Elizabeth Stephens

Elizabeth Stephens

I met Emily 5 years ago when my oldest, now 7, started swim lessons at our local gym.  He quickly built a bond of trust with Emily and grew to love swim classes.

A year later my second son started lessons with Emily, and although he had a rough start with a lot of crying and constant potty breaks, she worked through it with him and he too looked forward to swim lessons. They continued to take lessons every year through the winter months and when my oldest was 5 and his brother 4 they both passed the swim test at our local pool, thanks to Emily.

This past summer my 3rd son turned 2 and I immediately messaged Emily to get him into swim lessons. He started the 2nd week of August with a lot of crying and refusing to do anything in the water. Emily remained calm and worked with him and by his 6th lesson is now swimming to her and no more crying. I can not thank Emily enough for all she has done for my boys and their love of swimming. I look forward to having my 8 month old twins taking lessons with her in fall of 2020.

Cristal Villarreal

Cristal Villarreal

Where do I begin?? I could never give Coach Emily enough praises!!! Both my girls and I LOVE her. She is no push over, but interacts so well with the kids. She has just the perfect mix of control, fun, and UNCONDITIONAL love. She has taught my youngest to swim and has molded my oldest in technique. Regardless of age, you will never go wrong with Coach Emily…it will be one of THE BEST investments you ever make.

Loren Stanton

When we were looking to start our son’s swim lessons, Coach Emily was recommended over and over again.

One of our main concerns before starting lessons anywhere was that our son is speech delayed and he wouldn’t be able to fully communicate with his instructor. This was never an issue with Emily. From the minute he stepped into the pool, “Ms. Emmy” has become someone he trusts. She’s worked well with his delays in speech, exhibiting patience and care at each lesson.

Our son was scared for several lessons, but he loved them in spite of his fear, because he knew he could trust her to keep him safe. Now he willingly swims to Ms. Emmy and is learning so much. He looks forward to each lesson and looks to challenge himself. I’m so thankful we found Coach Emily.

Jennifer Webster

I’ve known “Coach” Emily for almost 20 years. She was my younger siblings’ swim coach for summer league swim team, and I heard so many positive things.
When my older daughters were five and three years-old, Emily was teaching summer league again, so I signed both up without hesitation. My oldest had a negative swim team experience the year prior and refused to put her face in the water. My youngest had no fear and wanted to be a big kid. By the end of the season, both were competent swimmers who were excited to go to practice and wanted to swim.
In 2016, Emily began coming to our home pool to teach our third daughter water safety. Each summer since, she has hosted lessons at our home pool for many swimmers. She can convince my overly cautious third daughter to get into the pool without her puddle-jumper and builds her confidence in her swimming skills. Emily also loves on my littlest one and slowly and methodically introduces her to the water at each lesson. By the end of the summer, there were officially no tears at the last few lessons for either girl (and that’s big y’all)!!!
As a former swimmer, swim coach, and lifeguard, there are very few people who I trust to teach my girls water and pool safety. There are no words to properly explain the level of confidence and trust I have in her. I will forever owe Emily for helping me keep my four daughters safe around water. She has become part of our extended family, and we would recommend her to anyone!
To Emily – Thank you for always believing in each of my girls. Each one looks forward to visiting with you in the summer, especially when you let them watch you teach others and hang out with them when you have a break in your schedule. The impact you are having on their lives will stay with them forever. You mean the world to us!

Tiffany Harston

Emily was recommended to me from multiple friends as a great swim teacher. I had some fears and concerns around someone teaching my son to swim as he is non-verbal and autistic. I wanted someone who was familiar with special needs and who had compassion and the perseverance necessary to teach a kid with special needs.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear that she had extensive experience with teaching kids on the spectrum. From the first lesson it was clear that she did. She was familiar with ABA techniques and sensory issues and aggression. I was so relieved!

Since working with Emily, my son has gained confidence swimming and can roll and float on his own. Though he progresses at his own pace and has good and bad days, Emily is patient and loving. We will continue to see her for swim lessons as my son loves the water and it is therapeutic for him.