I'm Theresa, owner and certified ISR instructor at ISR Seattle. From an early age, I loved being in and around the water, and that passion led me to teaching swim lessons and coaching swim teams. For years, I've had the privilege of helping children of all ages build confidence and skills in the water.
Today, I'm excited to combine my lifelong love of swimming with my passion for working with children through Infant Swimming Resource (ISR). As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to keep children safe while also helping them grow in confidence and independence. There is nothing more rewarding to me than partnering with families to help their children develop important water safety skills.
Why I Chose ISR
Throughout my years teaching swim lessons and coaching, I saw firsthand how valuable swimming skills can be. But I also learned that water safety goes beyond learning strokes and swimming laps.
When I discovered ISR, I found a program whose mission deeply resonated with me: helping families add an important layer of protection around water and working toward a future where no child loses their life to drowning.
What I love most about ISR is that every lesson is individualized. We meet children where they are developmentally and teach age-appropriate self-rescue skills designed specifically for infants and young children.
Being part of a program dedicated to water safety and prevention is incredibly meaningful to me, and I feel honored every time a family trusts me with their child.
My Experience With Children
I've been teaching and coaching young swimmers since I was a teenager and have spent years helping children gain confidence, overcome fears, and develop a love for the water.
I've also always had a special connection with babies. Family and friends have jokingly called me the "baby whisperer."
I love getting to know each child's unique personality and helping them feel comfortable, supported, and successful during lessons. Whether your child is six months old or a preschooler learning the Swim-Float-Swim sequence, my goal is to create a positive experience built on trust, patience, and encouragement.
One of my favorite teaching moments is when everything clicks. Watching a child independently roll over to take a breath for the first time never gets old. Even after years of teaching children in the water, those moments still give me goosebumps.
Serving Seattle Families
Living in the Seattle area means being surrounded by water—from neighborhood pools and splash parks to Lake Washington, Green Lake, Puget Sound, and family vacations throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Because water is such a big part of life here, I believe every family deserves access to quality water safety education and self-rescue instruction.
I am passionate about helping children develop confidence around water while giving parents greater peace of mind through education, preparation, and proven water safety practices.