Dolphin Assisted Therapy

Silvia Tencer, journalist, actress and documentary producer has an affinity for dolphins and their roles in assisting special needs children.

Through intense research and studies, she found that not only did dolphins evoke feelings of joy in the people that came into contact with them but that special needs children often experienced positive changes in personality, emotions, sleep and verbal skills through Dolphin Assistance Therapy (DAT). She believes the curative swim sessions and non invasive therapy has improved conditions such as: clinical depression, cerebral palsy, autism, Down Syndrome, among others.

In 1991, Silvia Tencer founded the non-profit organization; Cultural Education Production Association (CEPA) which provides educational programming for special needs Latino children and their low income families in the Chicago area. The primary focus of this organization is to enhance diversity, increase cultural awareness and offer dolphin therapy assistance programs to families who under normal circumstances could not meet the expense of such programs.

Throughout the year, CEPA holds benefits and fundraiser to raise money to pay for all travel, accommodations, meals and other expenses plus the dolphin assistance sessions for the children.

Earlier this week, Silvia Tencer brought her group of nine special needs children and their families from Chicago, Illinois to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Fundraising by CEPA and charitable donations from many people and companies made this a dream come true for everyone involved.

When I met Silvia here at our Dolphin Center, she especially wanted to thank Dreams Villamagna in Nuevo Vallarta for their generous donations of accommodations and commend Vallarta Adventures for donating 100% of their dolphin assistance program sessions and experienced staff for the entire trip.

Since all of the families that participated have roots in Mexico, this was an amazing experience for everyone. A chance for them to reconnect with their Mexican heritage and explore their culture, a special time to bond as a family, a place to escape, relax and get away from their often extremely stressful daily lives and for the children to have specific dolphin assistance sessions.

If you are interested in learning more about the dolphin assistance programs we provide please click here and to learn more about Silvia Tencer and CEPA, please visit her website.

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