Water Planet Inc

Description

This is a very simple and free approach to the wild dolphin swim experience. The staff will be thoere to support you and guide you in this wild dolphin swim experience in such a way as you feel comfortable. We have years of experience in facilitating these types of dolphin swims and we have learned to accept everyone’s approach without imposing ours (as long as yours is respectful of the dolphins and of the other passengers). The purpose of this trip is to create an awareness of the fragile balance of nature and the need to nurture a relationship based on understanding and respect. We will attempt to channel the emotional impact of the experience towards ways for you to improve and adjust your attitude towards nature and towards yourself and others.

The wild dolphins of Panama City have been used by tourism as an attraction for over 20 years. Their charisma, abundance and accessibility have made them a prime target for numerous tour operators. In our area, most travel magazines, tour brochures and promotion pamphlets use dolphin images to market their services. Several tour businesses are very well organized to “sell” the wild dolphins of Panama City, who have become a valuable resource for the community, much like our area’s fish stock is an asset for the sports fishing industry.

DeAnna has been involved with the Water Planet team since her internship with us in 2009 and is delighted to serve as Director of Programs for Water Planet. DeAnna has spent the last 3 years as Therapeutic Programs and Intern Coordinator while finishing her education and gaining experience in the field. DeAnna pursued her Bachelor degree from Wagner College in New York City in Psychology and Spanish and her Master of Education from Springfield College in Springfield, MA in Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life. DeAnna is both a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Besides her work with Water Planet, DeAnna has numerous experiences working with various populations of children and adolescents. Her clinical internship was completed at North Carolina Children’s Hospital in the Recreational Therapy & Child Life department and she has also recently worked in a therapeutic preschool and for the YMCA. Currently, DeAnna is a Child Life Specialist at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City, FL and is practicing Reiki.

Ashley was very excited to join the Water Planet staff in May of 2014 as the Therapeutic Programs and Internship Coordinator! Ashley has always had a deep connection with the ocean and has been intrigued by dolphins. Ashley pursued her Bachelor degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan in Recreational Therapy with a Minor in Psychology. Ashley is both Certified in Aquatic Therapy (ATRI ) and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). She has worked in a variety of settings with children including an internship at the University of Michigan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, counseling at FAR Conservatory music and art therapy camp, and volunteering with an adapted horse-back riding clinic. Ashley began to live out her dream of working with dolphins as an intern for Water Planet in 2012. Since then, Ashley is continuing to live her dream by working with people and dolphins in a therapeutic setting in the coordinator position. Ashley is also an avid swimmer, lifeguard, and swim instructor. She also leads the music sessions during our dolphin therapy programs. She is really looking forward to continue her affiliation with the Water Planet team.

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