Meet
Miss Vicky
Vicky Heffelfinger
Wildlife Water School, LLC
At just 17 years old, Vicky turned her passion for swimming and her love of kids into a real business. Today, at 22, she leads one of the most inclusive, adaptive-focused swim schools in the Pittsburgh area — and she's just getting started.
Vicky Heffelfinger
Founder, CEO & Head Instructor
Her Journey
The Story Behind the School
Born to Swim
Vicky's love for the water started early. She was a competitive distance freestyle swimmer for 11 years, competing through her NAC club swim team and even swimming one season on a Division II college team.
A Natural Teacher
At 14 years old, Vicky began teaching swim lessons through her club team. She had a gift for connecting with kids — patient, energetic, and genuinely invested in every swimmer's progress. Private lessons followed, and word spread fast.
Built at 17
Most 17-year-olds are thinking about prom. Vicky was founding a company. She officially launched Wildlife Water School, LLC — hiring instructors, securing pool locations, and building systems from scratch. Her family stood by her every step of the way, and she'll never forget that.
Her True Specialty
Vicky's experience working with children with disabilities — starting in elementary school settings — shaped the heart of Wildlife Water School. Adaptive swim is not an add-on here. It's the foundation. She holds a Level 3 Adaptive Swim certification and has worked with kids across the full spectrum of needs.
Nursing School & Beyond
At 22, Vicky is simultaneously running her business and pursuing her Associates Degree in Nursing, with her sights set on becoming an ER nurse. Her medical knowledge directly enhances how she supports kids with complex needs in the water.
The Vision Ahead
Vicky's goal is simple but bold: expand Wildlife Water School to many locations and make a real difference in children's lives everywhere. She's energetic, outgoing, and never stops laughing — and that energy is contagious in the pool.
Timeline
From Swimmer to CEO
First Swim Lesson Taught
Started teaching swim lessons through her NAC club swim team — a natural from day one.
Private Lessons Begin
Began offering private swim lessons independently, building a loyal base of families who trusted her.
Wildlife Water School Founded
At just 17, Vicky officially launched Wildlife Water School, LLC — hiring instructors and building something real from the ground up. Her family was right there with her every step of the way.
The First Pool Rental — Hampton Inn Monroeville
Vicky boldly reached out to indoor pools across the area asking if they'd rent their space. Her first yes came from the Hampton Inn in Monroeville — and that changed everything. The hustle was real.
Expanding Across the Region
Location by location, the school kept growing. Wilmerding, Greensburg, O'Hara, East Allegheny, South Hills, North Hills, Connellsville — and people's private homes too. Each new pool was another community reached.
CEO, Nursing Student & Still Growing
Running Wildlife Water School full-time while pursuing her Associates RN degree — with her sights set on even more locations and making a real difference in children's lives everywhere she goes.
Qualifications
Certifications & Credentials
Certified Lifeguard
Since age 15 — still active
Level 3 Adaptive Swim
Swim Angelfish Adaptive Training Course
Safety Certified
CPR, First Aid & more
Competitive Swimmer
11 years — Distance Freestyle
Nursing Student
Associates RN Program — ER Track
Disabilities Specialist
Years of hands-on school experience
In Action
Miss Vicky — Doing Business In & Out of the Water
Adaptive Expertise
Every Child Deserves to
Learn to Swim
Vicky's experience working with children with disabilities isn't just a credential — it's her calling. She has worked extensively with kids across a wide range of needs, and she brings patience, creativity, and genuine care to every single lesson.
As a Level 3 Adaptive Swim Teacher with years of real-world experience in school settings, Vicky knows how to meet each child exactly where they are.
Learn About Our Adaptive Programs“I truly have a passion for this work and deeply care about every child I teach. I want them to feel safe and confident in the water — even when it feels scary at first. I especially love working with children with high support needs and behavioral challenges. I want every kid who walks through that pool door to know they belong here. No matter what.”
Vicky Heffelfinger
Founder & CEO, Wildlife Water School
They Had
My Back
Wildlife Water School didn't grow on its own. Behind every new location, every lesson, and every milestone is a family that showed up — fully, consistently, and without hesitation. From the very beginning, Vicky's family has been her backbone.
They helped with the big business decisions, tracked down new pool rentals, opened doors — literally and figuratively — collected payments, and were always right there at the pool when it mattered. They shaped how Vicky teaches, how she leads, and how she treats every family that walks through the door. The empathy, the professionalism, the drive to keep expanding — so much of that comes from them.
“Their support is the reason Wildlife Water School is what it is today. You may even see them at the pool — always helpful, always warm, always part of the team.”
— Vicky Heffelfinger
Ready to Swim with Us?
Whether your child is a first-time swimmer or has complex needs, Vicky and her team are ready to meet them exactly where they are. Come see what makes Wildlife Water School different.