Our Program
The Swimming Hole offers private lessons for swimmers who need to overcome specific roadblocks preventing swim success. Roadblocks include discomfort, anxiety, or a delay in learning to swim with traditional lessons.
Our Adaptive Swim Lesson Instructors
Louisa Hayes – I have been teaching swimming for over 20 years. There is nothing more satisfying than to see the look of success and achievement when a new skill is mastered or a fear is overcome and a new sense of confidence is discovered. I was a competitive high school swimmer and a more recent triathlete. My focus most recently has been on training lifeguards and instructors. I am an advocate of water safety and truly enjoy teaching and sharing my love of the water.
Jocelyn Szczepanski – My aquatic journey dates to swimming competitively as a youth into high school, which led to teaching swim lessons, lifeguarding in various locations across the US while continuing to expand my education and knowledge in water safety and adaptive methodologies. I specialize in teaching and supporting individuals with developmental differences, emotional needs, and unique qualities. I currently hold certifications as an Angelfish Swim Whisperer, Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, Lifeguard with Professional Rescue and Waterfront, Handle with Care, and Mental Health First for Adults and Youth.
I love to inspire individuals of all ages and look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion.
Michelle Rousseau – Michelle is a certified adaptive swim instructor and joined TSH Adaptive Swim Program in 2024. Michele is also a physical therapist who owns a local physical therapy practice. Michele enjoys teaching others ways to move better and improve their fitness. She loves to problem solve to help others achieve their goals. Michelle focuses on working with adaptive athletes and is certified as a Swim Whisperer through Swim Angelfish. She played various sports growing up and began swimming after college to compete in triathlons including an Ironman. She enjoys spending time with her husband and young boys, one of which is an adaptive athlete.
Education / Certifications
Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UVM
Swim Whisperer Certification through Swim Angelfish
Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association
Our Testimonials
“From the very first lesson, my son, who minutes before was petrified of putting his head in the water, was sticking his face in the water. He made giant leaps of improvement at each lesson. In three lessons he was completely swimming under water! The gentleness and method of this program absolutely has saved our summer and probably saved our son as well. I could not be more thrilled and impressed with the calming manner and ways that our instructor was able to help my child be brave, over come his fear, and be safe in the water. Now he finally gets to be a kid and enjoy it so much. The water is now his favorite place to be!”
– Jennifer Andelin
Our Partner
We are proud partners of Green Mountain Adaptive Sports, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with a disability residing in or visiting Vermont through access to sports and recreational activities.