Instructors

Hi, I'm Ava Van Horn. I attend Edmonds Woodway High School and have enjoyed recreational swimming my entire life, including being a part of the Edmonds Woodway girls swim team. I love working with and teaching kids, and I have been doing so for the past few years across multiple sports. I take great pleasure in providing a safe and fun environment to teach people how to swim and become more comfortable in the water. If I'm not in the swimming pool, my other hobbies include competitive dancing and track and field. I can't wait to see swimmers confidence develop as they progress through the swim levels!

Hi, I'm Ryah Horn. I attend Shorewood High School. I have enjoyed swimming ever since I was little, by doing competitive swim or teaching swim. I love working with and teaching kids. I take great pleasure in providing a safe and fun environment to teach people how to swim, especially those who may be fearful or new to the water. My goal is to create a safe and encouraging environment for every swimmer, ensuring that they feel supported and motivated. When I'm not in the water, my other hobbies include softball and cheer. I look forward to being a part of their swimming journey and fostering a love for the water!

Hello, I'm Sophia, and I'm working towards my Masters of Library and Information Science degree at the University of Washington. I've been in the water longer than I can remember, starting with "Mommy and Me" swim classes when I was 18 months old. Mom always said I was a "Fish" and since I was a kid I've spent my time swimming in pools, rivers, alpine lakes, and the Salish Sea. I swam competitively as a middle schooler, and in High School I was a "Swim Leader" for my school district, helping to teach 2nd, 5th, and 8th graders basic swimming and water safety. I have 10 years of experience as a Ski instructor and Ski Race Coach, and although I'm now in melted water instead of frozen water, the interactions with kids are the same. I love spending time showing kids just how strong and capable they are and helping them learn new skills and take on new challenges.

Hi, I’m Surya! I’ve recently graduated from high school and am taking a gap year before starting college. Swimming has always been a big part of my life, and I love the sense of freedom and energy I feel in the water. When I’m not swimming, I enjoy theatre and gaming. I’m excited to share my passion for swimming with kids, helping them build confidence, have fun, and stay safe in the pool!

My name is Sienna, I am a student at Kings High School. Swimming has been a lifelong passion of mine. Growing up in California with a warm climate, it quickly became a favorite activity, and I’ve been swimming since I was three years old! Now, I’m excited to share that same love of the water with children and help them discover the joy and confidence that swimming can bring.

I am currently a Senior at Meadowdale High School. For the past 9 years, I have been actively involved in club swimming and have been a member of my high school swim team for the past 4 years. Along with my love for swimming, I have always enjoyed working with younger children and have previous experience in babysitting and tutoring. It is my pleasure to be able to teach your kids how to swim and share my passion for being in the water. I am excited to help them grow their skills and confidence in the pool!

Hello everyone! I am a current senior at Edmonds-Woodway High school. Swimming is an avid aspect of my life! I am part of a club swim team and have been swimming on this team for five years, I also am a member of my high school's varsity swim team. I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach young kids the sport I love, and to share my experiences and knowledge surrounding the sport of swimming. I am beyond excited to help young kids grow their confidence in and out of the pool!

Owner and Founder of McDonald Swim School

I have been passionate about water sports my entire life including swimming, boating, sailing, and teaching swim lessons! I grew up swimming at my parents’ condo in Chelan, Washington, competing on the swim team in high school, and sailing at Western Washington University. Now, as a mom, I enjoy playing in the pool with my own kids!

I love teaching swim lessons. Each lesson I teach is an opportunity to share my joy for the water and impart valuable, life saving skills. I look forward to the opportunity to teach you or your kids how to swim!

Hello there! I'm Lexie Fullerton, and I've been a swim teacher since March 2020. I joined McDonald Swim School in March 2021 and have been passionate about working with kids ever since. Alongside my teaching journey, I am currently pursuing a Nursing degree with a focus on Labor and Delivery Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University.

Swimming has been a part of my life since I was eleven years old, and now, after nine years of personal experience, I am excited to pass on my love for swimming to your children. It brings me great joy to share the water with young swimmers and help them develop their skills and confidence.

I'm committed to providing a nurturing and safe environment where your children can learn and grow in their swimming abilities. I look forward to being a part of their swimming journey and fostering a love for the water!

I am experienced and comfortable working with individuals of all ages and abilities, including adults, adaptive swimmers, and those who may be fearful or new to the water. My primary goal is to create a safe and encouraging environment for every swimmer, ensuring that they feel supported and motivated to progress.

In my lessons, I focus on identifying and addressing weaknesses while refining existing strengths to help swimmers become more effective in the water. I believe in making the learning process enjoyable and engaging, which is why I incorporate skill-focused games and melodies into my lessons to keep them interactive and fun.

Regular feedback is an integral part of my teaching approach. By providing consistent guidance and updates, I help students understand their progress, feel safer in the water, and achieve greater distances in their swimming abilities. My ultimate aim is to instill confidence, improve skills, and help each swimmer reach their full potential.

I have a deep passion for water activities and have been involved in them for as long as I can remember. From the age of 9 to 17, I was a member of various swim teams, honing my skills and enhancing my love for the water. Additionally, I have worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for Seattle Parks and Recreation.

Teaching has been a fulfilling experience for me, especially witnessing the progress made by my students in every lesson. It brings me great joy to see the excitement and satisfaction that comes with learning and mastering new swimming skills.

Since the age of four, I have been immersed in the world of swimming, growing up in a family of swimmers and having swam with the Yost Penguins for many years. As a former member of Meadowdale High school's swim team, I continued to enjoy the many benefits of swimming. With a passion for the sport and a desire to help others develop their skills and comfort in the water, I am eager to share my knowledge and experience with others.