Meet the Swim Staff
Cheryl K.
Swim DirectorTeaching since 2014
When and where did you first learn to swim? I first learned to swim when I was about 4 at our local community center in California.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? There's nothing more satisfying than teaching a child and being able to watch them develop over time, not only with their swimming ability but also as a person. Being a swimming teacher gives you countless opportunities to make an impact on a child's life, easily making this of the most rewarding jobs around.
Nani A.
Senior Swim Teacher (Intro to Swim, Core Skills & Stroke Development)Teaching since 2015
When and where did you first learn to swim? I first learned how to swim at the YMCA when I was 7 years old, following a scary near-drowning incident at my birthday party.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? My favorite part about teaching swimming is when I see my students finally get over their initial fear of the water. Then, I get to see them fall in love with swimming!
Devon K.
Lead Swim Teacher (Intro to Swim, Core Skills & Stroke Development)Teaching since 1998
When and where did you first learn to swim? I learned to swim at the age of 6, I took to it, like a fish to water. Swim will always be my home.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? As someone who used to be completely terrified of the ocean, deep or dark water, I can relate to my students that currently feel that way. Helping children and adults overcome a fear of water to then discover the absolute joy that is feeling comfortable and confident in water is rewarding beyond measure. I endeavor to create a learning environment built on trust, rooted in empathy, where play is encouraged, and expectation doesn't exist. My personal journey with water has been the greatest adventure of my life. Water can be whatever your want it to be, a source of adventure, peace, comfort, healing, art, creativity, play...sometimes all those things at once. I believe everyone deserves to have that journey and I feel honored to help people begin or continue that journey.
Megan R.
Lead Swim Teacher (Intro to Swim & Core Skills & Stroke Development) Aquatics Instructor-BSA (CS02)Teaching since 2018
When and where did you first learn to swim? I first learned how to swim when I was about 4 at the city pool near my house in Rosemead, CA. I always loved the water and was excited to take swimming lesson here. A couple years later, I started competing on the Rosemead Rapids swim team until I joined high school and competed on the varsity swim team. I still love being in the water and I hope to be able to share my love of swimming with my son.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? My favorite part about teaching swimming is being able to watch my students’ personalities come out in their lessons. It is a unique experience to be able to teach a child such an important and life saving skill. They may start out very fearful or nervous, but as the lessons go on they start smiling and having so much fun. It feels so special to see their confidence bloom as they advance in their skills.
Sarah R.
Swim Teacher II (Intro to Swim, Core Skills Foundations & Stroke Development)Teaching since 2022
When and where did you first learn to snorkel and swim? I first learned to swim when I was just three years old and then jumped into snorkeling at the age of ten! I love swimming in lakes with friends.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? My favorite part about teaching swimming is watching my students succeed and do well during each and every lesson.
Jodi S.
Swim Teacher II (Intro to Swim & Core Skills Foundations & Stroke Development)Teaching since 2018
When and where did you first learn to swim? I first learned to swim at my neighborhood pool where I grew up in Dayton, Ohio. The pool was where EVERYONE went to spend their days in the summer, and where I'd eventually join my first swim team, work in the snack bar, and lifeguard before college. I remember clearly learning to swim in the deep end, and frankly being scared. But I also remember that my teacher was also my babysitter (shout out to Marcia in Ohio!), and she helped me realize that not only could I get across that deep ends safely, but I would love it. Decades later, swimming has facilitated so many friendships in every chapter of my life.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? Creating bonds and forging relationships is my favorite part about teaching children to swim. Most children do not feel comfortable at first learning to swim, but with some time and love their trust grows. With that their confidence in themselves to do hard things, keep trying when it's not easy, and learn a life-long skill blossoms. That's a pretty remarkable gift to share with someone.
Andrew
Swim Teacher I (Stroke Development)Teaching since 2022
When and where did you first learn to swim? I first learned to swim at about 2 years old in 2001 at a neighborhood pool in Maryland.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? I love seeing the accomplishment in the faces of my students after learning a new skill and gaining the confidence to swim by themselves.
Kira S.
Swim Teacher I (Stroke Development)Teaching since 2024
When and where did you first learn to scuba dive? I first learned to scuba dive at Denver Divers! I loved it so much I wanted to come back and join the community. I'm super grateful to have had such a strong start to my diving adventures.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? My favorite part about teaching swimming is that I get to connect with the kids one on one. Whether they're having a tough day and need some encouragement or are really excited to channel their energy into swimming, we get to work together toward their progress.
Sarah Z.
Swim Teacher II (Core Skills Foundations & Stroke Development)Teaching since 2024
When did you first learn to swim? My father was in the Coast Guard, so he helped me learn to swim at our local YMCA when I was very young. By age six, I was swimming in competitions and loving the sport.
What is your favorite part about teaching swimming? I love watching my students gain confidence in the water. It translates so well to other areas of life. If you can learn to swim, you can learn anything!
