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Kay
How long she’s been at the Y: Started in April 2019
Favorite thing about teaching: “Getting to watch kids grow as swimmers.”
Favorite Stroke: Freestyle
Jorge
How long he’s been at the Y: Started in April 2018
Favorite thing about teaching: “Seeing the smiles of the children when they manage to develop a new skill in the water is something very gratifying!”
Favorite Stroke: Butterfly
Additional Info: Native Spanish Speaker
Rachel
How long she’s been at the Y: Started working at the Lakewood YMCA in June 2021, and at the Skagit Y in February 2024, been teaching swim lessons since November 2021
Favorite thing about teaching: “Being in the water and seeing kids grow into stronger, more confident swimmers.”
Favorite Stroke: Backstroke
Additional Info: “I did gymnastics for 10 years and used to coach it!”
Crystal
How long she’s been at the Y: Started working at the Y in June 2017, started teaching swim lessons November 2023
Favorite thing about teaching: “Helping youth and their caregivers understand the importance of always asking permission to enter the water no matter how strong of a swimmer they are. Safety first!”
Favorite Stroke: Breaststroke
Additional Info: “As a mother I had the privilege to be the teacher aid then lead preschool teacher while my children were that age, so many fun memories! I’ve coached a verity of sports that include softball, soccer and running. As a fitness instructor I’ve worked with a wide range of ages and absolutely love teaching a cycling class. Currently attending school full time to become a physical therapist.”
Annabelle
How long she’s been at the Y: Starting working at the Y July 2023, started teaching swim lessons February 2024
Favorite thing about teaching: “Being able to keep kids safe and having fun.”
Favorite Stroke: Elementary Backstroke
Additional Info: “I have some understanding of ASL (American sign language), its not completely but if done slow I could hold a relatively small conversation.”
Maura
How long she’s been at the Y: I began teaching swimming in 2019 as a means to improve my own health and fitness, and quickly became fascinated with the challenges of teaching kids to develop into skilled swimmers.
Favorite thing about teaching: Working one-on-one is my favorite way to help people learn. Each swimmer has their own timeline, and their own challenges. I enjoy being able to ‘meet them where they are’ and refine skills that require using their whole body to gain mastery of basic swim strokes. For me, it is deeply satisfying to help people become safe around water – whether boating, swimming, or paddling.
Additional Info: I have taught a wide range of people — from kindergarteners, to engineering majors, to adults undergoing retraining. I love watching people gain confidence as they master new skills!