Instructors

I have been a swim instructor for 10 years now. All I know is swimming! I learned to swim at a young age, following a near drowning incident, by attending weekly swim lessons at Kent-Meridian pool. At the age of 15, I joined the high school swim team and became a swim instructor in the same year. Using my instructors as inspiration, I incorporated some of their teaching techniques into my own classes.

I work with swimmers of all ages and have a rigorous teaching style. I find that it lays out clear expectations and accelerates learning. Each class is structured to create a strong foundation so that advanced techniques can be added on, as the skill is mastered. Students are rewarded at the end of each lesson if they stay focused, follow instructions, and try to their very best ability.

I specialize in infant and toddler survival swim classes. Survival classes teach students how to recover if they suddenly find themselves in a body of water. Students learn specific life-saving techniques to calm themselves in stressful situations until help arrives. Water is deceiving and dangerous which is why water safety is a vital life skill.

I enjoy teaching and love to watch my younger students progression from tears to no fears in and around water.

Fun facts about me:

• Graduated Kent-Meridian HS in 2017
• Enlisted in the Navy but was discharged after 5 months due to injury
• I have a bengal cat named Boo who likes to go on walks and play fetch
• I refinish old furniture to give it a new life
• I love cars and modify my 1992 Mazda Miata for drifting and racing

I was a competitive swimmer for over 12 years. I started with swim lessons, then I joined Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club, later I went to the Issaquah Swim Team in the community and High School

My favorite swim memory was walking to the pool everyday after school with my friends to attend practice. And, all the swim meets with donuts after every meet :)

My favority stroke is the Backstroke!

I love teaching people about swimming, I have always wanted to be a swim coach, to both help someone develop more confidence and to show how fun it is And relaxing!

I want to others to know that swimming relaxing and fun! I hope to develop confidence and trust with you, teach you proper swim techniques, and help you enjoy the water.

I have been a swim instructor for close to 18 years. I learned to swim by my older brother and sister who were also swim instructors in my hometown in Oregon. At the age of 15 I began teaching swimming lessons and taught a wide range from parent tot to adults all through high school and college. After college I began my career teaching middle and high school and am now a Dean of Students. However, my love of swimming lessons has remained and I enjoy teaching lessons in my free time.

My favorite swim memory was teaching my nieces and nephews to swim during summers the past few years. My teaching approach is to build trust and foster positive relationships that help students feel comfortable in the water. From that starting block I use challenge by choice and positive reinforcements to build confidence in the swimmer.

Fun Facts About Me:

• My favorite stroke is the breaststroke.

• I taught MS and HS English for 10 years.

• I have a big, fluffy Husky/Malamute who I love to go on hikes with.

• I love to paddle board and spend days on the numerous lakes in Washington
  

I have extensive experience working with children of various ages, from three months to 13 years old. My background in teaching both swimming techniques and water safety ensures that I understand the developmental needs and learning styles of young swimmers!

I am great at creating a supportive and fun learning environment where children feel confident and excited to improve their swimming abilities. My talent to engage with kids on a deeper level ensures they develop both the technical skills and safety awareness necessary for staying prepared and fun in the water!

I hope I get to meet all of you young new swimmers! or even just the nervous ones! and make the pool or the beach a thing to look forward to!

I have been teaching since I graduated from university, and I really enjoy the teaching process. I have been teaching for 25 years. My students range from 10-month-old babies to 72-year-old adults, and I'm happy to see how much confidence they gain from my teaching. What makes me most happy is that my students have gone from being afraid to go into the pool to now being on the swim team.

My favorite memory of swimming is Diving under a huge wave with my siblings, surfacing to laughter and cheers! Breaststroke is my favorite swim stroke

I enjoy instructing here because SwimQwik has state-of-the-art teaching equipment, a fantastic team of instructors, and most of all visionary leadership.

My teaching approach focuses on creating a positive and encouraging environment where each swimmer feels safe and supported. I emphasize fundamental skills through fun, engaging activities, adapting my methods to each student's needs and learning style, and celebrating progress to build confidence and a love for swimming.

I have had the privilege of growing up in Washington, where I've enjoyed taking swim lessons, swimming electively, and participating in water sports including wake surfing, water skiing, and wake boarding. Aside from swimming, I have developed my ability to connect with children of all ages and backgrounds over many years. I have experience as a daycare teacher, babysitting and tutoring privately, and holding volunteer positions at my local Church and elsewhere.

My favorite memory is swimming in the chilly Puget Sound for hours, teaching my sisters somersaults and I like the breast stroke the best.

I love the opportunity to invest in the next generation! It is such a privilege to work with students who are eager to improve themselves. I love the gift of watching students see the results of their hard work, and it encourages me to continue raising the bar.

In my teaching approach, I begin by assessing currents strengths and weaknesses. Once I feel confident in my understanding, I'll lay out an age appropriate synopsis of my plan for the session. From here, I'll move into my process that aims to address insecurities, affirm strengths, and replace movements or behaviors that don't contribute to the goal. If the way I present information or correction is not registering with students, I pivot. Everybody's brains work differently, and just because something makes sense to me, does not mean it is clear to you. Once a student seems confident in a skill, I will regularly incorporate it into class to ensure that skills are maintained, as we will build off of it later! Through this interactive approach, my intent is to empower students. Not only do I want them to feel secure in their swimming capabilities, I want them to recognize and be proud of their ability to try new things, work hard, and learn effectively.

I have been swimming since I was three years old. As I grew older, I made it to more competitive levels of swimming. Eventually, I participated in championships and passed challenging swimming tests.

My favorite memories of swimming are in the ocean, watching over the colorful sea creatures. Backstroke is my favorite swim stroke.

What I love about SwimQwik it is a learning environment. The kids are here to have some fun

with it too, which I think is extremely important to fall in love with swimming, but it is also important in focusing most of my focus on teaching the kids swimming.

I would say my teaching approach involves understanding the kids based on their age, teaching them the basics, and helping them out physically/emotionally. Of course, giving them breaks when needed to have fun with it all!

I was on the swim team from elementary school into high school, during my senior year of high school I started teaching swim lessons. I had to stop teaching for a few years but started again and have been teaching for almost 1 year!

My favorite swim memory is going to state with my high school swim team! The Breast Stroke is my favorite.

I love sharing the sport I love and watching others grow to love it. I also love being able to teach life-saving skills! I teach swimming with a highly positive and energetic approach, focusing on building confidence through encouragement and celebrating progress. Rather than emphasizing mistakes, I highlight strengths and keep lessons fun to prevent overthinking. By being animated and engaging, I help students stay relaxed, often using their favorite shows or interests to make learning enjoyable. This approach makes them more willing to try new skills and develop confidence in the water.

As a dedicated swim instructor Certified in CPR and First Aid and a Certified Lifeguard with over 10 years of experience, I bring technical proficiency and a genuine passion for teaching! Being a lifeguard was my first job! I went on to Seattle Pacific University after high school and taught swimming in between.

A few fun facts about me:
• I teach Sunday school
• I wanted to be a veterinarian growing up.

As a dedicated swim instructor,
I recognize that every child is unique, especially those who may face challenges in learning. My approach is rooted in empathy and patience, ensuring that each lesson is tailored to meet your child’s specific needs.

I take the time to build trust and rapport, creating a safe and supportive environment where both children and adults feel comfortable expressing their fears and anxieties about water.

By employing engaging teaching methods that incorporate positive reinforcement, I help children and adults overcome obstacles at their own pace. This personalized attention not only fosters confidence in their swimming abilities but also instills a lifelong love for the water.

I have successfully trained swimmers of all ages, skill levels, and personalities. Choosing me as your swim instructor means investing in a transformative experience that goes beyond mere swimming skills. It’s about building confidence and resilience from nervous beginners taking their first strokes to advanced athletes refining their techniques. Parents can rest assured knowing that their children are learning from someone who values both skill development and emotional well-being. Together, we will transform any apprehension into enthusiasm, making swimming not just a skill but an enjoyable experience for you, your child and family!

Together, I pray, we will create a journey that not only enhances your swimming abilities but also enriches your life!

(You can book lessons with me on Mondays!)

Sincerely,

Ijeoma Michelle