Meet Jessica Rodriguez | Physical Therapist & Nonprofit Executive Director/Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

The most important factor at SNAP is our purpose. We provide aquatic services to children with disabilities, through aquatic therapy and recreational swim lessons. Our team strives to provide high quality service, to meet each child’s unique needs and parent goals. Our organization has three core values; teamwork, compassion and inclusion. SNAP staff are expected to demonstrate these values through their interactions with the clients and families we serve and while working with each other. By having tangible and clear expectations, our team can develop and grow in their careers, while representing our organizations core principles.

SNAP’s leadership team focuses on creating a work environment that is fun, supportive and inspired by growth. By providing a safe space for learning and development, we are empowering our team to provide their best work. I strongly feel that a healthy, balanced work environment is the foundation of any great organization. Those in leadership roles must genuinely care about the well-being, goals and values of their staff, to bring out their true potential. Staff wellness and work-life balance is a cornerstone of our organization, because when our staff thrives, so does their performance.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Special Needs Aquatic Program (SNAP) with Stepping Stones was founded in 2020. The nonprofit model was important, to ensure that our prices are competitive, business decisions are mission driven and we could qualify for grant funding to support our cause. Our business has rapidly grown and programs have expanded, since opening in April 2022. SNAP started serving 8 children weekly and now provides aquatic programs to 32 children weekly. We started with private swim lessons and now provide aquatic physical, occupational and speech therapy, private swim lessons and group aquatic classes. Our staff expanded from 2 to 12, which really demonstrates how much of an impact we are making on the community. I envision our organization continuing to grow in the future, expanding the services we provide and partnering with more community pools.

While these business milestones are worth noting and celebrating, the most important and meaningful part of this entire journey are the positive changes we are making on the lives of the children we serve. We get the most incredible feedback shared by parents; from the pure joy their child has from being in the water, to learning a new swim skill or improvements that are carried over into other aspects of their lives. By fostering a community of acceptance and inclusion, our program has the skill and experience to work with any child. All children deserve a place to play, learn and grow. Our “why” is to provide a safe, loving space for children to thrive, while learning a life-saving skill.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love good food and a nice, relaxing outdoor ambiance. My favorite places to dine and enjoy scenery are The Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch, Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, Paradise Cove Beach Café and The Old Place. I enjoy beach trips to Carpinteria or hiking on the many trails in the Conejo Valley and Malibu areas. In the city, some favorite places to visit are The Getty and Griffith Park Observatory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I joined the Harvest Goal Collective, a virtual women’s accountability and support group, to help me stay focused on business goals. Talia & Stephanie, have been instrumental with support, brainstorming ideas, cheerleading and providing feedback while I have grown this nonprofit. I even hired two Harvest members as contractors for SNAP. Having meetings with like-minded, driven, courageous women has been deeply inspiring and motivating. I encourage other women, in any stage of their life or career, to give their accoutability group a try.

Website: snapaquatics.org

Instagram: snapwithsteppingstones

Facebook: SNAP with Stepping Stones

Image Credits
Tess Michelle Photography (3 photos)