Madison

Madison is the Director and a swim teacher here at Water Wonders. She has been teaching lessons for over 7 years, and has a passion for helping kids learn and understand how their bodies work in the water. In her free time, she likes to lift weights, and spend time outside with her dog Leroy, her cat Jack, and husband Shane. 

Certifications: Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid

V

Hey everyone, my name is V! I’ve been teaching with Water Wonders for just about five years. I am also the Program Operations Manager and Lifeguard Instructor Trainer here! Water Wonders has always had a special place in my heart, as I took swim lessons here starting at 3 months old! For me, the best part of teaching is seeing how swimming grows the confidence and comfort of my students, and how it leads to them becoming more self-assured people in general. My teaching style relates to all types of learners; kinesthetic, visual, and auditory. I’m always animated and encouraging at the pool, as there are few things in life more exciting to me than the progress of my swimmers! I hope to swim with you soon!

Certifications: Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Instructor, USSSA Movement and Brain Development, USSSA Special Abilities Training, USSSA Creating Next Level Baby Teachers, USSSA Adaptive Aquatics

AShbY

Hi there! My name is Ashby, and I relocated to Springfield from Florida a few summers ago. One of my favorite things about Florida was swimming in the springs which are always 72°F! My previous job at a museum made me realize how much I enjoyed working with children through educational outreach programs. I am so excited to be part of the Water Wonders team and share my love for swimming. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, and crafting.

Certifications: Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, Swim Angelfish Swim Whisperers Training, USSSA Preschool Instructor Course, USSSA Creating Next Level Baby Teachers, USSSA Movement and Brain Development, USSSA Play with Purpose, USSSA Special Abilities Training

T E J A

Hello! My name is Teja, and I have over 10 years of experience in swim instruction and lifeguarding. I prioritize water safety and student confidence. Dive into the world of swimming with me, your enthusiastic swim instructor! With a splash of fun and engaging teaching methods, I'm here to make every lesson a memorable aquatic adventure, where safety, confidence, and enjoyment take center stage. Let's make waves together and unlock your inner mermaid!

Certifications: Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, USSSA Movement and Brain Development

STEPH

My name is Steph and I am an animal science major at UMass Amherst! I have been teaching at Water Wonders over a year, and I have been through swim lessons myself and was a lifeguard for four years. I love kids, and watching them grow more confident in themselves and their abilities is my favorite part of this job, as well as making safety in the water my number one priority. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my three cats, Milo, Blade and George as well as hiking with my boyfriend!

Certifications: Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, USSSA Preschool Instructor Course, USSSA Creating Next Level Baby Teachers, USSSA Adaptive Aquatics Training, USSSA Movement and Brain Development, USSSA Play with Purpose

Annalee

Hi! I’m Annalee, and I’ve worked in aquatics at every level, from the front desk to deck supervisor and aquatics manager. While I value every part of the operation, being in the water teaching lessons is where my heart truly is.

I’m passionate about helping swimmers of all ages feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. Whether it’s a first splash or building strong skills, I keep lessons fun, supportive, and full of energy. There’s nothing better than watching swimmers grow and fall in love with the water.

My teaching style is all about balance. I am firm when it comes to safety and making sure swimmers understand and respect the water, but I also bring a lot of fun, imagination, and play into every lesson. I believe swimmers learn best when they feel comfortable and engaged, so I use games, creativity, and encouragement to build skills in a way that feels natural and exciting. It is always swim first, play with purpose, and grow confidence along the way.

ALEX

Hey ya'll! My name is Alex, I've been teaching swim lessons for a few years but just started here at Water Wonders. I enjoy teaching children, adolescents, and adults how to be confident and excited to be in the water while teaching necessary skills for water safety and swimming. My goal is always to keep my lessons fun and engaging to maintain active participation. I love seeing people of all ages find their "flow" in the water -- seeing that discovery of comfort and capability never gets old. You can do it too!! In my free time I'm either in the woods, reading books, or gardening. I used to swim competitively and still find myself in the water almost daily.

Certifications: CPR

KATIE

Hello! My name is Katie, I’ve been a lifeguard for 5 years and have taught swim lessons for 2 years before joining the water wonders team. I also swam competitively in Highschool. Safety is my number one priority but I really enjoy helping swimmers feel comfortable and confident in the water. My teaching styles is very flexible, I can match the style that fits the swimmer the most. In my free time I enjoy cooking and baking, and going on walks around my neighborhood with my mom!

ASSISTANT TEACHERS

BOWIE

Hi! My name is Bowie and I've been swimming for as long as I can remember. I've been helping teach for about a year. As Water Wonders is also my first job, it has made me realize how much I love teaching others how to swim and enjoy being in the water. I can't wait to start swimming with you!

Certifications: USSSA Preschool Instructor Course

JILLIAN

Hi! My name is Jillian, I am 11! I have been teaching at Water Wonders for two years. I love working in the water with kids and love swimming! I am also an assistant teacher for Water Wonders. I am the daughter of Becky Bennett and love working for Water Wonders.