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.
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.
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.
Cora
My name is Cora Bennett. 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 I 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.
Gracie
Jessi
Joseph
My name is Joseph and I’m from Columbus. After I graduated high school, I joined the Marine Corps as an Infantry Mortarman, where I served four years. While I was there, I got my advanced survival swim qualification and became a swim instructor for my junior marines. I have a huge passion for swimming and teaching.
Nicole
Hi, my name is Nicole and I am 21 years old. I am currently a phlebotomist and thinking about pursuing sonography. I grew up in Billings my whole life and swam competitively for 6 years along with swimming in high school. I love to be outdoors, workout, and paint. I am excited to teach kids how to swim and watch their excitement as they progress.
Bozeman
Phoebe
My name is Phoebe! I’m from Brookfield, Vermont and I’m a Junior at MSU studying Psychology. Some of my favorite things are hiking, making art, traveling, and snowboarding! I love to be in the water and I have been a lifeguard for about 6 years. My favorite part of working at Montana Swim Academy is the amazing and supportive staff I get to work with! I also absolutely love seeing kids learning and gaining confidence while swimming!
Ali
Hi! My name is Ali, and I’m from Lewistown, MT. I’m currently a freshman at MSU studying Biomedical Engineering. My favorite hobbies include swimming, running, biking, and making art or music. I swam competitively for the majority of my childhood, and I was a lifeguard and swim lessons instructor in my hometown before I came to Bozeman. I love being in the water, and my favorite part of teaching swim lessons is seeing kids gain confidence and improve their skills as swimmers!
B
Carla
Emmy
My name is Emmy. I am from Kalispell, Montana. I’m a student at MSU studying radiology. I have been a swim instructor for 2.5 years now and absolutely love teaching lessons. It’s such a great experience getting to watch kids grow learning so many new skills. Working for Montana Swim Academy is a very great experience with all the amazing and wonderful 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.
Natalya
Hello, my name is Natalya! I’m from Helena, MT and I’m currently a sophomore at MSU studying architecture with a minor in sustainability. In my free time, I like to go thrifting, call my friends, listen to music on my record player, and watch movies! I have been teaching swim lessons for 4 years and I absolutely adore it! I love working at Montana Swim Academy because I am able to work with kids and help them progress their swimming skills!
Shafalika
Hi I’m Shafalika. I grew up in Spokane where I spent lots of time in the water. I have taught children’s sports like basketball and soccer and lead youth summer camps. I love seeing children grow their confidence and learn new skills. I am excited to be teaching with Montana Swim Academy and making sure children are safe and confident in the water.
Sofia
Hi! My name is Sofia and I’m from Denver, Colorado. I’m a sophomore at MSU studying business marketing. My favorite things to do in my free time are skiing, being with my friends, and hiking. I’ve been swimming since I was little, and I love being in and around the water! I love Montana Swim Academy because I love to watch kids gain confidence in the pool and have fun while learning to swim!
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.
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 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, and I love being able teach kids to be safe and successful swims.
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!
Hailey
My name is Hailey! I was born and raised here in Butte MT. As a swim instructor, I am excited to share my passion for the water with anyone who wants to learn how to swim, or how to swim better! I look forward to working with swimmers of all ages at Montana Swim Academy!
Joci
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.
Kayla
Helena
Jessie
Jessie is a life-long Montanan originally from Havre. She has spent most of her life either as a pool rat, swimming on swim teams or coaching swim teams. She loves the great outdoors, and is passionate about ensuring people can enjoy all of the incredible outdoor recreation opportunities that Montana has to offer. When Jessie heard about Montana Swim Academy and the work they do throughout Montana, she jumped at the opportunity to share her love of swimming and the water in whatever way possible. In her off time Jessie loves to camp, hike, watch football, and hangout with her family.
Avery
Hi! My name is Avery and I’m from Riverton, Wyoming. I recently graduated from the University of Findlay with a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Biology. My love for the water started with competitive swimming at 7 and only grew from there! I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor since high school. I love helping people reach their own personal milestones in the water, and gain confidence in their swimming abilities!
Garrett
With a lifelong passion for swimming, I bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to every lesson. As a former swimmer for the University of Redlands, I understand the dedication and technique required to excel in the water. For the past six years, I’ve shared my expertise as a swim instructor, teaching swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Having competed for 14 years, including my time at the University of Redlands, I recognize the importance of swimming as both a life skill and a competitive sport. When I’m not in the pool, you can find me enjoying the sun and surf at the beach or relaxing by the lake.
Kat
Kaylee
Marisa
Marisa is a diverse teacher from Billings, with a strong background in competitive swimming. She began competing at the age of 7 and continued throughout high school. She has worked extensively with children and toddlers,for many years, including special needs children and is happy to bring her skills and expertise to the Helena family.