About
I have been teaching lessons to kids ages 1-18 for the past 8 years. I coached swimming for 4 years, for two different teams in New Jersey, and was a competitive swimmer myself my whole life. I swam Division 1 at Rider University and was captain my senior year. I have extensive knowledge of strokes and am able to help competitive swimmers improve their strokes to become faster, more able athletes, but am also experienced with teaching babies, to get them accustomed to the water, toddlers, to teach them basic swimming skills, and kids, to get them to transition from doggy paddle to freestyle, backstroke, etc. I'm also a nanny, because I have found that kids take to me very quickly. I'm fun and relaxed, but very serious about water safety skills. I'm lifeguard and CPR certified as well. I look forward to hearing from you!
I enjoy seeing improvement! Any steps that a child can make towards better water safety or swimming makes me feel like I've done well. If your child is already a swimmer looking to improve his/her strokes, I am an experienced technique coach. I love finding small things about a stroke that can make a huge difference in your child's time!
Highlights
Reviews
Polly W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I usually use the first lesson to assess the student's skills and get them used to me. Then I begin working on whatever skills they will be capable of learning for their age. For babies, that means learning bubbles, floating, kicking, and paddling, as well as getting used to going underwater. For toddlers and children, I see where they are already and build on whatever skills they have. If they have none I simply try to make the lesson fun and engaging so that they can see that though water demands respect, it's not so scary.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
CPR and First Aid certified, Lifeguard certified
Division 1 swimmer at a 4 year University
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$40/half hour, $60/hour plus $5 for driving time if further than 5 miles
I only teach one on one
How did you get started teaching?
As a swimmer myself, people came to me asking if I taught. At the age of 16 I started picking up clients and then through word of mouth ended up with 5 clients my first summer teaching. After that I made business cards and aimed to make most o
What types of students have you worked with?
I have experience mainly with kids ages 5-10, but also have years of experience with babies and toddlers. I am comfortable teaching adults but have not done that often.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who makes you feel comfortable, and who has the knowledge to get you or your child to whatever level you expect.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What goals are you hoping to reach with lessons? What are your major fears if any? Are you willing to practice on your own to solidify the skills?