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
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!
Lane
Hi my name is Lane, and I’m a sophomore undergraduate at Montana State University here at Bozeman. I’m currently studying microbiology Pre-Med with aspirations of becoming a doctor one day. I am in the Montana Army National Guard, where I am challenged every drill and able to serve my country. I enjoy swimming, gaming, working with kids, and learning everything I can about a vast array of subjects.
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!
Butte
Whitney
Hello, my name is Whitney. I was born and raised in the beautiful town of Butte, Montana. I am happily married to my wonderful husband, Eric, and together we have two children, Ella and Wyatt. We spend nearly every summer weekend on our boat, making water safety a top priority for our family.
I have been passionate about swimming since I was two years old and began competitive swimming at the age of six. My swimming journey continued throughout high school with the Butte Tarpon Swim Team and the Butte High Swim Team. I loved competing and enjoyed teaching lessons to the younger team members. I hold the Montana Swim Academy in high regard for their knowledgeable and well-trained staff. Their small class sizes ensure that each child receives the individual attention needed to progress quickly and effectively. I highly value the personalized approach that each student experiences at every level of our program.
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!
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!
Maya
Hi I’m Maya! I’m originally from Cody, Wyoming. I’m currently a student at Montana Tech majoring in Organismal Biology. One of my biggest passions is science and the way it fuels my curiosity. My other hobbies include skiing, swimming, crafting, and watching movies. I’ve taught both skiing and swimming for over five years. It brings me great joy to pass along the passion of swimming and skiing to my students. I think these are both very bountiful hobbies because once it is learned, it can be enjoyed for the rest of your life!
Ryen
Hi, my name is Ryen. I’m from Butte MT. I enjoy family time, cards, and video games in my free time. I’m a graduate from Anaconda High. I enjoy working for the MSA because I love swimming and enjoy working with children, teaching them a valuable survival tool, and how to enjoy a fun activity!
Teyla
My name is Teyla, I just graduated Butte Central High School. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and going shopping with my friends. I enjoy working at Montana Swim Academy because I want children to be aware and prepared in case of a water emergency, I love seeing their smiles and making them laugh during class.