GMAS and Greater Burlington YMCA host Adaptive Aquatics Training

Sunday April 30 – Monday May 1, 2023

Green Mountain Adaptive Sports and the Greater Burlington YMCA are joining forces to host a trainers’ workshop in Adapted Aquatics on April 30 and May 1 at the YMCA.

Trainers Carla Hacker and Jess Lukas will co-facilitate the 2-day experience that will provide participants with the information to instruct their athletes in the water, regardless of ability.

The participants in this in-water and in-classroom workshop will learn to teach adaptations to the basic swimming skills in a supportive and interactive community building environment.

Participants will also be introduced to the principles of Universal Mindset, an approach that facilitates inclusion in every environment.

Event details

Location: Greater Burlington YMCA
Date: Sunday, April 30 – Monday, May 1
Provided: Two days instruction, lunch included each day.
Early Bird Registration: $200 by April 1st.
Late Registration: $250 after April 1st.
Pre-registration ONLY.

*Scholarships available; please reach out to Green Mountain Adaptive Sports for details.

Instructors

Carla Hacker

Carla is a teacher and trainer who has worked in the field of Universal accessibility and adaptive sports for many years. Currently her specialty is bringing this opportunity to the rock climbing and challenge course world. Prior to that, Carla spent 25 years working in the world of Adaptive Aquatics. She has taught individuals of all abilities the skills they need to enjoy spending time in the water. Carla lives in Madison, Wisconsin and swims almost every day.

Jess Lukas

Jess Lukas began her career with the White Plains, New York YMCA working as a lifeguard and swim instructor, gaining the passion that drives her work to this day. Vermont ties from her childhood continued throughout her time at the University of New Hampshire where she worked with the Greater Burlington YMCA’s Camp Greylock on Lake Champlain in the summer. After some time in Franklin, MA rising to the Aquatics Director of the Y, Jess moved to Burlington – home for 13 years now as the Director of Aquatic & Family Programming at the Greater Burlington YMCA. Jess is also on the board of Leadership Champlain and a 2020 graduate as well as a founder of the Aquatics Committee of Safe Kids Vermont, working to create safe swimming throughout the state.