Hi there! I have taught well over 1000 students, from 3 month old babies to senior adults, and have encountered nearly every learning obstacle, learning style, and special circumstance. I am adaptable, engaged, and highly committed to student success. I specialize in teaching young beginner (age 3+) students to improve their water confidence, in addition to adults (any age) with little to no swimming experience who want to learn for the first time. Learning as a beginner, no matter your age, can be daunting so I do everything I can to make swimming a positive experience. I teach at the speed and comfort level of my students, while challenging their own beliefs about their skills! My special skills are being very in tune with my students -- I'm a patient teacher who easily understands the needs of my students to succeed. I know when to push students, and when to use patience, and it has led to a very high success rate of confident and safe swimmers. Recent feedback I've received from new adult swimmers & parents has been: - "My daughter refused to put her face in the water before this lesson. I've never seen her do that before." (5 y/o) - "I nearly cried from happiness when she did a back float. She's never swam by herself." (8 y/o) - "I've tried learning to swim so many times in the past and always gave up. This is the first time I've been able to swim." (24 y/o) My experience: I joined swim club when I was four years old, and swam competitively until age eighteen when I moved cities for university. I started coaching swim club at fourteen years old, in the winter three times a week, and in the summer I coached five sessions a week. At fifteen I took on volunteering with Red Cross lessons in addition to coaching, and racked up over 200 hours as a volunteer. At sixteen I was hired at the local pool as a part time lifeguard and swim instructor, where I worked for 4 years. To date I have ten years of teaching experience and eight years of experience lifeguarding. This summer, I will be completing my first Ironman 70.3 as well! I look forward to working with you and helping you or your child feel comfortable and confident around water! Sophie
Centrally located downtown, the Residence Inn features a shallow pool and natural light ideal for kids and beginner adult lessons. Enjoy lounge seating in a comfortable environment with an outdoor view, complimentary towel-service, on-deck showers, and a hot tub for swimmers to warm up in.
Pool access details are provided after you book.