Chrissy S.

I have worked as a summer day camp swim instructor and have given private swim instruction for years. I swam for 12 years at an intense level and remain active in swimming with my college club team. I have worked with notable MA USA coaches as well as worked privately with the former head coach of Princeton University. I have competed in respectable meets including Districts for my high school team, Junior Olympics when I was an age group swimmer and LC Sectionals. I have also worked as an assistant swim coach at a local pool club in my area as well as working as a full time guard. I am lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid certified. I am open to working with any age group. I have different tricks and ways that I have found most effective to teach depending on the age group. I have worked with children who are too afraid to jump into water to kids who are advanced and compete on swim teams.

Competed at respectable qualifying meets such as Junior Olympics, Districts, LC Sectionals. My best events where the 100 fly, 200 fly and 400 IM. I currently still swim with the swim club team at Fordham University. I have been recognized on teams for sportsmanship and for being one of the hardest workers on the team. Have been privately instructed by former China Olympic Teams head coach (who worked with Rebecca Soni, world-record holder for women's breaststroke) and he told me back when I swam with him "you will go to Olympic trials one day. You learned in 20 minutes what it took Rebecca to learn in 3 days." That was the best award I have ever received- such encouragement from a respectable, honorable coach who believed in me.

If the child is a beginner, I like to focus on safety and life preservation skills as well as building confidence in the child about being around or in water. I like to introduce all the strokes to the kids, but will heavily focus on freestyle.
For the more advanced swimmer, I strongly focus on technique and will correct bad technical habits that have been formed at practice. I will also teach racing strategies and technical aspects of a race that could win a close race.
At this point of my career, I know what works and does not work when it comes to teaching swimming. I remember what it was like as a competitive swimmer and a beginning swimmer- I provide a very comfortable, enjoyable, encouraging sort of lesson where people will actually enjoy being in the pool and learning. Hard work does not have to feel like work, it should be fun. If you are not having fun, then something is wrong. You should feel good about yourself and be inspired/look forward to hopping in the pool.