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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 and 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.”
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.”
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.”
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
Heather
How long she’s been at the Y: Started working at the Y in June 2023, started teaching swim lessons November 2023
Favorite thing about teaching: “I love being able to pass on my love of swimming to others and watch their growth.”
Favorite Stroke: Breaststroke and Freestyle
Additional Info: “I have a lot of competitive swimming experience. I’ve been a member of our YMCA’s club swim team since I was very young. I was captain of the SWHS girls’ swim team and competed at the state level every year I participated, as well as currently hold the SWHS girls’ team record for the 100 breaststroke.”
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.”
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!”
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.”
Mara
How long she’s been at the Y: Started working at the Y in February 2024
Favorite thing about teaching: “I love sharing my excitement for swimming while helping kids feel more comfortable and safe in the water.”
Favorite Stroke: Front Crawl
Additional Info: “I swam competitively throughout high school and was captain of the team my senior year. Additionally, I’ve taught wilderness survival skills to 1st through 8th graders for the past six years.”