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Instructors

  • Sydney Tisch

    I have been a swim instructor for 9 years. I learned to swim by attending weekly swim lessons at Kent-Meridian pool. At the age of 15, I joined the swim team and became a swim instructor. Using my instructors as inspiration, I incorporated some of their teaching techniques into my own classes.

    I work with swimmers of all ages and have a rigorous teaching style. I find that it lays out clear expectations and accelerates learning. Each class is structured to create a strong foundation so that advanced techniques can be added on, as the skill is mastered. Students are rewarded with “free time” at the end of each lesson if they stay focused, follow instructions, and try their very best.

    I specialize in infant and toddler survival swim classes. Survival classes teach students how to recover if they suddenly find themselves in a body of water. Students learn specific life-saving techniques to calm themselves in stressful situations until help arrives. Water is deceivingly dangerous which is why water safety is a vital life skill.

    I enjoy teaching and love to watch my younger students progression from tears to no fears in and around water.


    Fun facts about me:

    • Graduated Kent-Meridian HS in 2017
    • Enlisted in the Navy but was discharged after 5 months due to injury
    • I have a bengal cat named Boo who likes to go on walks and play fetch
    • I love cars and like to modify my 1992 Mazda Miata for drifting and racing
  • Brooke Bailey

    From starting as a baby in parent tot lessons to swimming for Azusa Pacific University, the water has always been my second home. My first job at 15 was lifeguarding and instructing lessons for children and adults of all ages. I did this throughout high school while also being a leader on the swim team and captain of our water polo team. From there I instructed at my college pool as well as a YMCA in Southern California. Summers I would spend with family while working at a swim day camp in Seattle. Now I am back in Washington for good, ready to share my nearly 10 years of experience and love for the water to the SwimQwik family!

    I graduated with a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies. That being said, if you can't find me at the pool, you'll find me outside! I enjoy hiking, backpacking, sailing, camping, and overall enjoying nature to its fullest. I am interested in potentially continuing my education in marine biology but until then I am independently researching the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!

    My club and university experience allows me to focus on technique more than anything. As an instructor, I am detail oriented when it comes to strokes but also value the child's ability to have fun in the water! I believe connecting with the swimmer is a priority in order for them to feel safe and have a productive and cheerful experience. I begin every lesson by first asking how their day was and then establishing goals for our time together. I hope to see you in the pools soon!

  • Michelle Agu

    I learned to swim in elementary school along with my cousins... We all evolved in our swim capabilities together. Then later in high school I elected to take my swim expertise to the next level and became a lifeguard. Being a lifeguard was my very first job! I also became a swim instructor during this time where I found a joy for the interacting and teaching children how to swim.

    I now have over 10 years of experience in swim instruction with a lifetime of love and joy in water, engaging with people with a special gratitude for life's special gifts. What I love sofar about instructing at SwimQwik is the quality of the facitly design and the intimate co-working positive atmosphere. It's perfect for providing a positive environment to teach kids and adults to swim.

    My teaching approach is to make the water fun, develop trust, and add gradual improvements with seemless transitions. I couldn't be happier to share the joy of swimming with others here.
  • Ali Hassanzadeh

    I have been teaching kids ever since I started to work at the age of 16. I've taught Taekwondo, coding, and now swimming and been having a fun time doing so! I also took swimming lesson when I was 6 so I can remember what it's like to get in the water for the first time and the difficulty of doing all the different things with your arms & legs at the same time while in water so I'm here to help your kids overcome these difficulties and become the best swimmer that they can be! One of the best feelings is seeing your student overcome something they didn't think was possible and the amount of confidence they gain afterwards; it's very fulfilling and I look forward to seeing it every time.

    I used to compete in Taekwondo and Lacrosse until I got some bad injuries and have now picked up swimming as a fun way to ease my body back into shape and hopefully overcome the injuries. In my free time I like to play a lot of video games with my friends or go to the arcade with them. If I'm not doing those, I'm just sleeping or hanging out with my cat :)

    I look forward to helping you improve and feel more confident in your swimming, see you soon!

  • Coco Tang

    I was a competitive swimmer for over 12 years. I started with swim lessons, then I joined Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club, later I went to the Issaquah Swim Team in the community and High School

    My favorite swim memory was walking to the pool everyday after school with my friends to attend practice. And, all the swim meets with donuts after every meet :)

    My favority stroke is the Backstroke!

    I love teaching people about swimming, I have always wanted to be a swim coach, to both help someone develop more confidence and to show how fun it is And relaxing!

    I want to others to know that swimming relaxing and fun! I hope to develop confidence and trust with you, teach you proper swim techniques, and help you enjoy the water.
  • Ganga Sivakkani

    I started swim lessons when I was 2 years old! I have 12+ years of swim experience and 3 years of competitive swimming experience. I grew up and was raised in India. I moved 3 years ago and there I did competitive freestyle and backstroke!

    After my move, I worked in two other facilities that teach swimming lessons to kids! I also currently work at the YMCA! Most of my previously jobs and volunteer work centered around youth so I have a ton of experience with kids. When I was a kid, I loved wave pools so much. Since I knew how to swim, I would always be up front.

    My favorite stroke is freestyle and teaching kids how to swim is not only fun but is also a very good safety tool which will be very useful in the future. This one of the main reasons I like my job here.

    I always encourage kids and give them high fi’s when they are doing a good job because I want them to enjoy coming to class and I want them to have fun. This in turn helps the kid to listen to me more and succeed further ahead! I cant wait to see you in the pool :)

  • Abby Hutchinson

    I have been teaching swimming for 2 summers. I started swimming when I was old enough for infant classes and have been swimming ever since.

    Teaching and helping children in my community is one of my passions. My teaching style is to create an exploratory learning environment for students to learn and find confidence in the water. Being confident in the water is crucial for the foundation of swimmers being able to grow and improve as a swimmer. Creating a good relationship with your swim instructor is very important to creating an environment where students can grow and excel.

    Some of my favorite moments swimming are probably with friends. I spend most of my summers out on lakes paddle boarding, boating, and swimming. I’m currently a competitive rower and am out on the water almost every day rain or shine during the season.