Meet Our Team

Heather

Hi, I’m Heather! I became a swim instructor with Infant Aquatics CT when my friend showed me a picture of her daughter floating in the pool… by herself… at seven months old. Wow! Needless to say, I was amazed and surprised that someone so little could learn how to swim!

I immediately signed my daughter up for swimming lessons. While she was learning to swim, I was learning how to teach her. I was impressed with how quickly my daughter learned the skills, not only to survive, but to truly love swimming. After working one on one with her, I realized I could help other children learn to swim and love it too!

Joanne

I’ve had a long connection to swimming; I learned to swim as a toddler, joined my first swim team during my elementary school days, started teaching swim lessons about 25 years ago, and became a swim coach about 15 years ago. I specialize in stroke technique and love to see my clients excel in the pool.

I stumbled upon Infant Aquatics CT a few years ago on Facebook and realized this incredible skill was something I wanted to incorporate into my teaching. I reached out to Dena and have been with Infant Aquatics CT ever since. Everyday working with Dena and the children is a true honor!

Angela

As a mom of five, ages teens through toddlers, working with children is a passion of mine. I’ve dedicated my entire adult life working with or for them and am certified in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, and CPR.

Water safety has never been a question of importance. Working for Infant Aquatics CT has been my favorite job since it’s given me the opportunity to teach children how to save themselves and build their confidence! Outside of work, I love to cook and bake, do arts and crafts, hike, dance, and weight lift. My favorite color is light blue, and I love hummingbirds and sunflowers.

Lori

As the mom of 3 lovable and rambunctious boys (James, Ashton, and Ryder), I became an IACT instructor after my oldest was trained by Dena. It was amazing how such a young child could roll into his float and save himself.

I wanted to learn more about the program and how to teach children to do this amazing skill for themselves. It’s been years since I joined IACT and I am just as amazed each time a new student learns this life-saving skill.

Lori

Taylor

Water has long played a big role in my life. I have been a competitive swimmer, a lifeguard and swim teacher, and now my family and I live near the beach. I love the water! But that has led me to understand and respect water, too.

I am also passionate about teaching and educating children. In fact, before having a family, I taught elementary physical education for 8 years. I love teaching and have long tried to find a way to combine two things that I am passionate about: water and education.

After the birth of my first child, I signed him up for swim lessons knowing that he would be raised around the water. Those lessons, however, proved to be ineffective and gave me no comfort that my child would be able to swim or save himself. As fate would have it, during those lessons, I noticed Infant Aquatics in the pool next to us. I was fascinated! I couldn’t believe these little kids – babies! – were able to do what I saw them doing. I went home and immediately started researching. What I learned led me to register for Infant Aquatics CT’s lessons. From my child’s first lesson, I was hooked and wanted to know everything about the magic I was seeing. I am such a believer in this program that all three of my children completed the program and continue in maintenance lessons to this day.

And now, I am an instructor! I saw with my own children how these lessons boosted their confidence in and out of the pool. I want to do that for your children! I’m excited to join the Infant Aquatics CT team and look forward to working with your family!

Shy

I have been swimming since I was only 3 years old. By the age of 5, I had joined the swim team (!) and have been competing ever since. I specialize in IM’s and breaststroke, and, since the age of 15 years old, have been teaching swimming lessons to children. I became interested in Infant Aquatics CT when I saw another instructor teaching these incredible skills in a pool where I worked. My daughter, now 2, has completed the IACT program and is now thoroughly enjoying the group FUN classes down in the Norwalk pool. I couldn’t wait to become part of this life-saving endeavor!

I am currently an Accounting major and Marketing minor at UCONN and plan to eventually attend law school.

Sydney R.

Infant Aquatics CT has always been present in my life. I was exposed at such a young age to survival swimming since my youngest brother, Ethan, went through the program. My mother, Dena, then decided to spend her life teaching children the incredibly important skill of staying safe around the water.

Teaching children has always been a passion of mine. I have my master’s degree in elementary education and taught in the classroom for 3 years in CT. Over the summers, I taught survival swimming and eventually decided that this was what I wanted to do with my life. I’ve become passionate about teaching others how to stay safe in the water, just like my mom.

Outside of work, I love to bake, hike, travel, and workout.

Alli

Hi, I am Alli! I have spent a lot of my time around the water, from being a lifeguard to being on the swim team in high school and college. I am a Registered Occupational Therapist, and I enjoy teaching others new skills.

I became passionate about Infant Aquatics CT after my three daughters, who are currently 4, 3 and 1.5, went through the program, and I have seen them all excel in the water. I see the joys and all the dangers of water, so I want to help as many children as possible stay safe around the water.

In my free time (which isn’t a lot!) I enjoy working out, skiing, hiking with my family, and going to the beach.

Kelly

As a lifelong swimmer, I have always believed in the importance of teaching water safety. I have been interested in Infant Aquatics CT since I first became aware that such a program existed. Pursuing swimming as my sport of choice started at an early age and continued into high school and throughout college where I attended Villanova University on a swimming scholarship. Over the years, I have held positions as lifeguard, swimming instructor, and summer camp aquatic director. I hold a Master of Science in Education and a certification in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts. I taught in Connecticut public schools for seven years.

As a new mom, water safety has never been more important to me as it is now. I’m happy to work with Dena and her team, sharing my expertise instructing children as well as my love of the water.

Bryan

Hello everyone! I started swimming at the age of 1 and never looked back. I swam on numerous swim teams throughout my childhood and eventually began teaching strokes to the younger swimmers. From there, I went on to teach swim lessons for almost 10 years before taking a break from the water and transitioning into a different line of work. After a while, I realized how much I truly missed the water and decided to dive back in.

Ever since joining Infant Aquatics CT team, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching so many amazing young swimmers and introducing them to all new strokes and forms of swimming. I am excited to continue to teach and foster a love of water in every swimmer!

Alyssa

Hi, I’m Alyssa! I learned about Infant Aquatics CT through my mother, who was an Elementary School teacher with Sydney. After meeting Dena, I was moved by her vision and thought joining the team sounded like a wonderful opportunity. Teaching children and getting to know each of them has been a joy.

Currently, I’m in college pursuing a degree in Genetics. Learning about genetics has been a passion since I was in middle school. Outside of the pool, I make art and am a big animation enthusiast. I also enjoy trying different types of exercise, including walking, hiking, and rock climbing.

Alyssa

Jen

Since childhood, I’ve spent my summers by the beach, lake, and pool. With many siblings and now as a mom myself, I understand the importance of teaching children to have a healthy respect for the water and how to stay safe in and around it. Knowing how to float is crucial if they ever fall into water.

I discovered Infant Aquatics CT after becoming a personal trainer at Evolution Athletics Club following my completion of a B.A. in Exercise Science in 2016. Helping people attain the skills for healthier lives is my passion. Joining the Infant Aquatics CT team has brought me immense joy; it’s truly a pleasure to assist in keeping your kids safe!

Jacky

I dedicated 11 years to being a stay-at-home mom, caring for my four kids: Isaiah, 15, Zoe, 12, Elijah, 10, and Melody, 8. Melody, especially, has been a profound source of inspiration, leading me to pursue dual licensing in teaching and special education. While I haven’t completed my degree yet, it’s a goal I intend to achieve. Her autism has been a significant teacher, pushing my patience to new levels as we navigate coping strategies together.

Each of my children has their own passions: Zoe is the artist, Isaiah is immersed in gaming, and Eli is obsessed with Spiderman. They are my entire world.

My ambitions extend beyond motherhood; I attended culinary school at 18 with dreams of owning my own restaurant, aspirations that still drive me. I find immense joy in the kitchen, cooking, and baking. Additionally, I have a deep love for the arts, enjoying activities such as crocheting, sketching, and painting. My creativity truly flourishes when I lose myself in painting or sketching, accompanied by music.

Molly

Hey everyone, I’m Molly! My journey with competitive swimming began at the age of 9, and I quickly developed a deep passion for the sport. Through a friend, I discovered Infant Aquatics CT, and I now proudly serve as a strokes teacher for the program. This role gives me the perfect chance to share my love for swimming and to help budding swimmers build their confidence in mastering strokes before they dive into team swimming. Currently, I’m a student at Southern Connecticut State University, with aspirations of pursuing a career in nursing.

Sydney S.

As a young mom, I’ve always had a passion for helping people. At the age of 18, I obtained my CNA license and worked with Alzheimer’s patients. I balanced raising my son during the day with assisting my patients at night. This dual role, both professionally and personally, contributed significantly to the patience and compassion I possess today as an Infant Aquatics CT instructor.

In my current role as an instructor, I’ve come to understand the vital importance of survival swimming skills from a young age. It’s an honor for me to impart these skills to young children and to teach my own sons as well. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this wonderful team!

Sydney S.

Kait

Hello there! I’m Kait, your new Infant Aquatics CT swim instructor. I’m thrilled to be part of the team, focusing on small group sessions to teach crucial infant survival lessons to our little ones.

My passion lies in guiding tiny tots toward confidence and safety in the water. I believe learning should be joyful, which is why my classes are not only educational but also designed to bring happiness to each session. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my students thrive and grow more confident in the water. I’m dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere for both infants and their parents.

Outside of the pool, I enjoy photography, hiking, diving into movies, and exploring history. I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones. Together, we’ll embark on a journey to becoming confident and safe water explorers. Let’s dive in, have some fun, and learn together while keeping safety our top priority!

Kayla B.

Swimming has been a passion and part of my life as long as I can remember. As a competitive swimmer in high school, I gained confidence, a love of teamwork, and a respect for the water.

After watching my niece start her lessons at Infant Aquatics CT, I was fascinated by the structure and teaching style. When an opening for instructor was advertised, I jumped at the opportunity to join the team!

Besides my love of water, I am currently a dental hygiene student, love going to concerts, and enjoy spending time with my dog, Theo.

Pilar

Hi! My name is Pilar, and I am one of the newer Infant Aquatics CT swim instructors in Ansonia. I first learned about Infant Aquatics CT from a relative who successfully had their 3 children graduate from the program. I loved seeing all the pictures and videos of their progress!

When I became a mom, I knew I had to enroll my daughter. I wanted Savannah to be safe while still having fun in and around the water. After she graduated private lessons with Coach Dena, I had a mission! I became an Infant Aquatics CT group instructor with the goal of helping toddlers and young children gain confidence in their swim-float-swim abilities while keeping the sessions fun, exciting, and supportive.

Outside of the pool, I am an Occupational Therapist and continue to tailor my continuing education courses for the Pediatric population with a concentration in Sensory Integration. My family just opened an Organic Farmstand & Chef’s Table, Mantras Market, in Woodbridge, CT, and I spend a lot of my time helping to grow and develop that business. In my free time, my husband, Julian, and I love going on new adventures with our almost 3-year-old daughter, including finding new playgrounds to explore, outdoor summer concerts, museums, hiking, playing with our 2 cats, Bernie and Tica, and having breakout dance parties whenever possible.