Hi, I'm Auralei.

Swimming has always been more than a skill to me.

It's confidence. Independence. Safety. Joy. It's the moment a fearful child realizes they're capable of something they never thought possible.

But my connection to adaptive aquatics goes beyond my professional experience.

Growing up with a traumatic brain injury and navigating life with ADHD, I understand firsthand that not every mind learns, processes, or experiences the world in the same way. I know what it's like to need patience, understanding, and an approach that works with you rather than against you.

That perspective has shaped not only who I am, but the way I connect with my swimmers.

Before dedicating myself to adaptive aquatics, my professional journey took me through several roles centered around service, safety, and caring for others. I served in the Army National Guard and worked as both an EMT and 911 dispatcher.

These experiences taught me the importance of remaining calm under pressure, adapting to unpredictable situations, communicating effectively, and recognizing that every person has different needs. They strengthened my belief that trust, patience, and connection are essential when helping someone navigate something unfamiliar or challenging.

While my path to adaptive aquatics may not have been traditional, each of these experiences has helped shape the instructor I am today.

I'm also a mother, which has deepened my appreciation for the trust families place in the people who teach and care for their children. I understand that swimming lessons aren't simply another activity. For many families, they're an important step toward safety, independence, and peace of mind.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with swimmers of all abilities, including children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and those who simply need a little more time, patience, or encouragement.

Through those experiences, I've learned something that became the foundation of Cove & Currents:

There is no single "right" way to learn to swim.

Every swimmer brings their own strengths, challenges, personality, and pace into the water. I believe it's our responsibility as instructors to meet them where they are—not expect them to fit into a predetermined program.

My teaching philosophy is simple:

Connection comes before confidence.
Confidence comes before independence.

I've celebrated first floats, first breaths, first independent swims, and countless moments when a child discovered they could do something they once believed was impossible.

Some of the most meaningful progress isn't measured in distance or technique. Sometimes it's a swimmer willingly putting their face in the water for the first time, trusting an instructor enough to let go of the wall, or simply walking onto the pool deck without fear.

Those moments matter just as much.

I founded Cove & Currents because I wanted to build something rooted in genuine connection, individualized instruction, and respect for every swimmer's unique needs.

I believe that meaningful progress begins with understanding the person behind the swimmer. That means taking the time to build trust, recognizing individual communication and sensory needs, and adapting my teaching methods to help each child feel successful.

My goal is to create an environment where children feel safe being themselves, families feel heard and supported, and progress is celebrated in all its forms.

Because swimming isn't just about what happens in the pool. It's about the confidence, independence, and sense of accomplishment our swimmers carry into the rest of their lives.

Thank you for trusting me with a part of your swimmer's journey. It's a privilege I never take lightly.