Meet Your Swim Instructors
Montana Swim Academy takes pride in our professional swim instructors. Through their combined experience and expertise, every student receives some of the best swimming lessons available. Through prior instruction of students of all levels and ages, our team ensures a better swimming lesson experience. We understand that every student has unique needs for improving their swimming. So, we do everything we can to help them learn in a constructive, safe way that works best for them.
Billings
Julia
Hi, my name is Julia and I’m from Curitiba, Brazil. I grew up swimming but stopped when I moved to the U.S. but I’ve picked it back up my last two years of high school. I’ve lifeguarded and swim instructed before and I’m so glad I get to be a part of the Montana Swim Academy team. I am currently a student at MSU studying Neuroscience and Cell Biology (pre-med) planning to attend medical school.
Addi
My name is Addi and I am a college student attending MSUB where I am studying marketing. I am originally from a small town outside of Great Falls and I have lifeguarded for Belt pool throughout high school. I love working at Montana Swim Academy because I get to help kids learn to be safe around the water.
Aidan
Hi, I’m Aidan! I grew up in Chicago but recently moved to Montana and I’m excited to be part of this community! I’ve been swimming for many years, including experience with synchronized swimming, and I love helping my students build confidence and strong skills in the water. Outside the pool, I enjoy reading and crocheting in my free time. I look forward to helping you reach your swimming goals!
Cora
My name is Cora. I am from Gilbert Arizona and have always loved swimming and being outside in the pool on hot days. I’m currently a freshman in college and I’m majoring in biology. I am also working on finishing my EMT certification. I am new to Montana swim Academy and I’m excited to start the swim lesson season. I’m also excited to meet everyone who has the desire to learn how to swim.
Liz
My name is Liz! I’m originally from Oregon, but moved to Montana for college. I am a senior nursing student at Montana State, go cats! I grew up swimming & it was a huge part of my life growing up. I was on swim team, have lifeguarding experience & understand the importance of water safety spending much of my time ocean swimming! I’m excited to be able to help each of your kids learn to be safe, love the water, and have fun swimming!
Madeline
Hi! I’m Madeline from Lewistown, MT, and I’m currently studying nursing at MSU! I love anything outdoors such as camping, hunting, hiking, and anything competitive. I’ve been a competitive swimmer since I was five and have spent the last five years teaching private lessons. Working at Montana Swim Academy is incredibly rewarding because I get to help swimmers fine-tune their technique, build strength, and gain confidence in the water!
Taylor
Hi my name is Taylor and I am a senior at Billings West High School! I love running for my cross country team, playing tennis, and being in the water! In the past I have been on my High school’s swim team. I have also had experience teaching tennis lessons. I can’t wait to get to know everyone I’m going to teach, and help them learn to love the water as much as I do!
Bozeman
Sophia
My name is Sophia. I’m from Kalispell, Montana where I grew up swimming and boating on the lake as well as lifeguarding. I’m currently a Sophomore at MSU studying psychology and sociology. I love teaching and seeing kids gain skills and confidence in themselves and swimming. And I’m glad to be apart of the Montana Swim Academy team and teach along side amazing and kind people.
Jackson
Hi, my name is Jackson and I’m from Fort Worth, Texas. I’ve been swimming my whole life and swam competitively for 7 years on a club team. Outside of the pool, I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time with friends. I’m excited to be part of the Montana Swim Academy team, where I can help kids build confidence, stay safe, and have fun while learning such an important life skill.
Laura
Hi! My name is Laura, and I’m from Lake Stevens, Washington. I’m currently a sophomore attending Montana State University, studying math education. I love running, hiking, camping, anything outside. I have taught swim lessons for the past 5 years and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to teach more! I love Montana Swim Academy because of its amazing environment and watching the growth all the kids experience in the water!
Liv
Hey! My name is Liv and I am so excited to be your swim instructor! I’m originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, and came to Bozeman to study at Montana State University. I’m majoring in business finance with a minor in Spanish. When I’m not working or going to classes, you can find me playing for the club lacrosse team, hiking, skiing, or doing anything outside! I chose to be a part of the Montana Swim Academy team because I love working with kids and helping them make fun memories in a safe aquatic environment!
Megan
Hi! My name is Megan and I am from Brandon South Dakota where I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor for the past 5 years. I am super excited to be involved with swimming lessons at Montana Swim Academy because they are such a great opportunity for kids to get comfortable in the water and have fun! Aside from being in the water I spend my time going to school at MSU and exploring Bozeman. I love to craft, read, ski, hike, and just be outside!
Walker
Hello my name is Walker and I’m from Portland Oregon, and a sophomore at MSU studying sociology with a focus in criminology. I have been swimming my whole life and have been a swim instructor for three years now. Along with this I also have a free diving certification and enjoy spearfishing. When I’m not free diving on the Oregon coast some other things I love to do are fishing, hunting, and playing soccer. I love to work at Montana Swim Academy because learning to swim, in my opinion, is one of the most important things a person can do in life. I love being able to teach kids to be safe around the water.
Butte
Bridgitt
Hi, my name is Bridgitt. I was born and raised in Butte, Mt. I was a lifeguard and swim instructor at the YMCA here in Butte throughout high school. I enjoy helping the kids find their strength in the water and to watch them grow! In my free time I ride my horse Jackson, often take rides in the hills and I have a strong interest in diamond art. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to get back out there teaching kiddos to swim!
Katrina
Hi, my name is Katrina and I am 20 years old. I graduated from high school in 2023 and have been thinking about pursuing a career in teaching or criminal justice. I have worked with kids since I was eleven. My hobbies are playing with or walking my dogs or watching Law and Order. I am extremely excited to teach children the importance of water safety and to teach children how to swim.
Kenzie
Hi I’m Kenzie Jaksha from Butte, Montana. I am currently going to Montana Tech studying Civil Engineering and Construction Management! I love working at MSA because the environment is positive, energetic, and centered around helping swimmers grow. Whether it’s seeing someone learn a new skill or watching a kid gain confidence, being part of that progress is what makes the job rewarding for me. I enjoy being part of a team that supports each other and creates a fun, safe place for everyone who comes through the doors!
Madie
Hi! My name is Madie, and I am a current student at Butte High School. I’ve always loved being in the water and teaching so this was perfect! I’m originally from Minnesota, but I’ve been in Montana for about 10 years now. I am so excited to start and to meet everybody!
Great Falls
Brooke
Hello! My name is Brooke and I’m so excited to join the team at Montana Swim Academy. After spending time in other Montana communities, I eventually made my way back to my hometown in Great Falls. I worked in the public schools for most of my young adult life, and eventually onto a few other public service roles. Specifically, in my last role I had the pleasure of serving in aquatics, overseeing pool operations and lifeguards. I’m currently pursuing my Masters in Business Administration. Serving my community is my passion, and swimming is a vital life skill for all ages to learn. I’m excited to watch our swimmers at Montana Swim Academy learn and grow!
Chelsea
Hello! My name is Chelsea and I was born in Baltimore Maryland. I’m a military kid so I moved around a lot and basically grew up on the water. I did swim team for a couple summers in high school and really enjoyed it. I’ve also been babysitting for a couple years now and have become pretty good with kids. Knowing how to swim is so important and fun and I’m looking forward to being able to teach everyone how to!
Jessy
Hi there, I love to play games and dabble in a bit of baking with my nieces and nephew. I’m so excited to be a part of educating the Montana youth of one of the most important survival skills, swimming! I personally needed swimming lessons as a kid so I understand how much fun it can be with the right teacher, I aim to be that for my students here at the M.S.A. I’m always excited to meet all the new swimmers.
Lilly
My name is Lilly. I am 17 years old and I was born and raised in Great Falls. I have been swimming since I was 2 years old. I was on the swim team for 8 years and have been working in and around different pools since I was 11 and I love working and teaching kids how to swim. Learning how to swim is super important and fun to learn and do. I’m looking forward to being able to teach others how to swim and love water like I do!
Tessa
Hi my name is Tessa. I love swimming and ive been a lifeguard for 2 years and a snowboard instructor for 3 years. I love kids and getting to share the experience of learning to swim with the kids. I can’t wait to create safe and happy swimmers at Montana Swim Academy.
Helena
Kat
Hi! My name is Kat and I have been teaching swim since 2019. I have experience with a wide range of ages. From infants to the elderly, I can help with fine tuning technique or introducing basic swim theory. I love teaching kiddos the foundations of swim so that not only can they move on to more competitive levels such as swim team, but also so that they can enjoy the water safely. Especially in a state where we have so many beautiful lakes and rivers. I love the outdoors and frequently spend time in the mountains or at the lake. I am also a medic in the MT National Guard and full time pre med student at Carroll College.
Kennedy
Hi! My name is Kennedy and I have always had a passion for working alongside children. I have been in the education and mental health field for the last 10 years. I have always had respect for water and its sports and I look forward to working with you and your family.
Executive Team
Michael
Founder Michael has dedicated his life to swimming. As the youngest of four children all who swam to a father who competitively coached swimming for multiple decades, Michael grew up in and around a pool. Michael was a scholarship swimmer and waterpolo player in college. After college, Michael started leading and managing aquatic facilities and businesses in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Michael has taught youth and adults to swim for two decades and is trained in multiple national organizational curriculums- American Red Cross, YMCA, Starfish Aquatics institute, BSS, and Swim America. Michael is certified as a Certified Pool Operator (CPO), Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT), Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), Lifeguard (LG), and Basic Life Support Instructor Trainer (BLSIT). Through all of his experience and training, Michael developed the custom curriculum that Montana Swim Academy utilizes for their program. Michael is happily married to his wife Jennifer and has two fur babies- Beyonce & Rihanna.
Taylor
Founder Taylor has had a passion for teaching children since a young age. She has over a decade of experience working in Early Childhood and adolescent development. One of Taylor’s greatest passions includes family communication where she strives to give families safe, open, and honest communication. Taylor has lead a team of educators in NAEYC accreditation, lead a thriving team in educational excellence during the pandemic, and scored a nearly perfect score during a QRIS rating on site observation. Leadership is no stranger to Taylor! She prides herself on core values like respect, integrity and loyalty and does what it takes to always do the right thing. Taylor is an example of what loving families and students truly means. Taylor is happily married to her husband Justin. In their free time, you will find them exploring the great outdoors of Montana.
Mike
Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Montana Swim Academy in the world of swimming. Mike started coaching for West Coast Aquatics as the Head Age Group coach where he was named Pacific Zone All Star Coach. He then became the Head Coach at Creekside and then Splash where he was again selected as the Pacific Zone All Star Coach. An ASCA Level 3 coach, Mike has coached high level swimmers that included High School state champions and nationally ranked age group swimmers. Upon moving to Oregon, Mike became the head coach at Marist High School where he won the state high school swimming title 3 years in a row and was 3 time OSAA Swim Coach of the Year. Mike is happily married to his wife Janell. In his free time you’ll most likely find Mike cheering on the San Francisco 49ers or the Oregon Ducks.