SWIM INSTRUCTORS

FVSA’s Dedicated and Experienced Swim Instructors

Ms. Kris

Owner, Trained by a Master ISR Instructor (Certified by Infant Aquatics) Beware of IA

Ms. Kris has experienced a drowning firsthand when her niece Jill, age 2.5, was found at the bottom of the deep end in a backyard swimming pool. Because of Jill, she is dedicated to the mission of teaching your children the survival float for non-walkers (babies) and the swim-float-swim sequence to your walker.

Ms. Kris will not let your child leave the program until she is completely satisfied that they will be able to handle themselves in an aquatic emergency. Once your child has completed the program, Ms. Kris highly recommends that you enroll them in one of our graduate programs and or/weekly maintenance lessons to keep their skills up.

Mr. Alrik

Hello! My name is Alrik Tom, and I have been teaching drowning prevention and aquatic survival skills to infants, young children, and adults for over 12 years. I have undergone extensive training and research about swimming and water safety my entire life - even experiencing these same lessons myself as a toddler!

I teach these skills directly into the muscular system as a sensorimotor skill via operant conditioning. I have helped thousands of students equip themselves with the necessary skills needed to save themselves if they were to ever accidentally enter the water. This is accomplished by either an age-dependent float or a swim-float-swim series.

With precise behavioral observation, I tailor each lesson to you or your child's specific and individual needs to ensure a powerful and progressive lesson. I am committed to your child's success, safety, and fun. I love seeing my students blossom into confident, powerful, and safe swimmers, as well as giving them the valuable tool of swimming that they will carry with them for a lifetime of fulfillment and fun around the water.

I am always open to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding swimming, so please feel free to ask anything at any time! I am the best in the business, and I look forward to assisting you in your journey of swimming, water safety, and life.

Thank you!

Ms. Ashley

Trained by Kris (Certified Through FV Swim Academy)

Hi my name is Ashley and I am a mom of two beautiful girls. Teaching kids how to swim has become a true passion of mine. It brings me so much joy to see kids learn how to survive all on their own in the pool learning the swim float swim method. There is no better reward than seeing kids conquer their fears in the water. I am so happy to be here and be a part of something so inspiring and watch lives being saved every single day. We all love what we do and it is truly amazing to watch and be a part of.

Mr. Riccardo

Trained by Kris (Certified Through FV Swim Academy)

Hi my name is Riccardo. I am 21 years old and I’m currently an undergraduate student. I have always loved being in the water since I was a little kid. When I still lived in Italy I used to compete for my swim team, my primary events would be 100 and 200 butterfly. I believe that swim should be taught to every child because of the importance of being able to survive in the water and the great effect it has on a person’s health.

Ms. Verily

Trained by Kris (Certified Through FV Swim Academy)

Hi, I’m Verily, and I’ve loved being in the water for as long as I can remember. As the oldest of five girls, I grew up watching my younger sisters learn to swim, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to teach others. I spent a few years competing in swimming, with backstroke as my strongest stroke, and those experiences gave me a solid foundation in technique, discipline, and a love for the sport.

What I enjoy most about being a swim instructor is seeing the moment it all clicks for a child—the look of pride and excitement when they start swimming on their own is the best feeling. My goal is to help every swimmer, whether they’re just starting out or working on more advanced skills, feel confident and safe in the water. I believe learning to swim should be fun and empowering, and I’m committed to creating a positive, encouraging environment where swimmers can grow at their own pace.

I can’t wait to help you or your child discover the joy of swimming and build skills that will last a lifetime!

Mr. Kaled

Trained by Kris (Certified Through FV Swim Academy)

Hi, my name is Kaled. I’m 21 years old and currently a student studying to become a high school teacher. I’ve always had a passion for sports, history, and especially swimming. Growing up, I played baseball for 12 years and have spent several years teaching the game to younger athletes, which helped me develop a strong love for working with kids and helping them grow.

I believe swimming is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Not only does it build confidence and promote a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also an essential life skill for safety in and around water. I enjoy creating a positive, encouraging environment where swimmers can feel comfortable, have fun, and improve their skills in the water.

I’m excited to work with swimmers of all levels and help them build confidence while developing strong swimming fundamentals.

Ms. Thandie

Trained by Kris (Certified through FV Swim Academy)

Hi, I’m Thandie. I have always felt at home in the water, whether it was the lakes of Washington State, the tides of Manhattan Beach, or local community pools.

I spent seven years as a competitive swimmer, which naturally led me to teaching.

Over time, I earned multiple certifications and gained hands-on experience that shaped my journey and strengthened my mission to advance water safety, especially in larger bodies of water where preparation, awareness, and quick response are critical.

Being trained and employed by Kris helped refine my knowledge and gave my mission the structure, discipline, and high standards required to create meaningful impact. I focus on teaching the swim float swim sequence in a way that develops instinctive survival responses, steady confidence, and true composure in the water.

I am deeply committed to expanding access to life-saving water safety education across different communities, languages, and countries. I believe prevention is leadership, and every child deserves the ability to protect themselves in the water.

My goal is to create a calm, focused, and encouraging environment where swimmers build strength, independence, and lifelong safety skills. It is an honor to contribute to work that not only teaches swimming but also actively saves lives

Ms. Shay

Trained by Kris (Certified Through FV Swim Academy)

Hey everyone!

I'm Shalon the kids here call me Shay. I am super excited to meet you and start our swim journey together. I believe everyone of all ages should have access to this life skill we teach here at French Valley Swim Academy. I am in love with our amazing team here and I promise you will too. We all work hard together to teach your family and are all passionate about water safety!