Instructors

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.

Hello! My name is Madelyn. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved being around water and enjoying all the sports that come along with it! I’m a former swimmer with the Yost Swim Team and have prior teaching experience, which has fueled my passion for helping kids feel comfortable and confident in the water.

I’m currently a senior at Meadowdale High School and plan to attend Western Washington University in the fall. I’ve always enjoyed working with younger children and have previous experience in babysitting as well. I can’t wait to see your children become confident swimmers and enjoy the water as much as I do!

Hi, I’m Robin! I’ve been a swim instructor and lifeguard for 12 years, and I’m passionate about teaching both swimming and water safety. I believe that anyone can learn to swim, and I love helping swimmers build confidence in the water. My goal is to create a fun, supportive learning environment where every swimmer feels safe and empowered. Outside of the pool, I enjoy crocheting. I love making small stuffed animals and hats, and I am starting to try my hand at sweaters! I am excited to be part of McDonald Swim School and can’t wait to work with your family!

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 there! I’m Elizabeth, and I’ve been passionate about swimming since I started competing at just 5 years old. As the Captain of my high school swim team and a year-round club swimmer, I bring years of experience and a love for the water to every lesson. I specialize in working with kids and helping them fine-tune their technique while building confidence and having fun in the pool!

Hi, I’m Owen Pawling! I am a senior at Edmonds Woodway High School, taking classes at Edmonds College. Swimming has always been one of my favorite recreational activities. I have been swimming since as young as I can remember and more recently I was on my school’s swim team. I enjoy working with and teaching kids and adults of all skill levels and ages. I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where swimmers can gain confidence and reach their potential. Outside of swimming, I am a hobbyist mathematician; I compete in my school's trivia club and enjoy going to the gym. I am excited to build swimmers’ confidence and capabilities with effective instruction!

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 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!

I am currently a freshman in college and come back for winter break and summers to teach. For the past 11 years, I have been actively involved in competitive swimming and 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. With my 4 years of teaching experience am excited to help them grow their skills and confidence in the pool!

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.