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.
Jennifer
Jennifer has been in and around the water since birth. Originally from San Jose, California, Jennifer grew up on a boat- water skiing and swimming. She also swam and played waterpolo competitively at West Valley Junior College. Jennifer has a BS in Child & Adolescent Development from San Jose St University. After college, Jennifer started her full time work in collegiate recreation. She managed the aquatics at SJSU, St Mary’s College of CA and Stanford University. Upon moving to Bozeman, Jennifer is now the Associate Director of Operations at Montana State University. Jennifer is happily married to her husband Michael and has two fur babies — Beyonce and Rihanna.
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.
Bozeman
Kelli
My name is Kelli. Originally hailing from the East Coast, I made Bozeman my home in 2022. My life long affinity for water began with swimming on my neighborhood team and evolved into roles as a lifeguard, swim instructor and pool manager throughout high school and college. I am very passionate about water safety and have always been an advocate for ensuring everyone’s well-being in any aquatic environment. With extensive experience in office management and customer service, I took a career break to raise my three children Mak, Rose and Everett. When I returned to professional life, I knew I had to make a meaningful impact both personally and within my community. Recent experiences inspired me to return to the pool to empower individuals of all ages to swim proficiently and more importantly how to stay safe in the water. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Michael, and our children and dog, Scout. I can be found camping, canoeing, boating, exploring d
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!
Anna
Hi I’m Anna! I’m from Raleigh, NC and recently graduated from Hamilton College with a BA in Environmental Studies. I started swimming competitively at age 8 and continued through high school and all four years of college. I have also lifeguarded for four years, coached swimming, and taught private swim lessons. Besides swimming, I enjoy hiking, climbing, skiing, and riding my bike around Bozeman. I love Montana Swim Academy because I get to help people of all ages improve their stroke technique to become more confident and efficient swimmers!
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.
Isabella
My name is Isabella and I’m from San Diego, California. I grew up surfing, playing water polo, and swimming both competitively and for fun! I’m currently attending MSU and am studying cell biology and neuroscience. I have obtained my EMT license and have dedicated numerous years of my life to working with and taking care of children. I love it here at Montana Swim Academy because I get to teach kids what I’ve learned in a fun and healthy atmosphere and watch them progress through different levels of difficulty!
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.
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!
Kaitlynn
I’m Kaitlynn and I have always lived in Montana. I have planned on attending Montana Tech since I was 9 years old. I am going into Mining Engineering. In the summer I enjoy hiking, fishing, and over all just being outside and enjoying the warm weather. In the fall and winter months I like to read and go sledding. I enjoy being a part of Montana Swim Academy and knowing the positive impact I am making for the community of Butte.
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
My name is Kenzie, I have been lifeguarding for almost two years and love kids! I am a recent high school graduate from Butte High School, and I am attending Montana Technological University to study Biology! I played competitive soccer and basketball since I was a young kid. Some of my favorite hobbies are swimming, going to the lake, reading, and hanging out with my friends. I like working at Montana Swim Academy because the positive atmosphere, supportive people, and the children I get to meet/ work with!
Presley
Hi! My name is Presley and I was born and raised in Fairfield, MT! I am currently studying an Associates of Science at Montana Tech to pursue Dental Hygiene. In my free time I enjoy fitness, hanging out with friends and family, skiing, and wake surfing! I am so excited to be able to teach kids the importance of water safety and how fun it can be!
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.
Emma
Coming Soon
Paige
Paige is a dedicated swim instructor at Montana Swim Academy, passionate about teaching kids the joy and importance of swimming. With years of experience and a love for water safety, she’s committed to creating a fun and engaging learning environment. Inspired by MSA’s ethos of making swimming accessible and enjoyable for all, Paige loves celebrating her students’ achievements and watching them grow in confidence and skill. Paige loves roller skating, climbing trees and building blanket forts! You can find Paige during the week building the sets for the productions at Grandstreet Theatre.
Savanna
Coming Soon
Shawn
Hi my name is Shawn. Sunshine addict and swim enthusiast from beautiful Clearwater, Florida. I grew up surfing the coasts of Florida and hope to surf some more exotic beaches in the future. I am an A/V Director in my spare time here in Helena and previously was a consultant that taught large classes of adults and children in Atlanta and Tampa. Working on finishing education and always trying to grow and expand my knowledge as I truly enjoy sharing and helping others through experience and coaching.