Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Silva.
Hi Patricia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began over 20 years ago as a massage therapist, but everything changed when I discovered aquatic therapy in 2007. I fell in love with the healing power of water and dedicated years to educating myself and becoming a certified aquatic therapist.
As a single mother of two with autism, my passion became deeply personal. I understood firsthand the challenges families face when trying to find specialized services for their children. I wanted to create a place where people of all abilities could feel safe, supported, and empowered.
In November 2020, I started Monterey Aquatic Therapy Center with a vision, determination, and a whole lot of heart. Building a business from the ground up while raising four children wasn’t easy, but I believed in what I was creating.
Today, we’ve grown into an expanded facility in Pacific Grove, with a dedicated team of trained aquatic professionals helping hundreds of individuals with special needs every week. In 2025, we celebrated a major expansion, allowing us to serve even more families.
What started as a passion became my purpose, and that purpose became a thriving business. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, but what means the most to me isn’t the growth of the business. It’s seeing a child accomplish something their parents never thought possible, watching someone regain confidence, and knowing we’re making a difference in people’s lives every single day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being a single mom, including two with autism, while building a business from the ground up has come with many challenges and sacrifices.
One of my biggest struggles was balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. There were long days, sleepless nights, financial pressures, and times when I questioned how I was going to make everything work. Starting Monterey Aquatic Therapy Center during the COVID-19 pandemic brought another level of uncertainty.
As the business grew, so did the challenges. Finding the right employees, training a specialized team, managing daily operations, and expanding our facility required tremendous dedication. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but giving up was never an option.
I’ve learned that success isn’t about having an easy journey. It’s about having the courage to keep going when things get difficult. Every obstacle has taught me resilience, patience, and perseverance. And at the end of the day, seeing the difference we’re making in the lives of our clients and their families makes every struggle worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the proud co owner and founder of Monterey Aquatic Therapy Center in Pacific Grove and Aqua Wellness Day Spa in Carmel, California. My passion has always been helping people heal, grow, and improve their quality of life through the power of touch and water.
At Monterey Aquatic Therapy Center, we specialize in adaptive aquatics and aquatic therapy for individuals of all ages and abilities. We work with children and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery needs, physical limitations, and other special needs. We also offer therapeutic programs for seniors, including arthritis and mobility classes.
What makes us different is that we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual who walks through our doors has unique needs, challenges, and goals. Our programs are personalized, and our team is trained to provide a safe, compassionate, and encouraging environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
As a mother of two children with autism, I bring both professional experience and personal understanding to the work we do. I know what it’s like to be the parent searching for the right resources and wanting someone to truly see your child’s potential.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched. Watching a child who was once terrified of water learn to swim, seeing someone regain mobility, or hearing a parent share that their child accomplished something they never thought possible—those are the moments that remind me why I started.
What sets us apart isn’t just what we do, but how much we care. We’re not simply teaching swimming or providing therapy. We’re building confidence, independence, trust, and a sense of belonging.
For me, success isn’t measured only by how much my businesses grow. It’s measured by the impact we make, the families we support, and the lives we help change. That’s what I’m most proud of.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Never give up.
Pricing:
- $270
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