First Strokes Swim Academy

10/10/2026

Ready for a new session to start on Monday, October 12th! New bags in aqua, (a few orange and blue left) and Halloween decorations will welcome the new and returning students!

07/10/2026

Maybe you've seen me around the pool teaching ISR lessons or regular swimming lessons. Maybe we've crossed paths while I was swimming laps, walking my dog Jackson, or sharing my textile art. However we met, I thought it would be fun to introduce myself!
💙 What brought me to teaching ISR and teaching swimming?
I've always loved the water. After swimming competitively in high school and college, I spent years teaching and coaching swimmers of all ages. When I discovered ISR, I knew it was something special. The opportunity to give infants and young children lifesaving water survival skills while helping families build confidence around the water felt like exactly where I was meant to be.
💙 My favorite thing about teaching?
Without question, it's watching a child discover their own abilities. Seeing the moment when fear turns into confidence—and knowing those skills can one day save a life—is an incredible privilege.
💙 A little about me
When I'm not in the pool, you'll usually find me creating textile art in my studio, swimming, working in my garden, or out for a walk with my dog, Jackson, who is always happy to join me on an adventure.
💙 A few of my favorite things
• Early mornings
• Being in or near the water
• Creating with fabric, thread, and reclaimed textiles
• Nature walks and gardening
• A good cup of coffee and meaningful conversations
Now I'd love to hear from you!
How do you know me? Did we meet through ISR, swimming, my art, a friend, or somewhere else? Tell me in the comments—I can't wait to see all the different connections that have brought us together!

07/09/2026

Summer session just started Monday and it is FULL!
Call us about the next session starting on August 17 before it fills up!

07/09/2026

Summer is such a great time for swimming but did you know that great swimmers are also made in the fall, winter, and spring? If your child didn’t get into lessons yet- it is not too late. Please reach out to learn what ISR and swimming lessons can do to help your family enjoy the water more.

05/06/2026

If you ever wonder what is going on at the pool after hours-you guessed it-a power managment meeting ot the Dinosaurs!

04/08/2026

Swimming has always been a part of who I am—but what I love most is what it gives back.
Strength, confidence, resilience… and a sense of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Every day, I have the privilege of teaching and coaching swimmers of all ages. I get to watch fear turn into trust, hesitation into strength, and small moments grow into big victories.
The water teaches us so much—if we’re willing to listen.
As we approach summer (which most people see as swimming season) let's get more people in swim lessons.

04/05/2026

Please be careful out there!
https://www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2026/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Stop-Using-Relaxing-Baby-Swim-Floats-Immediately-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Drowning-One-Child-Death-Reported?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ_or5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeVVUI7M9xpSJBbUO_V_516ZQ7Su_U0FBFM4VI-O_GgiIQPDvgCdE44uAVmBk_aem_Tl-W3GPS80j-mLxY2yM13A

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01/09/2026

🎉 We’re celebrating 5 years with our biggest parent savings yet!
🖐️ Buy 5 lessons, get the 6th FREE.

⏳ Ends Feb 25
📆 Lessons valid all through 2026
🎁 Bonus magnet for the first 50 families

🚨 Winter Session scheduling opens Friday, January 9th
Schedule Now! https://tinyurl.com/waz3a3ae

01/09/2026

💦 New Year. New Sessions. 💦

All First Strokes Swim Academy session start dates for the year are officially here!

Plan ahead, save your spots, and let’s make waves 🌊

01/08/2026

Hiiiiiii! 👋
I’ve noticed some new faces here, so I wanted to share a little about me.

I grew up in Urbana, IL and earned my BA in Public Relations and MA in Organizational & Small Group Communications from Illinois State (go Redbirds!). I was a competitive swimmer in high school and college and eventually turned my lifelong love of swimming into my career.

I’m a certified ISR instructor teaching private lessons for all ages—including ISR for children as young as 6 months. I also work with adult learn-to-swim, triathletes, and stroke improvement for all ages. I’m excited to be launching a virtual stroke analysis program soon to help swimmers beyond our local area.

When I’m not on deck, I coach the HEAT Masters Swim Team, create textile art, and enjoy workouts, walking, gardening, and learning more about swimming.
Thanks so much for being here! 💦
📅 Next session starts 2/9/26 | Scheduling opens 1/9/26

217-730-3003