Swim Lessons

My swimming philosophy concentrates on developing and improving aquatic skills that build confidence and promote fitness both in and out of the water.  In addition to the mechanics, I teach people how to be safe, proficient, and enjoy swimming for life. Group vs. Individual Lessons Group Lessons:    I am an American Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor.  My group lessons have Red Cross foundations and my own special "hands on" approach to teaching kids.  The key to enjoying swimming begins with developing a comfortable relationship with the water.   Some children thrive on peer pressure at this age and do very well in the group setting. Individual (a.k.a. Private) Lessons:   The Red Cross and other aquatic schools offer programs that can provide basic aquatic skills, but they cannot compete with the benefits of a private instructor who can facilitate rapid progress through one-on-one attention and tailored lessons for an  individual's level of ability. Children with anxiety or separation issues can benefit from individual lessons as well.  Also some special needs children require the one-on-one attention to focus or to overcome physical developmental issues. Lessons can be modified for the individual's physical, emotional or mental disabilities.  Individuals with disabilities benefit greatly from the buoyancy while in water.  This allows them to work muscles or a greater degree of motion with less chance of injury.  They also gain confidence without competition from others. Please email for current class offerings or to schedule private lessons   Please read,  print, and sign my waiver  form.

Yoga for Kids

Preschool Age Groups:  Program available for children ages 3 to 5.   (Minimum 4 children, Maximum 8) The classes are 1/2 hour in length, start with games, and develops into actual warm-up, poses and relaxation.  Through games the students learn when it is appropriate to connect (touch) with others, self control, discipline, balance, communication, confidence and improved flexibility. School Age  Groups:  Program available for children ages 6 to 11.  (Mimum 4, Maximum 12)  The classes are 45 minutes in length, once the poses are introduced, students are taught about flow, warming up and relaxation.  Students are given the opportunity to create "flows" and progressions that hopefully will help them to deal with life stresses.  They will focus on self control, balance, breathing, listening to their bodies, letting go of competition, judgment, and expectation (essence of YogaFittm). Home School Groups or Teenagers:  Interested parties should send an e-mail for specific information. Classes are offered at the Ilex Studio   Please read my waiver  form. Please register  online.

First Aid and CPR

Classes in American Red Cross Lay Responder First Aid, CPR for Adults, Children and Infants, AED are available to students over 12 years of age.   (*Intro classes for children younger than 12 can also be scheduled) Depending on the combination of certificates, the duration of a class could be anywhere from 4 hours to 8 1/2 hours.  Students must participate in lecture, practice and take a written exam in order to recieve a certificate.  However, non-certificate introductions* to any of the above classes can be tailored to meet the requirements of Boy or Girl Scouts Merit Badge system.   Classes need to be scheduled at least three (3) weeks in prior to the training and can be conducted at your site or mine.  Please read my waiver form. Complete the Request Form  for questions about pricing, scheduling and specifics.

Water Safety Programs

For over ten years, I have visited Frederick County Public Schools and Pre-schools to deliver presentations about Water Safety.  The program complies with FCPS' Health Essential Curriculum Guidelines for grades Kindergarten through Fifth and covers not only water safety but personal safety and injury prevention.  Programs can be presented to large groups in assembly style or small classroom sized groups.  The lower grades work best in smaller groups 25-50 students at a time.  I am currently on the Approved for PTA listing through the Physical Education Department of Frederick County Public Schools.   Please read my waiver form. Complete the Request Form for questions about pricing, scheduling and specifics.