Coach Carissa
19+ Years Experience
2012 Olympic Trial Qualifier
19 years,
one child at a time
For over 19 years, I’ve helped children build safety, confidence, and joyful independence in the water — through a gentle, play-based method that never uses fear, force, or pressure. My approach is rooted in emotional safety first, because a child who feels secure learns faster, remembers more, and grows with genuine confidence.
I specialize in working with babies, beginners, hesitant swimmers, and children who learn best through kindness, repetition, and trust. Many of my swimmers come to me after experiencing fear-based programs or high-pressure teaching styles. I help them rebuild confidence, reconnect with the water, and learn at a pace that feels safe and natural.
I've worked extensively with non-verbal students, children on the spectrum, and kids with special needs across my career, and I know how to meet each child exactly where they are — adapting to the way they communicate and learn best
My Teaching
Philosophy
Your child is never rushed. Never pushed. Never overwhelmed.
I believe that water safety should be taught through:
Gentle introduction
Trust before technique
Play before pressure
Consistency over intensity
Calm, predictable routines
Learning should feel joyful — not stressful. A child who feels safe learns faster and retains more, and becomes truly water-safe over time.
This approach is the foundation of every lesson I teach.
