Ganessa Pickens is a 21 year old student studying Graphic Design and Marketing at Grand Canyon University. She hails from Riverside, CA and currently lives in Tempe, AZ. Ganessa comes from a big family which is one reason she easily connects with children. She has remarkable organization and graphic communication skills that make her a good asset to Kidtastics. She’ll be taking your phone calls and expect to get emails from her regarding your child’s classes.
Michelle was born and raised in Arizona. She began dancing at age fourteen and fell in love with it. Currently she is studying to obtain her associates degree in Dance at Scottsdale Community College. Since beginning her work with Kidtastics Michelle has discovered a love for children and their way of understanding the world. Her most proud moment so far was when a little girl in distress asked specifically for “Miss Michelle’s” assistance.
Kathleen is from AZ. She began dancing when she was three years old and competed with a local studio throughout high school. While in high school she was the Captain of her school’s Dance Company and taught dance lessons as an after school job. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2009 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. While at the U of A she was a member of the Black and Blue Hip Hop Team and performed at many University, Community and Sports events. She is new to Kidtastics and is very excited to be teaching dance to kids again!
Amber Gurley is 29 years old. She is originally from Tempe but grew up in Gallup, NM. She moved back to the Valley to go to school and has lived here for the past 10 years. Amber studied early childhood development in school, but found a love and passion for teaching children recreational gymnastics, cheer and swimming. She has been teaching this for over 8 years now. “I love watching children work hard, master skills and grow into strong, confident young adults.”
Emily Pivin is a mother of two that’s had over twenty years of experience working with kids. Emily was a college gymnast and coached competitive gymnastics for fifteen years. She’s excited to get your kids involved in this awesome sport that teaches many valuable lessons that include mental and physical benefits! Kidtastics loves Emily’s energy and passion for gymnastics.
Brittany Flynn is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in French and international geography. She is currently working on her Masters in Elementary Education, and can’t wait to have her own classroom! Brittany enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures, which is how she learned about Capoeira-a Brazilian martial art/dance that she now loves. Brittany has taught swimming, gymnastics, and has been a lifeguard and CPR instructor for over 6 years.
Brad Reber has been employed at Kidtastics for almost a year. He is a Red Cross certified lifeguard who works private swim events. Recently, he has been working the monthly parent’s night out events at Fireside at Desert Ridge. Brad is originally from Milwaukee, WI having moved here 5 years ago. This summer, Brad will be a camp counselor for the upcoming day camp programs.
Alex Lind is a native of Maui, Hawaii, but has lived in Arizona for half of his life. He grew up playing sports and cultivating a love of the outdoors. He was on Varsity Wrestling at Queen Creek High School where he learned the meaning of hard work and dedication. Since graduation he has earned his lifeguard certification two years in a row and spent all of summer 2012 working with the kids at a local water park. Though new to the field of camp counseling, he is looking forward to the positive energy and fun that ensues naturally in a camp environment. He looks forward to meeting and greeting each smiling face at our Kidtastics Kamp this year.
Ann Twarogal is a graduate from Arizona State University with concurrent degrees in psychology and art history. She is currently working on completing her teaching certificate in special education with a focus in autism education. She has been teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding for the past nine years. Ann has worked for Kidtastics for three years and really enjoys her experiences working with children and their families. She currently lives in Tucson and will be teaching lessons there as well as traveling to the Valley to lifeguard private parties.
Haleigh Shouse is currently a junior at Olivet Nazarene University, where she is studying child development. She plans on graduating in the spring of 2015. After graduation she wants to go on to graduate school and become a child life specialist. Haleigh calls Peoria, Illinois home, where she was born and raised. She has a passion for working with children and a desire to help them grow, develop, and succeed. Haleigh is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing softball, volleyball, and swimming. Baseball is a huge part of Haleigh’s life because of her dad. He played major league baseball for 20 years and is now in Arizona coaching for the Texas Rangers minor league team. Haleigh considers herself blessed because of all the amazing experiences that she has had. She is extremely family orientated and loves experiencing new things. In her spare time, Haleigh enjoys bonding with her sisters, traveling with her family, and making lifelong memories with friends. She looks forward to investing in the lives of children in the Scottsdale, Arizona area.
Briana will be graduating Arizona State University in December 2013 with a degree in Psychology, Business Communications and Management Entrepreneurship. She plans to pursue a career in finance after graduation and focus on planning, advising and investing. Briana currently works two jobs, one as a financial advising assistant and also as a year-round swim instructor. She loves working with kids because they keep her spirit young, but more importantly she is passionate about watching her students go from having no swim experience to being water safe- watching students master important safety skills is something she is most proud of. Briana has completed the Star Guard Lifeguard and CPR certification program. This is her second summer with Kidtastics and she is excited for the smiling faces she will get to meet this summer!
Joanna McDowell has been working with Kidtastics for two summers now teaching children to swim. She has always loved the water, and being able to work with kids helps her to appreciate it more and more each day. Joanna is originally from Chicago, IL, where her sister and father still live. She moved to Arizona about three years ago to double major in Literature and Secondary Education at Arizona State University. She has had a blast over these last few years, and is sad to have it be her last year in this great state. Before moving to Arizona, Joanna swam and played water polo competitively. Water Polo is the true reason that she fell in love with the water and she hopes to return to the sport in the near future. She has also coached water polo and taught swim lessons for about three years before joining Kidtastics. She thinks it is very important to build children’s self-esteem and work habits at a young age. “I love seeing the smiles on each and every swimmer’s face when they realize that they CAN do a certain skill and it pays off to never give up. These kids are our future and I can’t wait to witness all that they can accomplish.”
Katy was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. She has been swimming her whole life, starting in parent-toddler classes when she was only one year old. Katy joined swim team when she was 7 and continued swimming competitively through high school. Katy McGill graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has been teaching swim lessons for twelve years now for all ages. Katy has taught swim lesson for Kidtastics for two summers now and enjoys her private group swim sessions. Katy has been a lifeguard since high school and is lifeguard in her spare time. She is looking forward to meeting her new swim students.
Cailey Busker is currently attending Chaparral High School. She will be graduating as the class of 2013. She will be going to The University of Arizona this upcoming fall. Cailey has completed the Star Guard Lifeguard course and is CPR certified. She enjoys being around children of all ages and helping them to experience life in the greatest ways. She is more than excited to be working with the kids in Kidtastics for the first time and making their summer one to remember!
Gabrielle Busker attends Chaparral High School. She very active in her school lacrosse team. She loves being part of a team and meeting new challenges everyday. She spends her weekends mixing up smoothies at Jamba Juice or lifeguarding private pool events for Kidtastics. There’s something about kids that she has always loved; they fascinate her and she loves working with children. Children always bring a big smile to Gabby’s face.Gabrielle is looking forward to working with the kids at Kidtastics Kids Kamp. She looking forward to teaching them outdoor sports and making sure they have a fun and safe summer.
Libby Grob is currently enrolled at Arizona State University. She is studying elementary education and plans on eventually becoming a 2nd grade teacher. Her time at Kidtastics has taught her that adults should not lose the inner-child and should be as enthusiastic about life and eager to learn every day as children are. Libby is a swim and cheer instructor for Kidtastics. Libby enjoys teaching her cheerleaders new dances and cheer chants. Swimming has been a passion of Libby’s since she was young and loves teaching children how to swim. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, running and swimming.
Kidtastics Summer Kamp @ Fireside Norterra
We are proud to announce our 1 week camp at Fireside NorTerra. Location: 28185 N. Melvern Trail, Phoenix, 85085 June 24- June 28th • Ages 3 to 12 Half Day (9:00am-12:00pm)or(12:00pm-3:00pm)-Per week ... ∞
Kidtastics Summer Kamp
Fill your child’s summer full of amazing memories by enrolling them in Kidtastics Summer Fun Kids Kamp. Camp includes games, swimming (optional), crafts, and sports activities indoors and outdoors. Our trained and ... ∞
