including Nike, AT&T, Discover Card, Domino’s, Transamerica, GE among others. He is a TEDx speaker and his Life IQ YouTube channel recently eclipsed a half-million views. Neil’s academic background includes a B.A. in Psychology, a B.A. in Sociology, and a MA in Counseling. Neil and his wife Deb have two children and live in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Mary Jackson
President, AquaChamps Swim School
Mary Jackson was born into swimming. Her parents, Jack & Sherrill Nelson, ran the Fort Lauderdale Swim Team at the International Swimming Hall of Fame until 2004. At five years old, she began swimming competitively and began teaching swimming in high school. She earned her degrees in Industrial Arts and Elementary Education from San Francisco State. Upon her 1998 return to Florida, with her swimming and education knowledge, she built a comprehensive learn-to-swim program for FLST. This is the foundation for AquaChamps Swim School, which she owns and operates with Dan Vawter in Oakland Park, FL.
Dr. Molly Johnson
Research Scientist, Dell Children's Trauma and Injury Research Center
Dr. Molly Johnson is the research scientist for the Dell Children’s Medical Center’s Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Program and an adjunct Kinesiology Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word. Her research aims to understand factors associated with injury risk and to explore the impact of injury prevention approaches. Her current research focuses on drowning risk and prevention in children. Dr. Johnson also oversees a professional training program for Alexander technique specialists who work with performing artists and people with chronic pain. Her background allows her to approach pain and injury prevention from both a research and clinical side.
Courtney Kline
Founder, Swim4Life Colorado
Courtney grew up at the pool and competed from age 5. When she fell out of a raft into a rapids, got wiped out by a wave or found herself in open water triathlon swims she was out of her comfort zone. Looking at statistics of 74% of drownings happening in open water over the age of 5, she was inspired to create a program that bridged the gap between the pool and open water.
“When I was flailing in the waves my beautiful butterfly or amazing streamline didn’t help me. I had a false sense of security.”
She has taken extensive experience in technical swim coaching, aquatic therapy and rehabilitation combining it with a passion to impact drowning and water safety. Courtney has been sought after nationally to speak and train her Lifesaving Learn to Swim curriculum at conferences such as National Water Safety, ASCA World Clinic, Various States Parks and Rec Conferences coordinating with West Virginia University in their undergraduate program.
Alan Korn
J.D., Executive Director, Abbey's Hope Charitable Foundation
Alan Korn is the executive director of the Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation where he assists the organization in its management, public policy, marketing and public relations efforts. Before joining AHCH, he was the executive director/general counsel for Safe Kids USA. He directed the public policy agenda and state advocacy efforts. He advised the organization on legal and liability. A graduate of Washington University School of Law and a member of the DC and Missouri Bars.
Jeff Krall
Lieutenant/Firefighter/Paramedic, Lawrence/Douglas County Fire/Medical, Lawrence, Ks
I have been in EMS/Fire for over 30 years. My resume includes presenting EMS CEs for over half that time in Colorado and Kansas, teaching EMS at Johnson County Community College (Johnson County Kansas for 7 years – Classes include EMR to AAS in Emergency Medicine). My work history includes Army Combat Medic, private ambulance service, ER, Flight Medic, and of course Fire Medic. I am currently working on my rescue and master diver. I can send you my 2-page resume, but that would be boring. As you will see from my presentation, I am very passionate about drowning and prevention.
Anna Krans
Lifeguard/Swim Instructor/Nonprofit Founder, Lessons By Lifeguards
Anna is a lifelong swimmer–from the moment she was in Mommy and Me Classes to becoming Senior Swim Team Captain–she has wanted to spread the joy of swimming safely and founded Lessons By Lifeguards in 2020 to do exactly that. With Lessons by Lifeguards, Anna has increased accessibility to swim lessons and water safety information in her community of Green Bay, Wisconsin by ideating, planning, funding and teaching free swim lessons alongside volunteer lifeguards to more than 100 disadvantaged youth and hopes to inspire others to look for ways to engage their own swim community to help youth!
Erika Lakey
911 Communications Specialist, Osceola County Sheriff's Office
Erika Lakey, ENP has worked in 911 communications for over 13 years in central Florida. She previously worked as a lifeguard instructor at water parks in TN and FL. She has 3 daughters and she enjoys teaching swimming lessons.
Stephen Langendorfer
Professor Emeritus, Bowling Green State University
Stephen J. Langendorfer, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Bowling Green State University in Ohio is an authority in developmental and instructional aquatics and lifespan motor development. Dr. Langendorfer has authored numerous scholarly and applied publications and has presented nationally and internationally on aquatics, aquatic readiness, water competence, motor development, and measurement. He is the founding editor of the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education. He has volunteered for the American Red Cross for over 58 years. He is currently a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council that reviews and provides evidenced-based science for Red Cross programs.
Morag MacKay
Chief Research & Network Officer, Safe Kids Worldwide
Morag MacKay is Director of Research at Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW), where she is responsible for ensuring all aspects of their work are informed by data and research evidence and for supporting evaluation efforts.
Prior to joining SKW in early 2016 she was Programme Manager at the European Child Safety Alliance for 11 years, where she managed several large multi-country research and advocacy projects aimed at bridging the evidence to action gap and supporting adoption and implementation of evidence-based good practices for the prevention of injuries to children and youth in Europe.
Morag is originally from Canada and has an undergraduate degree in nursing science and graduate degree in medical science with a specialization in epidemiology. Her professional activities have largely focused on the prevention and control of children’s injuries and her contributions to the field over the last 25+ years have been in the areas of surveillance, education, research, program and policy planning and evaluation.
She currently chairs the Water Safety USA supported Steering Committee tasked with overseeing the development of a U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan.
Alissa Magrum
Consultant, Colin's Hope
Alissa Magrum is the Executive Director of the Texas based water safety non-profit, Colin’s Hope. She has more than 12 years of water safety and drowning prevention expertise and serves in leadership roles for the: Texas Drowning Prevention Alliance, Safe Kids Austin, Central Texas Drowning Prevention Action Team, National Drowning Prevention Advisory Board, Face In Water and is a co-founder of Families United to Prevent Drowning. Alissa’s 17 year old daughter, Ella went to preschool with Colin and his drowning set her in motion as a water safety advocate. Alissa has traveled to Honduras and the Island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas on Learn to Swim Outreach trips.
Lisa McMullin
Founder & President, SWIM ON Foundation
Kim and Lisa McMullin founded SWIM ON Foundation in 2018 to raise awareness about drowning and drowning prevention. Lisa McMullin has a law degree. She and her husband Kim, a retired lawyer, have served on the boards of a number of non-profit organizations often in leadership roles. Lisa is a St. Louis Woman of Achievement.
Christopher McMullin
Therapist, Private Practice
Kim and Lisa McMullin founded SWIM ON Foundation in 2018 to raise awareness about drowning and drowning prevention. Lisa McMullin has a law degree. She and her husband Kim, a retired lawyer, have served on the boards of a number of non-profit organizations often in leadership roles. Lisa is a St. Louis Woman of Achievement.
Laura Metro
Founder, CPR Party
Laura is a marketing and communications strategist with expertise in marketing sensitive and/or emotional topics. After 20+ years in the field of public relations and marketing, Laura noticed a deficit in truly authentic marketing so she developed her own process for clients to get to the soul of their brand. Through the marketing spirit two-day workshop, Laura develops strategic marketing and PR strategies that foster an emotional connection between people and brands. Upon completion of the workshop, clients say the connection between their company’s purpose, services or products & how they help their clients and community is infused into everything.
Laura proudly served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA). Currently, the marketing spirit is her primary focus where she works with clients to create marketing strategies and campaigns that elevate, inform and inspire. Prior to the marketing spirit, Laura started CPR Party™ (a program of The Clay Foundation 501C3), after her son almost died from a nonfatal drowning accident. The mission of CPR Party™ is to provide CPR training and water safety tips to all Americans regardless of financial ability. Laura is also a founding member of Families United To Prevent Drowning and serves on their steering committee.
Some of Laura’s clients include Marriott, Tim Hortons, Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, Cingular Wireless as well as the first-ever online grocery company, Webvan and the first online government company, ezgov.com. While not spinning multiple plates in the air, Laura likes to spend time with her husband Matt and two kids, Maison & Clayton. She enjoys connecting with new and old friends, traveling, exercising, and skiing.
Tina Morgan
Circuit 9 Community Development Administrator, Department of Children and Families
Tina Morgan has worked with the Department of Children and Families for 20 years. She was initially hired on as a Child Protective Investigator (CPI), and has worked in Adult Investigations, Program Office, ESS, and Planning. She serves on multiple committees revolving around families and youth; including the Safe Families Task Force, Child Fatality Review Board, Children’s Safety Village Board, DJJ/DCF Crossover Champion, Central Florida Water Safety Task Force, Youth Homelessness COC Committee, and Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force. Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree from Texas Wesleyan University.
Kirby Morgan
Central Region Child Fatality and Prevention Specialist, Department of Children and Families
Kirby Morgan is the Child Fatality Prevention Specialist for the Department of Children and Families. Kirby has been with the department for 27 years and is passionate about protecting Florida’s children and preventing child fatalities. Kirby worked in Economic Self Sufficiency in Eligibility for 3 years and Welfare Fraud for 5 years. In 2003 Kirby transitioned to be a Child Protective Investigator, after 3 years in Orlando, he went to the Critical Unit covering all of Orange County. In 2008 Kirby moved into the Family Safety Program Office and has been in his current role for the last 14 years.
Mick Nelson
Owner, Total Aquatic Programming LLC
Mick Nelson, co-owner of Total Aquatic Programming LLC, comes from a club coaching background along with extensive experience in business and aquatic management. Mick & Sue formed their own swim club and built their own indoor facility in Danville, Illinois in 1972. In 1974, they formed Nelson’s Swim Supply a retail and wholesale pool/spa and aquatic equipment business. In 1982, they formed NSS Inc which offered aquatic facility design, building, and business consultation to the aquatic industry. In 1994, they formed WaterWay Therapy Inc which was one of the first and only privately owned and operated Medicare approved outpatient Aquatic Physical Therapy centers in the country. In 2002, they formed Poolside Health & Wellness Center which became not only the home for the USA Swim Club, Water Way Therapy, and Swim America learn-to-swim program but a full-service land and water community health and wellness center.
Sue Nelson
Total Aquatic Programming
Sue and Mick have been partners in life and business for 56 years. They built an aquatic facility and programmed it to serve their community for a healthy and better lifestyle. They designed, developed, and delivered programs that included all of the 4 aquatic pillars for a sustainable aquatic facility for over 35 years. They both assist others who are interested in building and programming aquatic facilities.
Dr. Larry Newell
COO, Ellis Aquatic Innovations
Dr. Larry Newell is Vice President and Medical Director for Jeff Ellis & Associates, International Aquatic Risk Management Consultants. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Ellis Aquatic Innovations. Prior to his current positions Dr. Newell served as Executive Vice President of Jones and Bartlett Learning; National Executive Director for the Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI); Director of Program Development for the American Red Cross, NHQ.; and Director of Undergraduate Physical Education at Baylor University. In his positions then and now he has been responsible for the development and delivery of national education, certification, and licensure programs impacting millions of people annually. Dr. Newell holds a college teaching appointment as Adjunct Professor in Medical Technologies at Northern Virginia Community College. He has authored more than 100 articles, texts, instructor training manuals, DVDs, and e-learning national training programs, and speaks regularly at many state and national safety and health-related conferences. He also serves on several board of industry advisory groups for financial institutions/equity companies, insurance companies, and national organizations. Dr. Newell holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Master’s degree from Baylor University, and doctoral degree from Texas A&M University. He has also been certified for 25 years as a national registry paramedic and critical care paramedic.
Bobby Pratt
Director of Education, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Bobby Pratt is a lifelong water safety advocate. He has presented at numerous regional, national and international conferences. Co-creator of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project and former Board Member of the NDPA.
William Ramos
Associate Professor, Indiana University, School of Public Health
Residing within Indiana University as an Associate Professor, Dr. William Ramos’ research is focused on examining the impact of both built and natural aquatic environments on the human experience. His educational preparation includes a Ph.D. in Leisure Behavior with a minor in Law. Behind his research is over 30 years of practitioner experience in the field of aquatic management stretching from conventional pools and waterfronts to today’s modern waterparks. Work on drowning prevention has connected him with projects throughout the United States, as well as several countries within Africa, and including Vietnam and Mexico.
Jessica Reape
Partner, FINN Partners
Jessie Reape is a Partner in FINN Partners’ Public Affairs practice. She has dedicated 18 years of strategic communications work to campaigns that make a difference and create positive change in the lives of others. In addition to managing projects of all sizes that yield big results, she specializes in media relations, message development, social media engagement, events, partnerships, and thought leadership. Jessie’s career highlights have included work for various multi-faceted, award-winning family safety campaigns for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and organizations in the economic development and financial services sectors. These include the Fairfax County (Virginia) Economic Development Authority and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Jessie is a member of FINN Partners’ crisis communications team and has strong experience media training senior executives. She is an active member of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she earned a 2017 Emerging Leader Award. Jessie holds an MPS in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University and a BA in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Rhode Island. Based out of FINN’s Washington, DC office, Jessie now works remotely in the Philadelphia area where she lives with her husband and three daughters.
Eric Rognmoe
CEO/Co-Founder, Hannah’s Hands of Hope
Eric and BethAyn Rognmoe are Co-Founders of Hannah’s Hands of Hope and the parents of Hannah Joy. Out of their experience they have built a nonprofit to come along side families who experience traumatic brain injuries and to teach about life after tragedy.
BethAyn Rognmoe
Co-founder, Hannah’s Hands of Hope
Eric and BethAyn Rognmoe are Co-Founders of Hannah’s Hands of Hope and the parents of Hannah Joy. Out of their experience they have built a nonprofit to come along side families who experience traumatic brain injuries and to teach about life after tragedy.
Scott Ruddle
Lifeguard/Paramedic, Grand Bend Beach Patrol
A Paramedic from London, Ontario, Scott Ruddle has been a Lifeguard for over 35 years and for the past 25 summers has worked as a member of the Grand Bend Beach Patrol on Lake Huron. Scott is affiliated with the Ontario branch of the Canadian Lifesaving Society and has filled a number of roles. As a National Lifeguard Instructor/Examiner, Scott has trained and examined hundreds of pool and open water lifeguards. He sits on the National Lifeguard advisory committee and more recently, he has become a National Lifeguard Instructor Trainer. As an Aquatic Safety Auditor, Scott has performed a number of Great Lakes beach audits, which include detailed inspections of beach waterfront safety systems. Scott is a passionate advocate for improved water safety and Lifeguard services around the Great Lakes and in 2016 he joined the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium with the hope of using his knowledge to change the way people view Lifeguards and water safety in general.
Rebecca M Schwab
CEO/Founder, Emily Grace Foundation
Rebecca Schwab is the owner of Emily Grace Foundation and the Aunt of Emily Grace. She has a masters degree in Nonprofit Management and built the Foundation to raise awareness of water safety and drownings. In this, her family is increasing their impact in the communities they serve.
Kim Shults
Learn to Swim Specialist, Face In Water
Kim has been a learn to swim specialist and educator for 31 years. She has dedicated her life to making the world a better, safer place for every individual to live by promoting swimming and water safety awareness. She has traveled to Uganda, Honduras and The Island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas on Learn to Swim Outreach trips.
Shawn Slevin
E.D., Swim Strong Foundation
Shawn Slevin started Swim Strong Foundation in 2006 to reduce unintended drowning by teaching water safety and swimming skill education. Swim Strong offers Learn to Swim (including Adaptive) through Competitive programs for ages 3 through Seniors. We have taught more than 10,000 students how to swim and given more than $1 Million in free swim lessons to families in need. Swim Strong’s newest offering is “Know Before You Go™” series of four environmentally focused water safety educational programs which may be taught in person, remotely or in blended fashion. Shawn initiated legislation to mandate the training of water safety in NY State schools PK-12, bills S2207 and A728. Shawn is a passionate advocate for water safety and has been featured in two documentary films, many articles, tv and radio appearances and been recognized for her community work by several local civic and governmental agencies and nationally by USA Swimming Foundation. She resides in NYC.
Ruth Sova
ATRI
An internationally recognized leader in the health and fitness industry, Ruth is dedicated to the growth and betterment of the industry through her tireless research and development efforts. She has founded eight successful businesses and holds numerous awards and honors in the industry. She educates and energizes audiences with her presentations on personal growth, entrepreneurship, health, fitness, wellness, running a business and aquatic rehab and fitness.
In 1994, she founded the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute, Inc. (ATRI) a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the professional development of health care professionals involved with aquatic therapy. ATRI offers continuing education courses at conferences and workshops that advance the knowledge and skills of the aquatic therapist. Click here for more information about ATRI or visit www.atri.org.
She has emerged as an internationally recognized leader in the aquatics industry. She is the founder and past president of the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), a non-profit international association serving as a clearinghouse for all aspects of the aquatics industry. In 1987, she saw a need for an organizing body in the aquatics field and she founded AEA to fulfill this need.
Joe Stefanyak
Senior Director, Jeff Ellis and Associates, Inc.
Joe Stefanyak is the Senior Director with Ellis & Associates. He began his career in the Theme Park/Waterpark industry in 1985 and served as the Director of Operations for several theme/waterparks for more than 20 years. Joe joined the E&A team in 2009 and works closely with over 750 municipalities, corporate and private waterparks, and water resorts throughout the US and in various countries abroad, in the evaluation and implementation of standard operating procedures, facility/attraction inspections, unannounced operational aquatic safety audits, evaluation of facility Emergency Action Plans, and related services. Joe was a part of the original MAHC Operator Training Technical Committee and is currently a member of both the CMAHC Technical Review Committee and the CMAHC Education Committee, and a participating member of ASTM and a variety of other industry association committees. Joe was recognized as the 2014 World Waterpark Association’s – Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety Award Recipient; “Awarded to an individual or organization for significant contributions to guest and employee safety in the water attractions industry.” Most recently Joe was named to the 2020 – POWER 10 by Aquatics International Magazine as someone “who has had, or will have, an incalculable impact on the direction of this industry.”
Meric Tendrich
Owner, The Safety Anchor
Swim school owner and instructor since 1996, School teacher for 10 years, Miami Dade firefighter for 18 years and been working on the fireboat for 7 years Created a company the Safety Anchor.
Breakout Session: Boater Safety
Tuesday, February 14 9:15AM
Ailene Tisser
Co-Founder, Swim Angelfish
Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder Ailene is a pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating a variety of diagnoses, both in and out of the water. She is NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) trained in pediatrics and is trained in DIR/Floortime. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. Ailene brings all of her Physical Therapy expertise into the water, where she helps children of all abilities feel safe, confident, and independent. She combines her passion and skill for working with children with special needs with the therapeutic properties of the water to achieve amazing results. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience by educating other Aquatic Professionals so that they can also make a significant impact on the lives of swimmers with special needs. Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder Cindy is a recreational therapist and an Occupational therapist. After working for ten years as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, she pursued a Master’s degree in OT. Her career as an OT includes specialty training in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. As a swimmer and national champion diver, Her love of the water combined with her education and work experience created them an opportunity for Swim Angelfish to become a reality! Our mission is to create an aquatic community of trained instructors so that together we can decrease the alarming statistic of drowning being the leading cause of death for children with special needs.
Daniel Vawter
Vice President, AquaChamps Swim School
Dan Vawter grew up in Indiana and began competitive swimming at five years old. At fourteen, his passion for teaching began in his backyard pool. In 1997, he began working with “Coach” Jack & Sherrill Nelson’s Fort Lauderdale Swim Team at the International Swimming Hall of Fame. In 2004, he joined Mary Jackson to lead the Jack Nelson Swim School, which in 2007 became AquaChamps Swim School. In 2020, AquaChamps opened a brand-new facility in Oakland Park, FL. Dan, Mary, and other community leaders worked together to pass the Florida “Every Child a Swimmer” legislation, which was enacted in 2022.
Dana Vollmer
3x Olympian
Dana is a 3x Olympian and 3x world-record-breaking swimmer with 7 Olympic medals (5 gold) and 32 international medals. Dana did this all while raising a family and pursuing a rewarding architectural career. Now she travels the world teaching others how to look within, develop and harness the fuel that drives them, and achieve the kind of success that leads to true fulfillment in their lives and careers.
Angela Wild
Owner, Elemental Aquatics
With a 2 decade long career in aquatics, Angela has been a passionate advocate for the advancement of the Learn To Swim industry. Having worked in SPED in both private sector and public schools, Angela draws upon her academic knowledge, her personal experiences as an individual with ADHD and a mother with children with ADHD, and years of strategic partnerships within the ADHD community to help inspire more compassion and broaden cultures of understanding.
Lisa Zarda
Executive Director, United States Swim School Association
Lisa Zarda is the executive director for the United States Swim School Association (USSSA). Her career in association management spans over twenty years and includes earning the certified association executive (CAE) designation in 2010. Over the years she has held volunteer leadership positions with both the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Arizona Society of Association Executives (AzSAE). For the learn to swim industry, she has been involved in the Aquatics Coalition and Water Safety USA. In 2021 she received the Guiding Light Award from the USSSA for her dedication and leadership.
Jo An Zimmermann
Ph.D., CPRE, Associate Professor, Texas State University, Dept HHP
Jo An M. Zimmermann, PhD, CPRE, is an associate professor and academic specialist in the Recreation Studies program at Texas State University. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses related to administration, finance and planning. As a practitioner, Zimmermann worked as a recreation manager for the Park District of Oak Park, IL and a recreation supervisor for the Park District of Morton Grove, IL. She has presented and written on management and administrative roles in parks and recreation, including authoring chapters in several textbooks. She is a co-chair of the Leisure Management Special Interest Group (SIG) for the World Leisure Organization.
