Damaris Shiavi Bio

Damaris has been an American Red Cross Instructor from 1998–2007 (Woods Services, Langhorne, PA) and returned again from 2009 to present.

She is currently based at the Overbrook School for the Blind’s Kappen Aquatic Center in Philadelphia, PA, where she serves as the Aquatic Center Coordinator.

Damaris teaches a variety of courses including Certified Water Safety Instructor, Coaches Training – Swimming, and her newest certification, Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI), along with CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid since July 2023.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and is certified in Elementary Education, Special Education, and as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI).

Damaris is also a certified PA Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator (Category 24 – Swimming Pools and Spas), a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Aquatic Facility Operator / Certified Pool Operator (AFO/CPO), and holds the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) AqP Designation. She previously served as a Board Member and Secretary for AOAP.

She is the EAAB (Eastern Athletic Association for the Blind) Swim Tournament Director since 2019 and is actively involved in multiple committees including Wellness, Farm to Table, Safety (Co-Chairperson), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Co-Chairperson), and serves as Planning Committee Chairperson for Middle States Accreditation at her school.