Welcome all!! Since you all will trust me with you and/or your loved ones, I wanted to share a little about myself! I started swimming competitively at age 3 and things really took off after that. I swam year round for very competitive swim programs and my dream was to make it to the Olympics! Swimming to me, has always been more of a lifestyle rather than just a sport or something I enjoy. Water
has always been a great coping mechanism so much so that within 30 minutes of swimming, I feel like a new person. Long story short, for 13 years, I trained alongside those trying to qualify for their Olympic time trials however, I broke two vertebrae in my back and things quickly came to a halt! Little did I know that was just the beginning of what is now, WaterStrong. I was told I would not walk again. However, the pool was my safe haven and after 5 years of continuous pool therapy, I began to walk with a cane on land! I now walk aid free most days but I still have my struggles! The water made me stronger and stronger and continues to do so. It is truly a life saver for those with any joint or bone issues. It has been a long road and the journey continues nevertheless, I will forever be and hope to help others become, WaterStrong. About my Coaching/Teaching Background:
I have been a coach at Gator Aquatic Center for 2 years now; I have a B.S. in Psychology and have almost completed my Masters in Counseling. I have always worked with child/teens in some capacity. From babysitting to starting to helping kids learn to swim when I was 11 years old; I have always loved helping others. I even held swim classes for free during college as I did not want anyone to miss out on the joys of swimming and more so, at a minimum, become water safe. I have worked with kids of all ages, adults, and seniors for over 11 years! As my story above states, I have a strong passion for swimming and an even stronger one for helping kids: build confidence, character, provide them with a safe and healthy outlet, bond with their families, and build friendships. Life is tough for all ages and my goal is to make swimming safe, fun, and affordable while hopefully enriching one’s life! Everyone can have their own WaterStrong story and if you have a special needs child please contact me and come! ALL kids/adults/seniors are welcome and wanted!! About the Swim School:
We will be using Gator Aquatic Center’s pool. They are located right near Virginia Western Community College. Address: 1130 Overland Rd SW, Roanoke VA 24015
This swim school will constantly be adding classes! For now, we offer:
o 1-1 private lessons
o group lessons (I have a 4 person, per group, max to ensure everyone gets 1-1 time)
o and mommy and me classes
If you are interested in becoming a part of something new, exciting, and different, please contact me!! Email: [email protected], use Facebook messenger, or a good ol' fashion phone call (540) 529-8106. I look forward to working with all families and at a minimum help every child/adult/senior become water safe and hopefully, WaterStrong! I will post our current offers through our page’s status and please, if you have an idea for a class or see a need in the community that I have yet to cover, do not hesitate to contact me! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
-Trisha Houghton
