Many instructors already do — they just don’t have the language for it yet. Take the quiz and see where you align: https://form.jotform.com/253439150225048

Hey everyone — I just dropped a new course in the community. It’s called “What Happens When No One Owns the Valve.” (idea came from my lived experience) It’s a downloadable, facilitator-ready toolkit you can actually use at work — staff meetings, in-services, leadership discussions, or conference breakouts. Yes, there’s a small cost: $5. Why? Because this isn’t just a post or a thought piece. You get: - A ready-to-use slide deck (PDF) ( - A facilitator guide so you don’t have to figure out how to lead it - A printable companion handout for your team - Prompts and activities designed to spark real conversation without blame You can download it, print it, adapt it, and use it in your own facility. And if you ever want: - The editable Canva version - Me to facilitate it for your team - Or a custom version built for your facility or audience Just ask — happy to help. This one’s for anyone who’s ever dealt with preventable shutdowns, confusion around “who owns what,” or systems that work… until they don’t. 👉 It’s in the course section now.

If you coach, manage, or oversee aquatic programs, please take time to watch this discussion from ISCA / Heavy or Not – U Can Swim. This is not about panic.This is about professional protection. Here’s what the conversation clearly lays out: • Insurance and legal protection are not the same thing • Coaches are spending $10k–$40k defending themselves — even when cleared • Club-level coaches are the most exposed and the least supported • Governing bodies are protected — individual coaches often are not • The result? Good coaches are leaving the profession This is not just a swimming issue.This affects all coaches, instructors, and program leaders. What’s needed is education, clarity, documentation, and access — not fear-based messaging or “just get a lawyer” advice that most people can’t afford. https://youtu.be/bUe1xasO7Og?si=sPYw1qhkWi-vVFNe

Hey everyone — quick update and an invitation. 💛 Right now, the entire Naviating Neva Skool space is 100% free. Every course, every module, every lesson. And I’ve built it this way on purpose, because I want aquatic professionals, instructors, parents, and leaders to have real support while we grow this community together. Here’s what’s coming next: 1️⃣ Once we reach 200 members, the Skool will become a paid community. (or maybe not, you can vote.) Nothing changes today — but when we hit that number, we’ll shift into a paid model so I can keep creating the depth of training, tools, and support you’ve all been asking for. If there’s someone you want to invite, now is the perfect time to bring them in while it’s still free. 2️⃣ When we reach 100 members, some courses will become paid modules. Not all — I’ll always keep core training and foundational content free.But specialty courses, leadership tracks, in-service modules, trauma-aware aquatics, and advanced trainings will eventually move to the paid tier. If you want full access locked in, join now and share it with someone who would love it. 3️⃣ I’m happy to create courses you request. If there’s something you want for: - In-service training - Staff development - Instructor onboarding - Special populations (ADHD, autism, trauma-aware, sensory profiles) - Leadership, communication, or deck management Just tell me. This Skool exists to make your work easier, your team stronger, and your teaching smoother.

Most people think swim lessons are about kicking, breathing, floating, or learning strokes. But the truth is this: Before a child learns a skill, they learn how to feel. Before they master a movement, they master their emotions. Before they trust the water, they trust the person in the water with them. That’s emotional intelligence — and it’s at the heart of everything I teach. What is Emotional Intelligence in the Water? It’s the ability to recognize: - When a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed - When fear is creeping in - When connection matters more than correction - When to slow down, pause, breathe, and re-regulate - When a child is giving cues we need to respect, not push through 😩 Children communicate long before they speak. Their bodies tell you exactly what they need — if you know how to listen. This is where most traditional lesson models fall apart. They teach skills faster than they teach trust. They push performance before emotional readiness. And they mistake compliance for confidence. That’s why Joyful Waters was born.