Instructors

Hey hey, I’m Sarah! I have 20+ years experience teaching swimming to all ages and abilities. I believe the key to learning in the water is to have FUN. My teaching approach is rooted in a love and respect for the water, patience, and empathy to all.

Originally from Arizona, I’m a Mom of two wonderful girls and have lived in the Richmond Beach neighborhood for 10 years. I was a member of the Sun Devil swim team while attending Arizona State University, where I wrapped up a 15 year competitive swimming career. I’m also a designer and creative maker, who loves to salsa dance and host get-togethers with family and friends.

Whether you’ve got little ones who want to be safe and independent swimmers, or you’re an athlete who wants to be more efficient in the water, we can work together to build your skills and self-confidence in the pool. I’m excited to meet you!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

For over a decade, I have been dedicated to teaching swim lessons, drawing upon my own experience as a swimmer for more than two decades. I had the privilege of swimming for the Issaquah Swim Team, Klahanie Swim Team, and Holy Names Academy. My coaching journey began at Klahanie and later extended to several years at Overlake Golf and Country Club.

To further my education, I moved to California, where I continued teaching swimming at a swim school and as a private instructor. The happiness I find in teaching children how to feel confident and safe in and around the water is truly fulfilling. I firmly believe that water safety is an essential life skill that every child should acquire.

During my free time, I cherish moments with my family, which includes my husband, my energetic 3-year-old son, and sweet 4 month old little girl. Additionally, I find solace in the world of books and enjoy reading.

I am committed to instilling a love for swimming, fostering water safety, and promoting confidence in every child I have the privilege to teach.

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.