Born in Colombia and raised in Miami, Santiago has over 12 years of experience teaching swim lessons and a background in international competitive swimming. He founded Happy Swims in 2020 to share his love for swimming and build a community focused on water safety and fun. Santiago specializes in helping infants, preschoolers, and competitive swimmers build confidence and strong technique. His safety-focused, positive approach ensures every child masters essential skills while enjoying the magic of the water. “Seeing the smile on children’s faces once they master the lifelong skill of swimming brings the utmost satisfaction — best job ever!”

Growing up in Miami, Kayla spent countless hours in the ocean and pool, which made water safety a core value in her family. As a former lifeguard and swim instructor, she knows firsthand how important proper training around water can be. Now, as Happy Swims’ Administrator and Social Media Manager, Kayla loves connecting parents, kids, and instructors through engaging content that highlights the importance of water safety and builds a strong swim community. “Knowing that my efforts help families learn about water safety and connect with our amazing team is my favorite part of the job.”

As Happy Swims’ Marketing Director, Romina loves showcasing the heart of the Happy Swims community and the special moments that happen in and out of the pool. She enjoys being part of an organization that teaches lifelong swimming skills to students of all ages and takes pride in capturing the joy, progress, and connections that make Happy Swims truly one of a kind. “The Happy Swims community is truly one of a kind. I love being part of a team that helps students of all ages build lifelong swimming skills and sharing those moments every day.”

Izzy has over 10 years of experience working with young children and loves helping toddlers and preschoolers feel comfortable and safe in the water. His gentle, supportive style builds trust and confidence, even with nervous swimmers. He loves watching students conquer their fears and discover how fun swimming can be.“Helping them conquer their fears is really cool to experience — swimming is not only important but fun!”

Danielly became an instructor with Happy Swims to help children stay safe in the water while having fun. She loves teaching kids how to swim and finds it incredibly rewarding to watch their progress and confidence grow with each lesson. For Danielly, forming a bond with her students and their families is one of the best parts of the job. “Teaching kids how to swim and seeing their progress is one of the greatest rewards, along with building connections with them and their parents.”

Josh has been working with kids since he was 14 and is now in his second year with Happy Swims. He brings high energy and adaptability to every lesson, helping toddlers and preschoolers learn to swim with confidence and fun. He loves watching each child’s excitement as they overcome fears and swim like little sharks. “Getting to see the smile on parents’ faces when their little one starts to swim like a shark is one of the best feelings in the world.”

Alyssa has five years of swim instruction experience and loves working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and swimmers with special needs. Her safety-focused, encouraging approach helps each child grow in confidence and master skills at their own pace. She loves watching students achieve “breakthrough” moments and believes swimming should always be fun and supportive. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see their excitement when they master something new, whether it’s floating on their back or swimming across the pool for the first time.”

Originally from Connecticut, Quinn has been teaching swim lessons since age 15 and loves helping infants, toddlers, and preschoolers feel comfortable in the water through games and songs. With a fun, play-based style, Quinn makes learning to swim enjoyable and calm, so kids gain confidence at their own pace. “One-on-one time with the kids is a lovely way to take the scary parts out of learning how to swim.”

Mahkai has over seven years of experience teaching swimmers of all ages, from infants to adults. His patient and encouraging approach helps each swimmer feel safe and supported while building skills and confidence in the water. Mahkai loves watching students grow lesson by lesson and believes that a strong swimming foundation can help kids succeed for life. “I love being a part of the journey as children build a foundation that can help them in the future.”

A Miami native, born and raised on the waters of Florida, she graduated from a water readiness program at just 15 months old. From the start, water safety wasn’t just a priority—it was a way of life. With seven years of childcare experience and a strong swimming background, Sasha is excited to spend this summer teaching swim lessons with Happy Swims. Her confident, clear teaching style helps kids push their limits while feeling secure and supported. She loves customizing each lesson to fit each child’s unique needs and enjoys partnering with parents to celebrate every milestone. “Seeing the confidence and skills grow in each swimmer as they achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.”

Originally from Colombia, Alejandra loves working with infants, toddlers, and early elementary swimmers, helping them build confidence through fun, play-based learning. She adapts each lesson to match each child’s comfort level and loves seeing her students gain skills and enjoy the water safely. “Teaching a child how to swim is like providing a lifelong gift — it’s extremely rewarding to pass on this crucial safety skill.”

Maria is a Miami native who has been teaching swimming for over a year. She loves working with preschool and early elementary swimmers, helping them build confidence and independence in the water. With an encouraging and adaptable approach, Maria meets each swimmer where they are and celebrates their growth every step of the way. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they call out to their parents to show what they’ve learned is the most rewarding part of this job.”

Originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, Hannah brings over 10 years of experience working with children, including four years coaching competitive gymnastics. She takes a calm, reassuring approach with swimmers of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs, helping them feel safe, supported, and proud of their progress. “My favorite part of teaching swim lessons is watching children’s confidence grow as they try things that once felt hard or scary.”

Anna is originally from Rochester, MN, and brings two years of swim instruction experience plus a 13-year competitive swim background — including four years as a Division I swimmer at The University of Alabama. She brings energy and positivity to each lesson and is passionate about helping kids enjoy swimming while building lifelong confidence. “It’s so empowering to see hesitant swimmers gain the skills they need to swim on their own — I love being part of that journey!”

Based in Miami, Luna has four years of experience working with kids and specializes in teaching toddlers and preschoolers. With a gentle and responsive teaching style, she helps nervous swimmers feel safe and supported while building skills and self-belief. “It’s amazing to watch kids grow more confident with every lesson — not just in the water, but in themselves.”

Originally from West Harrison, New York, Vivien has been teaching swim lessons since 2020. She works with preschool through preteen swimmers and brings a supportive, goal-oriented approach to every lesson. Vivien loves blending fun and safety while helping kids improve their skills and confidence. “My favorite moments are when kids show me their favorite strokes and I get to help them refine and perfect them — especially when parents notice their amazing progress!”