Charlotte grew up in a small Indiana town where she learned to swim in a lake when she was two and a half. When she turned nine, she started going to summer camp in northern Wisconsin. At 15, along with her cabinmate and counselor, she took a five-day, 25-mile canoe trip around Lake Superior, an amazing experience. When she moved to Los Angeles, she learned another water skill: body surfing.

Charlotte became inspired to teach special education after her son was born with Down Syndrome. During her 40-year career, she and her son have made a difference in her students’ and families’ lives.

After seeing her first Aquadettes show, Charlotte knew that she wanted to join. When she started swimming with the team, she realized that alas, muscle memory does not last 30 years. But Charlotte says she feels kindness, encouragement, and love from her teammates.