Elena, enjoying a moment under water
Elena Messenger
“I believe everyone can learn how to swim regardless of their disability.” A strong statement from a woman who knows how to back it up. One of Elena’s goals is to continue teaching adaptive swim lessons to children and young adults with both neurological and physical disabilities.
Elena is a go-getter, someone who doesn’t appear to understand the words “no,” or “can’t” and she conveys this confidence to her clients and their families. One of the key reasons she was excited about joining the Leaps…n…Boundz family was their desire to have “Community Adventures.”
She knew she was at the right place when the first “Community Adventure” was a ski trip to Big Bear for 15 families. The “Community Adventures” have continued and included a camping/surfing trip to Ventura, swimming with the dolphins at Sea World and the 2009 Big Bear Ski Trip for 27 families.
“We have such a great time on each trip. The kids learn about skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and we have come back from each trip without one broken limb, “ Elena chuckles.
“Working with special needs children and their families is a major part of who I am. It’s not a job. It’s not a chore. It’s my reason for getting up everyday looking to help someone challenge themselves successfully.”
