Dori Maxon

About Dori Maxon

DORI MAXON PT, MEd has been providing aquatic services to a variety of populations since 1978 first as a swimming instructor and later as a physical therapist. In 1991 she founded and continues to direct SNAPkids (Special Needs Aquatic Program). SNAPkids gives children with special needs a place to exercise, have fun and let their lights shine brightly while partnering with caring volunteers to create a more respectful, inclusive, and welcoming community. Dori has been recognized with numerous awards including the Jefferson Award for Community Service, Aquatic Professional of the Year, and John Williams Adapted Aquatics Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame. In addition to her work in aquatics, Dori owned and directed Pediatric Contracting Services from 19••••11 providing Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services to children in schools, homes, and clinics. Dori has presented professional courses in the U.S. and abroad on the topic of pediatric aquatic therapy and adapted aquatics.

Experience

1. Founder, Director

   SNAPkids | Special Needs Aquatic Program

   Sep 1991 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   SNAPkids is Water Magic! Founded in 1991, SNAPkids is a community based adapted aquatics program program for children and young adults with disabilities in the San Francisco Bay Area. We serve as a bridge from healthcare to wellness providing accessible swimming and water exercise to children with complex and life altering conditions, including those with cerebral palsy, autism, genetic differences, and physical and developmental challenges. Children feel the freedom of the water, the joy and pride that comes with swimming, and they make friends in our welcoming community. Our volunteers have unique experiences and gain insights into the importance of respect, inclusion, and diversity which they take with them out of the water and enrich the fabric of our communities. Donate to this great program at snapkids.org. Your gift is tax deductible and helps us serve more amazing swimmers with disabilities and create more inclusive communities. Your gift does make a difference. Dori is a pediatric physical therapist and has has been providing aquatic services to a variety of populations since 1978. She has extensive pediatric and aquatic training including with current and past certifications in as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist, Adapted Aquatics and Instructor, TAMO, Watsu, Halliwick, Ai Chi and more. She has received numerous awards and has presented professional courses in the U.S. and abroad on the topic of pediatric aquatic therapy and adapted aquatics. Her love is in working in the water with the disabilities community and opening hearts and minds around acceptance and inclusion.

Education

• Old Dominion University

  MS

  1988 — 1990

• The George Washington University

  BAEd, MEd

  1978 — 1987