March 2022 Instructor of the Month - Jaden Garner
The YMCA of Parkersburg's Instructor of the Month is designed to help you get to know the instructors that help make our Y community great, from our group fitness instructors to the coaches of our various programs. This month, we’re introducing Jaden Garner, who works as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. She will be teaching during the next session of swim lessons that begins March 7th! Let’s get to know her:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself: what are some fun facts about you?
I’m currently a full-time college student at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. This summer will mark 4 years that I’ve been a lifeguard and swim instructor for the Y.
2. What to you teach at the YMCA of Parkersburg? Tell us a little bit about it.
I teach swim lessons at the Y, particularly Swim Foundations. In this class, kids ages 5 and up practice proper breathing, front crawl swim stroke, back floating and learning how to swim to safety and exit if they fall into a body of water. I enjoy working with the younger kids because there’s never a dull moment!
3. When and why did you become an instructor? What's your teaching style?
I became an instructor in the summer of 2019. I had recently received my guard certification at the Y and the Aquatics Director asked me if I would be interested in teaching swim lessons at the City Park. I love kids, so it wasn’t a question. I teach by example.
5. What is your most favorite part of teaching at the YMCA of Parkersburg?
I like teaching at the Y because I get to teach the way I’m comfortable teaching, without one set way. I also enjoy being around my fellow instructors because they make the environment feel warm and inviting.
For more information about kids swim lessons, please contact Aquatics Coordinator Alicia Richmond, at 304-485-5585 ext. 205 or alicia.richmond@parkersburgymca.org.