Specialty Aquatic Programs

03/01/2026

🌊💙 Calling All Businesses Who Believe in Water Safety & Stronger Communities in Metro Detroit!

Specialty Aquatic Programs is hosting our 2nd Annual Inclusive Swim Showcase on Saturday, March 21, right here at PARC—and we’re inviting local businesses to partner with us in making this powerful community event possible.

This Showcase is the only event of its kind in our region, celebrating swimmers of ALL abilities from across Metro Detroit. It’s a day of confidence, courage, and community—and your support helps make it happen.

💛 Sponsors Needed by March 15
All proceeds beyond participant entry fees go directly to Specialty Aquatic Charity, supporting inclusive swim lessons, adaptive programs, and water‑safety education for families who need it most.

Ways to Support
=>Become an event sponsor https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_ed76b128009aba601525080b8507c1e7

=>Donate a raffle basket https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_ed76b128009aba601525080b8507c1e7

=>Want to make a supporting donation? https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_a094e31283a0a6637fa2e9d12bf8820d

=>Volunteer at the event: email, Nicole@specialtyaquaticprograms.com or PM Aquatics Nicole

=> Share this post to businesses and volunteers.

Every contribution helps create safer swimmers and stronger communities.

Questions or ready to get involved?
📧 nicole@specialtyaquaticprograms.com
📧 admin@specialtyaquaticcharity.org

Thank you for lifting up inclusive aquatic access at PARC and beyond!

03/01/2026

Attention Winter program Swim families for all locations:

🌊✨ Get Ready for the 2nd Annual Inclusive Swim Showcase! ✨🌊
March 21, 2026 • Plymouth, MI

Families… this is the moment we look forward to all year.
Every splash, every brave face in the water, every milestone—big or small—comes together in one powerful, joy‑filled celebration.

From swimmers who once hesitated to put their faces in the water…
to kids who learned at their own pace…
to families who found confidence, safety, and peace in the pool—
this Showcase is for ALL of them.

And this year, we’re bringing together swimmers from Plymouth, Northville, Troy, Lake Orion, Kimball, and Royal Oak for one unforgettable event.

💙 What Makes This Event Special
This isn’t a traditional swim meet.
It’s a celebration where every swimmer gets to shine.

Each student chooses the skill they want to showcase—
a confident jump, a float they’ve worked hard on, a full length of the pool, or a brand‑new stroke.
Every effort is honored. Every swimmer belongs.

📅 Event Details
Saturday, March 21, 2026
2:00–6:00 PM (practice + event)
📍 650 Church St, Plymouth, MI — Door 25

✔ Sensory‑sensitive swimmers go first
✔ Open to all Swim & Stroke School + Private Lesson students
❌ Not open to Pre‑Primary or Caregiver classes

💛 Why It Matters
The Showcase is also our annual fundraiser for Specialty Aquatic Charity, supporting:

Inclusive & adaptive swim lessons

Aquatic therapy

Water‑safety education

Community programs & caregiver retreats

When you participate, you’re not just cheering for your swimmer…
You’re helping another child learn to float.
Another adult feel safe in the water.
Another family breathe easier.

🎟 Registration & Admission
Participant Registration: $55 (includes event t‑shirt!)
Spectator Admission:
• $5 under age 8
• $15 ages 8+

Fun extras: raffle baskets, instructor races, ducky guessing games, prize stations & more!

🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities
Help us keep aquatic access inclusive and affordable for all.
Bronze • Silver • Gold tiers available + recognition at the event & online.

🔗 How to Join the Celebration
How to Sign Up & Show your Support
Register your student by March 1 :https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FACAA2CA7FFC43-62444111-inclusive #/

Purchase spectator tickets directly through the Specialty Aquatic Charity Direct Donation link and SHAREy—every ticket supports the charity. https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_3434849f68e2f259a12eddfbaf3b0556

Share the sponsorship form attached with businesses or organizations who may want to support our swimmers. SPONSORSHIP PAYMENT LINK https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_ed76b128009aba601525080b8507c1e7

Share our JUST BECAUSE DONATION LINK here https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_a094e31283a0a6637fa2e9d12bf8820d

We cannot wait to celebrate your swimmer’s courage, growth, and joy in the water.
Thank you for being part of a community that believes in inclusion, empowerment, and the healing power of water. 💙🌊

02/28/2026

HAPPY RECREATIONAL THERAPY MONTH!

Meet Nicole S.-Director
All Locations

Certifications: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist • ATRI Certified • Starguard Elite Lifeguard • Starfish Institute Instructor Trainer • Swim Angelfish Adapted Instructor (Level 2 pending) • SilverSneakers Aquatic Fitness Certified Founder: Specialty Aquatic Charity • S3 Swim School Co‑Owner: Naquaste Water Wellness LLC

Nicole leads inclusive swim education and adaptive water‑safety initiatives for individuals of all abilities. With a background in Recreational Therapy and aquatic therapy, she designs specialized training pathways and safety models that elevate the quality of instruction across all programs. Known for her compassionate, systems‑focused leadership, Nicole is committed to creating dignified, empowering aquatic experiences. As a mother of four boys, she is passionate about giving families peace of mind through confidence‑building and lifelong water safety. 📲 Follow her work:

Characteristics: Vision‑driven, compassionate, and empowering; leads with a systems‑focused, inclusive approach to aquatic education

02/27/2026

HAPPY RECREATIONAL THERAPY MONTH!

MEET Marisa M.

Therapy & Wellness Coordinator – Commerce & Plymouth 

Certifications: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist • ATRI Certified • Starguard Elite Lifeguard • Swim Angelfish Adapted Instructor (Level 1) • Certified AquaYoga Instructor • Certified AquaStretch Provider

Marisa holds a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Central Michigan University and specializes in aquatic therapy for individuals recovering from catastrophic injuries, trauma, TBI, SCI, and children with special needs. With 6+ years of experience, she brings a gentle, healing presence to the water. Marisa is the co-owner of Naquaste Water Wellness who is our therapeutic provider for therapuetic aquatics and water wellness retreats.  She also owns Soul Dive LLC which is our AquaYoga Provider.  📲 Follow her work: 

Characteristics: Healing‑focused, compassionate, and highly skilled; specializes in trauma‑informed and neurological aquatic therapy.

02/26/2026

HAPPY RECREATIONAL THERAPY MONTH!!!

Meet London H.

Pre‑Primary Program Coordinator – Northville & Plymouth Certifications: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist • Certified Lifeguard • Starfish Aquatics Certified Instructor • Swim Angelfish Adapted Instructor (Level 1 pending)

London leads our Pre‑Primary program and holds a degree in Recreational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University. She completed both fieldwork and a clinical internship under Director Nicole. Her “firm with a smile” teaching style blends structure with warmth, helping young swimmers feel secure while learning essential skills. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Social Work and is passionate about fostering a love of swimming in early learners.

Characteristics: Structured yet nurturing (“firm with a smile”); excellent with early learners and pre‑primary swimmers

02/25/2026

FEBRUARY IS RECREATIONAL THERAPY MONTH💙

Let's pay a tribute to our RT dynamic sister duo: 🎉Layla and Lily

⭐️Meet Layla H.

Homeschool & School Swimrichment Coordinator – Plymouth & Northville

🏆Certifications: Recreation Therapist • Certified Lifeguard • Starfish Aquatics Certified Instructor • Swim Angelfish Adapted Instructor (Level 1)

Layla is a Lead Teacher and Adapted Swim Specialist with a degree in Recreation Therapy and a minor in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. After completing her internship under Director Nicole, she stepped into a leadership role in our Swimrichment programs. Her calm, engaging teaching style helps hesitant swimmers feel safe and supported. Layla is deeply committed to inclusion and ensuring every child feels valued.

Characteristics: Calming, inclusive, and engaging; excels at helping hesitant swimmers feel safe and valued.

⭐️Meet Lily H.

Lead Swim Teacher-Plymouth
🏆Certifications: Starfish Aquatics Certified Instructor • Current Adaptive Swim Intern

Lily is currently studying Recreational Therapy at Eastern Michigan University. Her teaching style is warm, encouraging, and joy‑filled—families describe her as a “sunshine smile” in the pool. She brings a nurturing presence to every lesson.

Characteristics: Warm, nurturing, and joyful; brings a sunshine‑bright presence to every lesson.

02/24/2026

FEBRUARY IS RECREATIONAL THERAPY MONTH
Let's meet Katy B, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
• Starfish Aquatics Certified Instructor • Swim Angelfish Adapted Instructor (Level 1 pending)

Katy holds a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Central Michigan University and an MBA from Ohio University. She works full time for Henry Ford Health but decided to join us as she missed working with special populations. Katy brings an empathetic, encouraging teaching style. Katy has a natural ability to know when to gently challenge students and believes the water is a calming, therapeutic space for all.

Characteristics: Empathetic, encouraging, and intuitive; balances warmth with gentle challenge.

02/22/2026

Great job tour aquafitters and lappers at PARC - Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex You are choosing wisely.

These ageless 60-somethings aren't sweating through gym sessions or tracking workout stats — they've unconsciously woven movement into every corner of their daily lives, from treating stairs like meditation to turning grocery runs into urban adventures, creating bodies that never realize they're e...

02/19/2026

Dr. Liz has presented her workshops similar to this at our Naquaste Retreat-Ripples of Renewal last year. She is fantastic, so we wanted to share.

Trauma-informed virtual healing retreats for adoptees grounded in writing, narrative healing, and nervous-system care. Single retreats, bundles, and a six-month journey available.