Erin Barwis

Swimming Philosophy
"Everyone has the potential to feel comfortable in water of all depths. Once a swimmer feels comfortable and understands how their body reacts to water, stroke work and fitness are within reach."

Education

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
• Lifeguard Instructor
• Small Craft Safety Instructor
• Special Olympics Level 2 Aquatics Coach
• AEA Water Fitness Instructor
• Adult Volunteer Trainer for Girl Scouts of USA
• First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
• B.S. in Social Sciences from Michigan Technological University
• Currently enrolled in Non-Profit Management/MBA coursework at the University of Minnesota

Experience

• 14 years experience in lifeguard training swimming lessons and water fitness
• 8 years as residential camp aquatics trainer in open water/river environments

Areas of Expertise

• Beginning swimmers of all ages (preschool through adulthood)
• Comfort in all depths/types of water
• Introduction to strokes
• Intermediate swimmers of all ages
• Swimmers with special needs
• Lifeguard Training prep-work

Mary Chase

Swimming Philosophy
"It is in my best interest to create a challenging, worthwhile and fun experience while teaching individuals how to swim. Swimming can seem like a scary experience for little ones when it is their first time, but it is my job to help them learn an essential skill while working at an encouraging pace. And most importantly, learning how to swim should always be a fun experience!"

Education

• PhD student at University of Minnesota
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
• American Red Cross Lifeguard

Experience

• 8 years experience as a WSI instructor
• CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard certified

Areas of Expertise

• Children with disabilities
• Beginning adults

Brandon Henry

Swimming Philosophy
"Learning to be confident in the water leads to better swimming enjoyment."

Education

• BA in sociology/anthropology and Norwegian, St. Olaf College
• Associates degree in Production and recording, McNally Smith
• Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard certified

Experience

• 6 years teaching WSI
• 5 years coaching competitive swimming
• 9 years competitive swimming
• 24 years recreational swimming

Areas of Expertise

• Beginners to folks that just want to improve their stroke and everyone in between

Sophia Maldonado

Swimming Philosophy
"Swimming is an excellent fitness activity and lifelong safety tool. Everyone should learn to feel comfortable and have fun in the water!"

Education

• Currently studying English Literature and Cultural Studies at the University of Minnesota
• WSI certification and Lifeguard certification

Experience

• Lifeguard
• 6 years as a WSI instructor

Areas of Expertise

• Parent/child classes
• Children new to the water

Kathleen McNulty

Swimming Philosophy
"Swimming is a life-long activity. No matter how old or young you are, you can learn how to swim."

Education

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
• Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR/AED
• B.A. in both Geology and Environmental Studies from the University of St. Thomas

Experience

• 6 years experience as a WSI instructor
• Water aerobics instructor
• Competitive swim coach

Areas of Expertise

• Beginning swimmers of all ages
• Introduction to strokes

Margaret Wilber

Swimming Philosophy
"Swimming should always be fun! At any age or skill level, being in the water is an enjoyable way to get yourself moving and burn off extra energy."

Education

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
• American Red Cross Lifeguard
• American Red Cross Instructor-Trainer in Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid
• B.A. American Indian Studies, University of Minnesota
• B.A. Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota

Experience

• 12+ years experience as a WSI instructor
• CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard certified
• Competitive synchronized swimmer

Areas of Expertise

• Youth and adults with special needs or disabilities
• Youth who are beginner swimmers or afraid of the water
• Adults who are comfortable in the water and want proper technique
• Adults who are getting back into swimming or want to refine their strokes