ISLAND DOLPHIN CARE, INC.
KEY LARGO, FLORIDA

Every day at Island Dolphin Care trained and licensed therapists assist participants and their families with a variety of health and disabling conditions. Individualized programs are provided both in the warm ocean waters with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and on land in our therapy rooms. The facility is fully accessible making it easy and inviting to explore the aquariums, and exhibits. Island Dolphin Care is a special place that is designed for EVERYONE. It is a place of possibility that provides laughter , and hope all while igniting a spark of courage…… an experience most people dream about. Therapists utilize proven therapeutic methods and the newest assisted technologies designed to assist with sensory integration, fine and gross motor skills, language, communication, self-esteem and organizational skills. When combined with the joyful experience of being with dolphins participants find a dose of motivation, and new tools that help them reach their greatest potential. Completed & opened in 2005. our spacious, multi-function center provides accessibility to accommodate visitors needs. The museum style facility incorporates Marine Science and Conservation Education through multiple educational displays and aquariums located in the indoor learning center. Elevators making all three floors of the building and the outside facilities accessible to all. Vest hut: IDC provides flotation devices and wet suits for swimmers of all ages and sizes Mallorie was born and raised in the small state of Delaware. She received a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Radford University.  In 2016, she completed an extended internship at IDC and officially joined our team February 2017. At Island Dolphin Care, Mallorie works as an instructor in all of the therapy programs. In addition to working in the water and classroom as an Instructor, Mallorie coordinates and oversees the Veteran Program & Therapy Practicum Program. At Island Dolphin Care, Eli helps to coordinate the Dolphin Camp programs. In addition, Eli works in the water and classroom with the children as an Instructor. Eli offers assistive technology assistance & workshops. Kimberly Severance moved to the Florida Keys in 2006, after receiving her Masters in Therapeutic Recreation from Southern Connecticut State University. She was a volunteer at Island Dolphin Care for 3 years and joined the Island Dolphin Care staff in 2009. At Island Dolphin Care, Kim coordinates and oversees the Veteran program and the Marine Education program. In addition, Kim works in the water and classroom with the children as an Instructor. The Island Dolphin Care Board of Directors meets regularly to approve budgets, purchases and directly advise the Executive Director. The Island Dolphin Care Board of Directors generously donates their time and services to Island Dolphin Care.  Deena is a member of the NASW. Along with serving on the Board of Directors, Deena is also a full time Dolphin Instructor at Island Dolphin Care assisting all of our clients and families. – Guest Faculty University of Miami, School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy. Director of the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy. Island Dolphin Care would like to extend our warmest thanks to our partners, sponsors and many special friends Eva runs the IDC gift shop, helps maintain the aquariums, answer phones and assists families in any way needed. Kathie assists in our gift shop, answering phones and helps our families and visitors in any other way needed. George takes good care of our facility and helps to cook our delicious barbecues. Cindy assists in our gift shop, answering phones and helps our families and visitors in any way needed. Helping to maintain our beautiful sensory garden. Island Dolphin Care, located in Key Largo, Florida, provides unique, therapeutic, motivational and educational dolphin assisted therapy programs for children and adults with special needs and their families (and/or caregivers) through the use of innovative therapy techniques, which enables participants to discover and achieve desired goals, strengths and their maximum potential for individual fulfillment. Through interactive programs, education and research, children and adults alike are inspired to value and respect marine mammals and their environment. Island Dolphin Care, Inc. (IDC) was created in 1997 to help children with special needs and their families. Over the years our programs have expanded now including adults, veterans, with family members. People that attend our programs often have a developmental and/or physical disabilities, emotional challenge, and critical, chronic or terminal illness. Island Dolphin Care believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to play, giggle and have fun! Island Dolphin Care, Inc., was created by Ms. Deena Hoagland, LCSW, after witnessing the remarkable recovery of her son, Joe. Deena and her husband, Peter, hoped that swimming with the dolphins might motivate Joe to use the left side of his body-weakened from a stroke which occurred during his third open-heart surgery. Joe had not responded well to traditional physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Joe began to make progress physically and psychologically in a natural, non-threatening, fun setting. He took pleasure and satisfaction in completing exercises, assisted by the unconditional support from the dolphins. Joe responded well to this “new” approach, increasing muscle tone and flexibility, as well as increasing his self-esteem. With the support of the dolphins, especially his dolphin friend “Fonzie,” Joe was able to normalize his young life. Deena hypothesized that if dolphins could help Joe feel better about himself, and motivate him to try new tasks, then the dolphins might also help others. A variety of children with special needs could experience therapeutic success in an environment less threatening than standard medical settings. Since 1990, Deena has worked with many children and adults from around the world with various educational, emotional, and physical needs. The program provides unique educational experiences that provide opportunities for participants to develop skills, and become more expressive. Once home participants often experience a greater commitment and increased motivation during traditional therapies.