Michele

Growing up at Cranberry Lake in a family of teachers can only lead to one thing: becoming a swim instructor! I truly enjoy seeing that beaming smile on a student's face when they overcome a fear, conquer a skill, or master a stroke, and knowing that I had some small part in helping them become a safer, stronger, and more confident swimmer.

Starting at the age of 3, I participated in synchronized swimming under the tutelage of the world's best teacher--my mom. At thirteen, I began coaching "synchro" with her guidance and years later, became Head Coach of the program. When I got my first "real" job, aiding a Water Safety Instructor (who was also my older sister), I already knew the path I wanted to take. My teenage summers were spent assistant teaching at the Byram Township Swim Program, coaching synchro and taking the occasional lifeguarding gig. When I entered college, I earned my WSI as well as my Lifeguarding & CPR Instructor certifications. I worked during the school year teaching swim lessons at private swim clubs and YMCA facilities, holding Lifeguarding classes, and Assistant Coaching for a youth swim league. In the summers, I was Director and Head Instructor of the Byram Township Swim Program.

Besides smelling like chlorine year-round (ha, ha), the greatest benefit of all this time at the pool was coming to understand the mechanics and motivations behind learning to swim. I approach each student as a unique individual and work to help them achieve their own goals and overcome their particular challenges, step by step. And if we have a little fun along the way, I'm sure my mom would approve!

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