Children on the autism spectrum are 160 times more likely to drown than their peers. Autism Swim is on a mission to change this disproportionate statistic and ensure aquatics becomes inclusive, worldwide.
Autism Swim are the world leaders in inclusive aquatics. We are a small but mighty team, and can only continue to achieve our mission due to the dedication and expertise of the incredible team below:
Who do we work with?
- Swim Centres and Instructors
- Aquatic Therapists
- Parents and families
- Schools (both specialised and mainstream)
- Surf Life Saving Clubs
- Government bodies
- Not-for-profits
- Education bodies
Aquatic Professionals
We work with swimming instructors, swim centres, therapists and other aquatic professions; providing them with training, resources and support so that they are better geared to teach those who require some more support around the water.
As a result, they become Autism Swim Approved.
Parents
Parents benefit from receiving expert resources, training, workshops, individualised programs and strategies on wandering and drowning prevention.
Click below for more information on our parent training and membership options.
Why does Autism Swim exist?
91% of parents in our community have left other aquatic services due to them not understanding their child’s needs.
Children on the autism spectrum are 160 times more likely to drown than their peers.
1:5 people have a disability.
This means varying needs, goals, preferences and learning styles.
Meet the Autism Swim Team
GENERAL MANAGER
Antoinette Spear
Favourite thing about my job:
I love that my job makes a difference. My motivation? Decades from now, we’ll look back and appreciate the huge impact we’ve made. Not just for people on the autism spectrum, but for society as a whole.
Fun fact:
I’m today years old and no matter how hard I try, I still can’t whistle!
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Chloe Wright
Favourite thing about your job?
It sounds cheesy but I love that what we do makes a difference to this world! I’m all about inclusion in action and seeing in real time how people can access mainstream services and programs that have the knowledge and understanding to support their needs is awesome!
What’s your hidden talent/quirky fun fact?
Fun fact: turtles breathe through their bums.
MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS LEAD
Melina Zipparo
Favourite thing about your job?
What I love about working with Autism Swim is seeing meaningful ideas come to life in ways that genuinely help individuals, families and communities in Australia and around the world. Knowing the work we do can create lasting impact for generations to come is incredibly rewarding
What’s your hidden talent/quirky fun fact?
I can turn almost anything into a creative project. Sometimes intentionally. Sometimes not.
SYSTEMS + TECHNICAL LEAD
Davina Best
Favourite thing about your job?
Working with creative, caring and courageous people to put a strategy in place that has such potential to change lives.
What’s your hidden talent/quirky fun fact?
Discovering family stories through DNA.
Autism Swim Board of Directors
CHAIR
Craig Dainton
Craig Dainton (CPA)(MBA)(GAICD) is a corporate executive with more than 30 years
of experience within the financial services sector and 15 years of Board experience.
Craig’s corporate experience spans Finance, Operations, Program Management,
Risk, Audit and Compliance roles across both listed and non-listed entities in
Financial Services.
Having recently retired from Executive roles, Craig has been appointed as Chair of
Autism Swim and has joined the Board of St. John Ambulance Victoria.
Craig has a deep history in supporting a number of charitable and societal causes
with an emphasis on mental illness, domestic violence and inclusion.
COMPANY SECRETARY
Sue Warner
Sue has had an extensive career in accounting and administration roles across the private and not for profit sectors. In 2019, she took on a volunteering role at Autism Swim, supporting both the Dippers program and the overall administration of Autism Swim.
Sue’s passionate about supporting her local community. As an active member of her community, Sue is a valued volunteer roles across local charities and social organisations.
BOARD MEMBER
Tim Donovan
Tim Donovan is a highly experienced corporate executive and consultant, with a proven track record of over 10 years of successful organisational transformation, board governance oversight and senior executive leadership.
Along with his global business experience, Tim is a committed swimmer and lover of the water, having swum competitively in the pool during his childhood, he is now globally recognised as an accomplished open water ultra marathon swimmer, with solo crossings of the English Channel, Catalina Channel, Circumnavigation of Manhattan Island, Alcatraz and Lake Zurich among some of his achievements. Tim is a holder of the global triple crown of open water swimming, as well as the Australian triple crown of open water swimming.
As a sibling of a person with neurodiverse needs who has also had the opportunity to swim at an international level, Tim has personal experience in just how important water education is, not only for safety, but also the enrichment and huge positives it can bring to people’s lives. Tim brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Autism Swim team and is passionate about ensuring people of all abilities are able to benefit from the joy of swimming in a safe environment.
BOARD MEMBER
Nathan Kessey
Nathan has more than 15 years’ experience in Financial Services including: Superannuation, Wealth and Investments at Colonial First State where he worked through the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services industry and assisted with large-scale M&A transactions. Nathan has also held senior roles in Consumer and Corporate Finance and held the role of CFO and Head of Risk within the Fintech sector.
Nathan is a Chartered Accountant, with a focus on strategic financial business partnering, assisting executive teams and boards improve their decision-making as well as their internal and external corporate reporting strategies with consideration for an increasingly complex external environment.
BOARD MEMBER
Kelly Perkins
Kelly Perkins is an experienced educator, swim coach, and business leader with more than 25 years of experience across aquatics education, teaching, small business management, and community engagement. As the Founder and Head Coach of Nu-Swim, she has built a respected swim program focused on technique-based coaching for children, adults, and competitive swimmers.
Kelly holds a Master of Education (Primary) and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and
Management from the University of New England. Her professional background combines
education, leadership, marketing, and strategic business development, with a strong focus on creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Living with dyslexia has shaped Kelly’s commitment to accessibility, individualised support, and inclusive education. She is passionate about helping people of all abilities build confidence, resilience, and independence through positive learning experiences.
Kelly holds professional qualifications, including Bronze Swim Instructor, Surf Life Saving
Australia Bronze certification, Autism Swim certification, and advanced coaching qualifications in competitive swim development. She is recognised for her ethical leadership, strategic thinking, and strong commitment to community impact.
BOARD MEMBER
Ashleigh Webb
Ashleigh is a seasoned bureaucrat with fifteen years experience in federal public service across the Attorney-General’s Department, Department of Home Affairs, Department of the Senate and Department of Defence.
Ashleigh is an ultramarathon open water swimmer and qualified swimming coach. She has achieved the Australian Triple Crown of Marathon Swimming, and completed solo crossings
of the English Channel, Dàl Riata Channel and Loch Ness. In July 2025, Ashleigh broke a world record, becoming the first woman to swim 20.5km from Ireland to Fastnet Rock in under 5 hours.
Ashleigh runs her own youth mental health charity, the Kallan Lodge Library, and is a sitting
board member of Women with Disabilities Victoria.
As an AuDHDer, Ashleigh’s passion for Autism Swim is drawn from her lived experience.
Autism Swim Board of Advisors
Erika Gleeson, OAM
Dr. Geoff Potter
Matt Haanappel
