ISLAND DOLPHIN CARE is please to welcome the two newest members of our staff:
Kathy Jones, Program Assistant
Michael Symanski, Therapist
Reservation Space for 2010 is still available!
Call to Make Reservation Today!
305-451-5884.
How can you help? By clicking on "make a donation" below and making your tax deductible donation. Your donation will help Island Dolphin Care provide programs for children world--wide. Email us for more information or browse thru our site.
Thank you.
Please keep in touch. Just as the Island Dolphin Care family is growing and changing we are sure that yours is doing the same. Please let us know how everyone is doing. We enjoy seeing pictures and reading about how our special children and families are doing.
Deena received her Master's Degree in clinical social work from the University of Denver, and Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education. She is licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Colorado and Florida.
Deena oversees all aspects of Island Dolphin Care. In addition, Deena continues to work in the water and classroom with children and families as a dolphin-assisted therapist.
Deena's personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs allows her to provide great insight to families.
Gretchen holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from the University of Maryland at College Park. She was a special education teacher in Maryland for six years prior to joining the Island Dolphin Care staff in July 2005.
At Island Dolphin Care, Gretchen oversees Dolphin Talks, the Community Swim Program, Dolphin Camps, and the Internship Program. In addition, Gretchen works in the water and classroom with the children as a Dolphin Assisted Therapist.
Eli Smith, BS Sp. Ed.
IDC Therapist
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Eli holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Ball State University in Indiana. Prior to joining the IDC team, Eli gained teaching experience working with students with emotional and learning disabilities in a self contained room at the middle school level.
At Island Dolphin Care, Eli helps in overseeing Dolphin Talks, and Dolphin Camps. In addition, Eli works in the water and classroom with the children as a Dolphin Assisted Therapist. Eli also offers assistive technology workshops to IDC families as well as individuals from the community.
Michael Symanski, Therapist
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Michael holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education as an Intervention Specialist Moderate-Intensive disabilities K-12, from Cleveland State Univ. in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to joining the IDC staff in 2010, Michael taught special education in Ohio for six years.
Michael is currently pursuing a Master's degree in School Leadership. At Island Dolphin Care, Michael helps in overseeing Dolphin Talks, and Dolphin Camps. In addition, Michael works in the water and classroom with the children as a Dolphin Assisted Therapist.
Kim Severance
Marine Science Education Coordinator
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Kimberly Severance moved to the Florida Keys in 2006, after receiving her Masters in Therapeutic Recreation. She was a volunteer at Island Dolphin Care for 3 years and is now the Marine Education Coordinator. If you have any questions about marine education trips at our facility, or regarding our portable touch tank program, please contact Kim at
Peter holds his Masters Degree in Art and Interdisciplinary Studies from Oregon State University. Along with being one of the founders of Island Dolphin Care, he is also the General Manager.
Peter works closely with several Wish Organizations to provide experiences to their families.
Peter also serves as the Vice President of the Florida Keys Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association and on the Board of Directors of the Marine Mammal Conservancy.
Kathy Jones
Program Assistant
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Kathy holds an Associates Degree in Business. She is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. At Island Dolphin Care, Kathy assists families with making reservations and is a book keeper. Kathy is an 18 year resident of the Florida Keys.
Island Dolphin Care is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization that provides dolphin assisted therapy to children with critical illnesses, disabilities and special needs from all over the world.
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