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 in my home city and picked it back up a few years after moving to the U.S. I have previous experience with teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding! I’m delighted I have the opportunity to help swimmers be safe and agile in the water here at Montana Swim Academy, as well as helping parents throughout their swimmer’s journey. I am currently a student at MSUB studying pre-med Biology, on route to medical school.
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!
Darci
Hi! My name is Darcie and I grew up in Southern California. I have always had a love for the water and spent many years swimming competitively when I was younger. These days I love to spend time outdoors and in the water with my daughter who shares my joy of swimming!
Izzy
My name is Izzy, and I was born and raised here in Montana. I am 23 years old and I just graduated from Montana State University Billings with my BA in health and human performance. I have been an athlete since I was 7 years old, competing in both swimming and running sports. I was a collegiate athlete for 2 years competing in track and field, cross country, and triathlons. I love to travel, camp, hike, bike, and sleep. I have a 12 year old Chihuahua named Archie who is my pride and joy. My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs and pretty much any sort of Italian food.
Braeden
Coming soon
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 a part of the Montana Swim Academy team and teach alongside 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!
Addi A
Hi, my name is Addison, but you can call me Addi. I am from Custer, Montana. I have been swimming since I was about 2 years old, and I have been a lifeguard for the past 2 years. I am going to be a sophomore at MSU, studying Agricultural and Technology Education. I love being outside fishing, hiking, and doing crafts in my free time. I chose to be a part of the Montana Swim Academy team because I love being around kids and teaching them lifelong skills.
Addi S
Hi my name is Addi and I have been a lifeguard for the past 3 years! I have also been working with children for around 5 years! I am so excited to get to know you and your kids and get to teach them!
Bianca
Hi, I’m Bianca! I’m a junior studying business at MSU. I have 5 years of experience teaching swim lessons and working as a lifeguard. I love working with kids and helping them grow their confidence in the water. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, and camping. Can’t wait to meet you!
Erik
Hi, I am Erik. I’m from Portland Oregon and have worked in aquatics for a year! I’m currently a student at MSU pursuing a degree in Art Education, I also do ceramics at MSU. My passion lies among working with children and encouraging them to think creatively and push themselves forward in whatever they are working towards.
Tyley
Coming soon
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
Mariah
Hi, I am Mariah! As a kid, my mom started putting me in swim lessons because there was no way she was letting me on Dad’s new boat without making sure I knew how to swim. At the time, I hated the water! Mom had to really push me to get in the water and then once she did she would have to drag me out kicking and screaming. At the time we lived in Indiana. We moved out to Billings when I was 8. She put me back in lessons and quickly moved up onto their swim lessons where I was trained by a 3 time Olympic Gold Medalist, Mike Burton! I continued to compete and spend as much time as possible through middle school. In high school, we found ourselves in Townsend and unfortunately they did not have a team. So I did the next best thing which was lifeguarding and teaching lessons. Now I live in Butte with my little family and in my free time you can find me baking and listening to a good book or hanging out in the mountains, probably in the lake!
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.
Johnny
Hey, my name is Johnny. I am currently pursuing my commercial pilot license. Raised in Hawaii, I developed a lifelong passion for swimming and the ocean. I enjoy teaching others how to swim, with a focus on building confidence and promoting water safety.
Kherington
My name is Kherington. I have lived in Butte my whole life and I enjoy hiking, dirt biking, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. My favorite color is teal and my favorite ice cream is cookie dough.
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!
Paisley
Hi! My name is Paisley. I am a sophomore at Butte High School. My first job ever was a lifeguard and I completely fell in love with the idea of being able to prevent accidents. I have also always dreamed of being an elementary school teacher. This job lets me teach kids and help them be safe in the water which is absolutely perfect for me.
Great Falls
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.
Sophie
Hello, my name is Sophie! Raised in Great Falls, swimming has always been my happy place. I still remember exactly what it felt like to learn to swim, so I bring plenty of patience, and high energy encouragement to every lesson. My goal is to make the water feel safe and fun for everyone. When I am not teaching, you can find me driving somewhere new.
Hayley
Hi there, I’m Hayley! I just moved to Great Falls and have been swimming recreationally my whole life. I love working with kids because I like challenging myself and the students. Outside of swimming, you can find me singing or painting. I’m excited to work with Montana Swim Academy and create safe, strong swimmers!
Kaylee
Hi, I’m Kaylee! I have a strong background as a competitive swimmer, swim coach, lifeguard, and swim instructor. I am passionate about helping students of all levels build confidence in the water. I believe that the best way to learn is through a positive, engaging environment. I strive to make every lesson both fun and productive. My approach is rooted in empathy, I understand that learning to swim can be a challenge, and I am dedicated to supporting each student at their own pace to ensure they feel safe, encouraged, and successful.
Sharaine
Hello, my name is Sharaine. I’m 22 years old and I’m from Billings, MT but originally I was born in the Philippines and moved here with my mom when I was 7 years old. I am in my last year of nursing school through MSU Bozeman and I am very excited to graduate next May. I like listening to music and watching my favorite podcast The Basement Yard during my free time. I am super excited to join the team and meet new people!
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.
Mielka
Hello! My name is Mielka and I was born in Montana but lived in Seattle for a large chunk of my life. I recently moved back and especially since living by the water I think that swimming is a really important skill that everyone should know. I’m someone who loves soccer, horseback riding, and learning about new things! I’m excited to help others grow and feel comfortable in the water.
Ally
Hello! My name is Ally, and I am a Senior in high school here in Helena. I did competitive swimming for several years on the Helena Dolphins and the Helena Lions swim team. I myself have 5 siblings and extensive childcare experience. Teaching swim lessons is a combination of both my passion for kids and my love of the water. Outside of swimming, I love being in nature, playing tennis, and spending time with friends.
See you in the pool!
Hannah
Coming soon
Brooklyn
Coming soon
Sophia
Hi! My name is Sophia and I am from Portland, Oregon. I have been swimming since I was little, and swam competitively from ages 7-18. I have been teaching swim lessons for 4 years, and it is one of my favorite things to do. I believe being able to swim safely and successfully is an important safety and social skill. I have specific experience working with kiddos experiencing disabilities and those who feel anxious and afraid around the water, but I love helping people of all ages and backgrounds learn how to swim. I have always loved being in the water – in my free time I enjoy all types of water sports and outdoor activities. I also am a nursing major at Carroll College. I love teaching swimming lessons because I love watching people grow confident in themselves and their abilities!
Taylor
Hi there! My name is Taylor and I’m 21 years old. I am originally from sunny California and just so excited to be starting at MSA. I love helping develop new skills and seeing hard work pay off. If I’m not teaching I’m more than likely curled up with my weiner dog reading or working out.
Tyler
My name is Tyler, I am a senior at Capital High and am also the student body vice president. I love to hunt, cook, listen to music, and watch football. I love dogs and have 2 springer spaniels. I enjoy spending time in the mountains camping and exploring in the summer, and skiing in the winter. After high school I plan on attending Montana State University for Mechanical Engineering Technology to become a fabricator.
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.