I have loved swimming as long as I can remember. My Mom took lots of photos of us as kids and I was always in a swimsuit with wet hair. Hey! That’s how I look now, ah well. Some things never change!
Growing up in Latin America and the Caribbean , I swam year round for the pure enjoyment of it. Warm water and white sandy beaches, body surfing and snorkeling were highlights of my days.
It wasn’t until I attended college that I looked at teaching swimming as a career. I worked at local aquatic centers and was intrigued watching, and soon, teaching, persons with disabilities. Seeing the joy the swimmers felt being submerged in water, free from gravity for a just a little while, really ignited my desire to continue teaching. Whether it was teaching a little child, a paraplegic or an adult, I just loved seeing the excitement about swimming in their faces! I learned that I got as much joy teaching as the students received from learning, if not more!
That feeling holds true 34 years later! While I have had other jobs over the years, I’ve always incorporated swimming into my life. I have taught in New Hampshire , Florida , Alaska , Hawaii and Washington
For the last 32 years, I have fully devoted myself to teaching swimming, including eighteen years at the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center
If I can transfer the love of swimming to a student, that is truly success for me! I strive to make swimmers safe in and around water. If swimmers are comfortable in the water from the start, they are then able to easily learn technique and swim efficiently. I believe everyone can learn to swim and at any age!
