Swim Coach Kenneth and his certifications

Coach Kenneth, has been a lifeguard and taught swimming since the age of 16. His love of the water and helping others learn to swim is a passion you will see in his teaching. He started swimming competitively at the age of 13. Kenneth competed in intercollegiate swimming at John Brown University and he is a 1993 All-American, as a member of the 4 x 200 yard Freestyle relay team. As a U.S. Masters swimmer, Kenneth set a FINA Masters World Record in the 4 x 100 short course meters relay, December 2009. Kenneth has 14 U.S. Masters Top Ten swims. He has worked as a swim instructor and lifeguard for over twenty-five years. He specializes in proper conditioning, training for longevity, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Coach Kenneth has attended training sessions on working with kids with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, and other special needs with Kahlon Family Services and Inizio Interventions, in order to provide applied behavior intervention to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Additionally, Kenneth has attended teacher training sessions with World-renowned Shana Meyerson of mini yogis® yoga for kids and taught and coached with Swim with Heart, a local Santa Monica special needs swim team.

Kenneth is a very active member of the swim community and spends most days being “One with the Water™.” If he is not training, coaching, or competing with the local Masters swim team, he is teaching or lifeguarding. He is coached professionally by former U.S. Olympian Rada Owen. He continues to work on his technique taking lessons with Coach Chris Pelant.

Coach Kenneth, originally from Texas, started One with the Water® in Southern California. He comes to SoCal via New York, through Spain, Bolivia, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. Kenneth studied mechanical engineering and has worked over 15 years as a mechanical engineer. He has a Masters in Business Administration from Columbia College.

Kenneth has lived in Bolivia, Venezuela, and Spain, working as a volunteer for "sponsor-a-child" programs which provide education to children in developing countries. The projects he participated in gave sponsored children and their families opportunities to participate in skills training or livelihood initiatives, so that they could begin to rely less on sponsorship, and more on their own abilities to provide for their families, creating an educated path out of poverty. This mission aligns with Kenneth’s philosophy and integrates him as a perfect match for One with the Water®. He lives to help others achieve their dreams and believes that the pool is a magical place that levels the playing field… swimmers understand that they can do anything that they put their mind to, and become One with the Water®.

Certifications held by Coach Kenneth

American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA):
- Disability Certified Swim Coach: Level 3
- U.S. Masters Certified Swim Coach: Level 2

American Red Cross:
- First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22)
- Lifeguarding & First Aid
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
- CPR/AED for Lifeguards (Adult, Child, Infant)
- Administering Emergency Oxygen

As a lifeguard, Kenneth attends training sessions on a monthly basis to stay current with all of his certifications.

Press Release: 26 June 2012
One with the Water® has been selected to participate in the Sundance Channel’s documentary, “Push Girls.” Sundance Channel is producing a new documentary, “Push Girls.” Previously, “Murderball” provided a look into the harsh world of wheelchair rugby. “Push Girls” will provide a glimpse into the world of beautiful women who are living with paralysis in Hollywood, CA.

“The indomitable spirit of this series will give viewers permission to observe a world that until now they may have been too polite or too frightened to explore. The Sundance Channel will allow the “Push Girls” to convey the stark reality of their lives.”

Kenneth Rippetoe, Executive Director of One with the Water®, will work with Mia Schaikewitz to reach her watery goal. Mia is a reflective, beautiful woman who was once a competitive swimmer. In “Push Girls” she will attempt to swim for the first time since high school. Kenneth will be coaching and working with Mia to help her become a competitive swimmer again.

“I am delighted to work with Mia,” said Mr. Rippetoe. “It is known that water heals and that with each stroke she will be building strength. I am sure that Mia’s experience in the pool will be a rewarding one. I look forward to the experience as I am always eager to teach the value of swimming.”

Click to learn more about Push Girls. To assist us in providing lessons to others like Mia, please consider a tax-deductible donation to One with the Water®.

- Coach Kenneth Rippetoe & Mia Schaikewitz

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Swim Coach Mallory and her certifications

Mallory started her career as a swim instructor while swimming varsity at Western Kentucky University. She was the most requested instructor for WKU's Learn-2-Swim program and demonstrated a natural talent for relating to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Since then, Mallory has quickly made a name for herself as a coach. Her first coaching experience came when she started a small training group for triathletes and fitness swimmers at a gym in Indianapolis. In February 2011, Mallory accepted a coaching position with the largest Master's swim team in the country, as their open water specialist. In July 2011, Mallory accepted a second coaching position as Head Coach at Culver City Swim Club, a kids' novice team. Her other coaching and swim instructing experiences include: serving as the Lead Clinician for the USMS National Open Water Showcase Clinic in 2011, and working with Costa Rica Dream Swim Camps to develop their first open water swim camp, to be held in February 2012.

To meet Mallory for the first time is to encounter the epitome of passion. At the age of 25, she has already climbed the ranks of marathon swimming to become one of the foremost experts in her sport. She regularly pits herself against more experienced competitors, sweeping currents, and frigid waters… and wins. After competing in her first open-water race by chance over 15 years ago, Mallory knew that she had found her niche. Since then, she has gone on to complete some of the most famous swims in the world. Mallory became the 39th person in the world to complete the “Triple Crown” of open-water swimming: the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (28.5 miles), the Catalina Channel (21 miles), and the English Channel (21 miles). She was recently featured in USMS SWIMMER magazine and the Wall Street Journal.

Open-water swimming is a life-long passion for Mallory, and she strives to share her passion and make a difference any way she can. In addition to coaching and competing, Mallory writes for publications and blogs, such as the FINIS blog and Amateur Endurance, and keeps an open water swimming-themed blog on her website, MalloryMead.com. She advocates for children’s health, water safety, and ocean conservation. She is a mentor, motivational speaker, race director (Swim For Kids' Sake Charity Swim, Culver, IN), and a volunteer observer for the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation. In 2010, Mallory was one of the first recipients of the “Dottie York Scholarship,” a fund created to support aspiring Catalina Channel swimmers that best embody the spirit of open-water swimming. In January 2012, Mallory was accepted into the Professional Swimming Racing circuit by the U.S. Masters Swimming.

Certifications held by Swim Coach Mallory

American Red Cross:
- CPR/AED & First Aid (Adult, Child, Infant)

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Coach Christopher and his achievements

Christopher entered the world of competitive swimming at the age of six. A Southern California native, he began his swimming career after having an operation on his legs. To avoid permanent wheel chair confinement, the doctors had to reposition his feet on his ankles. After two months of full leg casts, Christopher had to re-learn the skill of walking. The physical therapy included sessions in the pool. It was there that Christopher found comfort in the water and began a ‘love of sport’ that has lasted for nearly 30 years.

Christopher had a highly successful age group swimming career. He was the fastest swimmer in the United States, multiple times in numerous events. He broke four Southern California Swimming Records (one stood for 19 years). He qualified for the Junior Nationals at the age of 14 and USA Nationals at the young age of 16. Christopher, additionally, represented the United States in Paris, France, as the Captain of the USA National 18 & under Team.

His success in high school earned him a full scholarship to the Division I Southern Illinois University. There, Christopher was a multiple Missouri Valley Conference Champion and Record Holder. In addition to being an All-American and Academic All-American, he was named Conference All-Centennial, Varsity Captain, and given the Spirit Award.

As a Coach, Christopher has developed athletes to the National level. Coach Pelant’s niche is his ability to connect to swimmers of all backgrounds and inspire them to reach their various and diverse goals. He enjoys creating specifically tailored training programs and stroke drills. Regardless of background, Coach Pelant instills proper technique, while enthusiastically enhancing the swimming experience.

• USA Olympic Trials Qualifier
• USA Olympic Festival Captain & Featured Athlete
• USA Olympic Festival Finalist
• USA Nationals Finalist
• USA Swimming All Time Top 100 Times (Multiple & Current)
• World University Games Qualifier
• USA National Jr. Team Captain (Paris, France)
• ‘ESPN’ Featured Athlete of the Week
• ‘USA Today’, International Edition Featured Athlete
• ‘Sports Illustrated’ Featured Athlete
• ‘Swimming World’ Featured Athlete of the Month
• ‘Splash Magazine’, 1st Edition Featured Athlete

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Coach Ali and her certifications

Alissandra Hurdelbrink, Coach Ali, first learned to swim at an early age, before she could even walk! While in elementary school, Ali competed in backstroke, and her love of the water took her to new heights where she fell in love with diving. Continuing to compete in swimming until 6th grade, she started putting swimming on the back-burner, as she discovered other sports: dancing, basketball, softball, gymnastics, and track & field. In junior high, she competed in track, running the hurdles, and was a member of her school’s track relay team. She continued to excel in all sports. During college, Alissandra started taking journeys on her bicycle. She enjoyed this so much that she began entering charity events of long-distance Century Rides (100-miles).

Discovering that she had the endurance for long-distance events, she changed her focus and started entering marathons, Century rides, and long-distance swimming events. Of course, this was a natural progression leading her to triathlons! She currently trains for the Ironman® which she hopes to complete in 2013.

Alissandra runs a handful of marathons a year, bikes close to 100 miles a week, and swims with a local Southern California U.S. Masters Swimming team. Her training is intense in that it involves at least two of the three disciplines each day. To keep up her energy and stamina to sustain such vigorous workouts, Alissandra is well-studied in the field of nutrition, and she is currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.

Coach Ali joined One with the Water® in June 2012 and is coaching personal fitness training and triathlon-race preparation. Ali is very successful in her sports career. She loves helping others achieve their personal goals in fitness, as she believes that fitness has a positive impact and improves a person’s life. Ali continues instructing all levels of swimming for One with the Water® and enters Olympic-distance triathlons as often as possible.

Certifications held by Swim Coach Ali

American Red Cross:
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
- First Aid
- CPR/AED for Lifeguards (Adult, Child, Infant)

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Swim Coach Ben and his certifications

Coach Ben is a lifelong swimmer and surfer. He grew up swimming in the Pacific and eventually competed for Team Santa Monica and Loyola High School (where he was a CIF champion and high school All American). He went on to swim at Harvard College, where he qualified for Senior Nationals in the 400 I.M.

Ben loves working with everyone from new swimmers to seasoned competitors — he's equally at home playing water games with kids or discussing hydrodynamics with adults. Ben has taught swim lessons for 20 years, including volunteer coaching with the Special Olympics. Trained as a yoga teacher, Ben's coaching combines anatomical precision with sensitivity to the breath, mind, and emotions. He believes that you are your own best teacher, and if you listen to the water, it will teach you everything you need to know.

Like all of the instructors at One with the Water, Coach Ben never gives one-size-fits-all instruction. Every lesson is customized to fit your background, personality, strengths and challenges.

Certifications held by Coach Ben

American Red Cross:
- First Aid
- CPR/AED for Lifeguards (Adult, Child, Infant)

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Swim Coach Lysandra and her certifications

Lysandra first learned to swim at the age of 3 in a pond in Arizona to escape the sun’s heat. Her speed improved as she fled the water snakes that slivered past her. When she came to California, she started swimming on the Venice Dolphins and began competing at the age of 7. Her novice swimming continued into middle school with the Santa Monica Sharks.

In high school, she joined the SAMOHI swim team. She also discovered water polo and surfing her sophomore year and joined those teams. During high school, she made All-American for swimming and water polo. In swimming, she was a conference finalist in freestyle. Her interest in water continued to grow, and she joined the junior guards program at Will Rogers State Beach. When she turned 16, she began lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons to children at Crossroads School. That same year she volunteered for Boarding House Mentors, as a personal guard and a surf instructor. This program was started by a close friend of hers-- it gives inner city kids the chance to learn and play at the beach.

Moving forward in her life, she began collegiate swimming and water polo at Santa Monica College. She received athlete of the year for water polo, and was in the top 5 for state swimming championships in butterfly and freestyle. She again made All-American for swimming and water polo at the community college level. During that time, she began scuba diving and is now on her way to becoming a Master Diver. Once she finished at the community college, she transferred to California State University Northridge to finish her last two years of eligible collegiate swimming. She concentrated on freestyle, helping the team beat conference records in 4 relay events. At CSUN, she graduated with a BA in Psychology.

She now continues her swimming career with US Masters Swimming and was a champion in her events in the 2010 Summer Nationals. Currently she coaches for the same team she competed on in middle school, the Santa Monica Sharks. She is also an assistant coach for the new swim program at East LA College, teaches Aqua Aerobic classes, and continues instructing all levels of swimming.

Certifications held by Swim Coach Lysandra

American Red Cross:
- First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22)
- Lifeguarding & First Aid
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
- CPR/AED for Lifeguards (Adult, Child, Infant)
- Administering Emergency Oxygen
- Basic/Advance Scuba
- Rescue Diver

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Coach and Olympian Silke

Silke Rogatko is a US Master’s Swim Coach in the Greater Los Angeles Area and a personal swim trainer for children and adults. Fluent in German and French, she also works as a relocation specialist for the UK- based Consultant Going-There.

Silke’s professional career spans from international banking, international marketing to extensive experience as a business manager in higher education. Through her athletic success as an Olympic medalist in swimming, she has been active in the field of training and education of swimmers for thirty years, focusing on teaching master’s swimmers, fitness swimmers of all ages and special needs children. Her great passion is working with athletes for Special Olympics.

Silke has developed swim programs in Europe as well as the US. She is a member of the World Swim Coaches Association, the American Swim Coaches Association as well as US Masters Swimming. Silke received her International Baccalaureate in Bonn, Germany, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern California.

She currently serves as program manager for One with the Water, working as a spokesperson for the non-profit section as well as swimming instructor. Married to a Brazilian scientist and researcher, she is the mother of three adult children, all former swimmers.

Certifications held by Coach Silke

American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA):
- Disability Certified Swim Coach: Level 3
- U.S. Masters Certified Swim Coach: Level 2

American Red Cross:
- First Aid
- CPR/AED for Lifeguards (Adult, Child, Infant)

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Coach Elizabeth and her certifications

Elizabeth Moore is a USMS (United States Masters Swimming) Level 3 certified coach. She is the founder and head coach of the Masters Swimming Program at Spectrum Athletic Clubs South Bay. A former NCAA Division I swimmer, and NAIA Division I cross-country and track & field competitor, Elizabeth combined her passions for swimming and running to become a multisport athlete. She races all triathlon distances and has completed three full IRONMAN races where she excels on the swim, exiting the water with top place finishes. Elizabeth consistently qualifies for the USA Triathlon National Championship races. She also competes and coaches at masters swim meets and open water races throughout the year. Being an all-around endurance athlete, Elizabeth has numerous marathons and off-road races under her belt.

In addition to athletics, Elizabeth is passionate about food and nutrition. She has immersed herself in the field of sports nutrition and gourmet vegan cooking over the last several years. She loves how creative, clean, and healthy eating better fuels her endurance training and racing, and satisfies her foodie obsession. Elizabeth enjoys helping others educate themselves on improved nutrition and the whole food lifestyle in her fun, high-energy cooking classes. When not in the kitchen or training, Elizabeth is playing with her animals, reading a book, or jamming on the guitar. With years of experience in various aspects of the TV and Film industry, she brings a bit of flare to her teaching and is occasionally spotted working on a production project or acting in front of the camera.

Elizabeth enjoys helping individuals strive to attain their goals; it is one of the most rewarding achievements. And teaching a life-long survival skill is icing on the cake!

Certifications held by Coach Elizabeth

American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA):
- Disability Certified Swim Coach: Level 3
- U.S. Masters Certified Swim Coach: Level 3

American Red Cross:
- First Aid
- CPR/AED for Lifeguards (Adult, Child, Infant)

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