Wendy was born and raised in Asheville, NC and has been with the JCC aquatics program for two years now.  She is a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross, has completed the Water Safety Instruction Class (WSI) at American Red Cross, and is currently completing a certification with Swim Angelfish to enable her to work with  children of all abilities and special needs in the lifelong development of comfort and safety in the water, as well as confidence and independence in recreational activities. In addition to working with kids in the water, Wendy holds an AAS Degree in Early Childhood Education and has over 20 years of experience in the classroom working with children from birth to high school.

Ann, affectionately known as “Mrs. Swims,” grew up in North Asheville and learned to swim in the Old Manor Pool, which was practically across Charlotte Street from the JCC. Swimming has been a big part of Ann’s life as she’s been an age-group swimmer, triathlete, master swimmer and coach. For 5 years Ann was the swim coach for the Country Club of Asheville. For 30 years, she was a nationally ranked masters swimmer, and for 25 years she has been a triathlon age-group competitor, placing on the All-American Team. Most recently in a 2018 triathlon, Ann placed 2nd in the nation in her age group. We are thrilled to have Ann join our JCC  instructional aquatics staff; she is available for private instructions for both children and adults.

“I began my diving journey as a recreational diver trying tricks and flips without much attention to aesthetics, but a few years ago I wanted to take my skill to a higher level and began training with a masters diving program, and it has been incredible.  I hope to bring my drive and interest in being a better diver to teaching others about diving and helping others grow in this sport. I have coached water sports including swimming and surfing and currently coach boys and girls gymnastics at Asheville Gymnastics. The wise coach knows the strengths and stretches of each athlete and provides each learner a customized plan of development. This is the diving coach I seek to be. The one who can teach these skills at the right time.”

Shawn has loved being in the water since she was a very young girl. She started teaching when she was 16 years old. After careers in both education and social work, she made teaching swimming her only job. She has taught all ages from 6 months to 85 years old. She truly believes that swimming is the most enjoyable sport, and one you can continue to enjoy throughout your life. She has been teaching at the JCC pool for 7 years now. Connecting with students, and their families is her Joy.

I’ve been at the JCC for a little over 3 years. I started at Shalom as an AmeriCorps volunteer working with the pre-k and loved it so much, I had to stay. I love the connections I make with our members and all the students I have the honor of doing swim lessons with. Watching their growth makes the job worth it. I am a certified lifeguard through American Red Cross. I am from Lincolnton, NC which is about an hour and a half away from Asheville so home is just a quick drive away. I moved to Asheville in 2012 to pursue my degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology at Mars Hill University, in which I graduated from in 2016. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, drawing, and being out in nature with my dog Cooper. Working at the JCC is truly a pleasure and I wouldn’t change my time here for anything else!