![[Skagit Valley Family YMCA LOGO SQ]](https://recliquecore.s3.amazonaws.com/imgs/ymca_logos/named_y/blue_purple.png)
![[Skagit Valley Family YMCA LOGO FULL]](https://s3.amazonaws.com/recliquecore/imgs/ymca_logos/named/blue_purple.png)
Emma
How long she’s been at the Y: Started in November 2019
Favorite thing about teaching: “My favorite thing about teaching swim lessons is being able to experience the people get when they achieve things they never thought was possible. It’s so rewarding being able to make moments like that happen.”
Favorite Stroke: Front crawl & butterfly
Additional info: “I am pretty decent at asl, I am able to hold a conversation pretty well. I took three years in high school and had Deaf friends growing up that helped teach me sign. I work very well with kiddos with mental challenges like ADHD, autism, behavioral issues, etc. I’ve taken multiple child psychology and regular psychology classes and have personal experience with mental setbacks. I have taught at a preschool, and have been the team captain and manager of a swim team.”
Julia
How long she’s been at the Y: Joined the Y of Greater Seattle in June 2017, and the Skagit Family Y in March 2023. Has been teaching swim lessons since May 2015, and coaching swimming since June 2011.
Favorite thing about teaching: “I love planning games and activities for swimmers to learn by doing!”
Favorite Stroke: Breaststroke and IM
Additional Info: “I was captain of my high school swim team, and swam collegiately 2013-2016. I also competed in the 2023 US Masters Swimming Ultramarathon-Distance Open Water National Championship. I’ve coached for a few different swim teams, varying from neighborhood summer leagues to USA Swimming Club teams. I’m a Swim Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Instructor.”
Amelia
How long she’s been at the Y: Started in August 2023
Favorite thing about teaching: “I love teaching people to swim and getting to know them along the way.”
Favorite Stroke: Breaststroke and butterfly
Additional info: “I’ve been a competitive swimmer for 8 years now! I speak English and Japanese, as I lived in Japan for 3 years when I was young.”
Kelsey
How long she’s been at the Y: Started in August of 2020, but has been teaching swim lessons since 2017
Favorite thing about teaching: “Being able to help people gain more confidence in the water, and seeing the excitement when a skill finally clicks.”
Favorite Stroke: Butterfly
Additional Info: “I have a lot of experience teaching people with mental disabilities and have an adaptive teaching style to best help students. Swam competitively in college and have used my knowledge to coach different swim teams.”
Avery
How long she’s been at the Y: Started in October 2021, started teaching lessons in September 2022
Favorite thing about teaching: “I love to see the growth each child makes throughout their journey with swim lessons. I also enjoy being able to celebrate their accomplishments.”
Favorite Stroke: Butterfly & 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
Isaac
How long he’s been at the Y: Started in June 2018
Favorite thing about teaching: “I love to see kids progress in their swimming ability.”
Favorite Stroke: Freestyle & butterfly
Additional Info: “I was a competitive swimmer for 10 years, and am a certified USA Swimming Coach.”
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