About Mya

My name is Mary Ann, but I go by my nickname Mya (pronounced Maya). I currently teach swim lessons, yoga, and create sync licensing music (background music you might hear in a video). When I was kid I lived in a house with a backyard pool in Southern California where I taught friends swim basics so we could all play in the pool together. Later in life, I became a swim instructor. I received my first Water Safety Instructor certification in 1995. I only meant to teach swim lessons for one summer. But, families keep calling me back every year and telling their friends about me. I’ve taught swim lessons for 30 years!

I can teach swim lessons to people of all ages. But, I prefer to teach at-home private swim lessons to children ages 2.5 to 7.

My teaching style is simple, efficient, playful, and structured.

I am able to maintain lesson focus while being patient and fun. I’m a kid at heart and make the lessons fun. I am also firm on following the swim lesson program guidelines in order to help students show progress.

Students are encouraged to attempt skills when they show readiness. But, THEY decide when they are ready to go underwater. (Note: This program does NOT force students underwater or to attempt skills far beyond their ability, like some water safety programs out there are known to).

Over the many years I’ve taught water safety, water competence, and swim skills, I’ve discovered techniques and drills that work best for people at any age.

I’ve studied and understand the different stages of child and human development. With this knowledge and years of experience, I’ve gained the ability to read students and know how best to instruct them in whichever developmental stage they are going through.

What sets my swimming lesson program apart:

- I build trust with students and never break that trust. Students are always offered a supportive and encouraging learning experience.

- 30+ years of experience! Students will receive a high quality swim & water safety educational experience from a seasoned pro who loves to swim and loves sharing everything about swimming and water safety in a backyard pool.

- Results! Check-out my reviews page for client feedback

- Integrity and accountability: your family will work with an experienced private trainer with high professional standards. Note: Most swim schools hire inexperienced individuals, have a high staff turnover rate, and are generally unable to deliver a high quality service.

- Consistency: Students are guaranteed the same fun instructor they connect with throughout all scheduled lessons. Note: Most swim schools cannot guarantee this due to their high staff turnover rate.

I enter the pool and demonstrate skills in and under the water when instructing child beginner students most of the time. Going underwater along with a child who is just starting to learn to swim can aid in progress, especially if the child is feeling anxious. Believe it or not, many swim instructors refuse to demonstrate skills underwater during child beginner swim lessons because they don’t want to get their hair wet. Please note: Students in or past Level 3 and may be coached from the pool deck.

Students receive a custom-designed swim and water safety program that applies techniques that are consistently updated and refined. In addition to learning swim techniques, students are taught water survival skills and how to help others during a water related emergency.

If you’re interested in high quality swimming lessons taught by a knowledgeable, experienced and fun swim instructor, contact me to discuss your swim lesson needs.

New clients, please note that I’m an independent contractor private trainer who works with kind and cooperative families who value the importance of learning water safety, water competence, and swim skills. As mentioned, I am an independent contractor private trainer. Independent contractors decide which work requests they accept. Potential new clients are offered my services if they and I both believe my swim instruction services will work for their needs. My clients and I are kind to each other, we cooperate, and we stay focused on positive outcomes. If this works for you, then please contact me to discuss the swim lesson program. I am happy to answer your questions.