About Children of the Sea

A Water World Where The Pool Is Your Classroom And Learning Is Fun!

 

Children of the Sea, or Keiki Kai in Hawaiian, was founded in the early eighties by owner, Lynne Zavrski. After years of experience within aquatics, Lynne decided to start her own school. In 1982, Lynne founded Keiki Kai, teaching private lessons in her backyard and then from 1982 to 1990, Lynne also taught swimming in city and county pools in and around Oahu. It was there that she began to develop her individually paced teaching philosophy that is the Water Safe Program of Children of the Sea today. In 1996, Lynne brought her knowledge and methods to the mainland. It was here in Portland that she founded and built our state-of-the art facility. Our approach to teaching has been designed to build awareness and self-confidence in the water.

 

Our staff takes pride in our uniquely innovative water-safe program. The basic premise of our philosophy is that children progress at their own level of learning and readiness. We believe that each child can learn to love and respect the water. Through stimulation, positive reinforcement, patience and practice, our students learn new skills while having fun. Our professional staff takes pride in turning focus from basic instinctive responses into life saving water skills.

 

Our highly qualified instructors are trained to emphasize, with gentle and patient encouragement, the latest aquatic techniques. Our facility has been designed to meet the needs of every student. The innovative design of our facility ensures ultimate enjoyment for all. Our entire staff is CPR certified for the Professional Rescuer, as well as trained in accordance with the USSSA code of ethics and the Children Of the Sea Water Safe Program.

 Staff

 

Lynne

I am Lynne Zavrski, owner and director of Children of the Sea. Let me share a little with you about my swim teaching credentials. I moved to Hawaii in 1975, where I was the first female lifeguard on the beach of Waikiki. I was proud to have broken ground for females to join the ranks. I made several life threatening rescues and received a citation from the major of Fasi.

 

I participated in triathlons, Century bike rides, and the Waikiki Rough Water Swim. I volunteered at Sea Life Park for eight years, where I helped train dolphins and sea lions. I also conducted the Education Department in lectures for school age children. I taught swimming at city and county pools from 1978 to 1981.

 

In 1982, I started Keiki Kai (which means Children of the Sea in Hawaiian) where I taught private lessons from my home. It was there that I began to develop the individual-paced teaching philosophy of what is today’s Children of the Sea Water Safe Program. I opened Children of the Sea in July 1996 in Portland, Oregon. I am an active member of the United States Swim Association. My staff and I would love to introduce your child to the joys of swimming and the security of water safety.

 

David

Coming soon!

 

Tiffany

 

Hello Swimmers! My name is Tiffany and I am a pool manager at COTS. I grew up in sunny California surfing the excellent waves on the west side of Santa Cruz. When I wasn’t in the Jr. Life guard program on the beach, I was in the water encouraging others to join me on the waves. I moved to Oregon about 10 years ago looking for a new adventure. I lived in Seaside, Oregon for a few years then moved to Portland with my family. I walked into Children of the Sea looking for a job and found my second home.

 

I have been a part of this team for 7 years and I currently manage a staff of amazing instructors. I enjoy anything in the water, spending time with my family and friends, and to be as loud and silly as I can be. See you in the water.

 

AJ

My name is Teacher AJ and I am one of the pool managers at Children of the Sea. I have been making splashes in the pool since the summer of 2005. I am originally from Massachusetts and moved to Portland after graduating from the University of Vermont in ’05.

 

Working at COTS is perfect for me because I love to swim and teach kids of all ages. Away from the pool I enjoy camping, hiking, biking and running, along with spending time with my friends and my dogs, Tucker and Quincy. See you in the pool!

 

Sarah

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am the front desk manager. I am going on my 8th year here at Children of the Sea! I was on a swim team for 10 years and taught swim lessons for 10 years (6 at COTS) before switching to a front desk position. I have enjoyed swimming with the parent/baby classes and seeing them graduate 6 years later.

 

Since starting work here, I have graduated from PSU (’06), gotten married (’08), and started a family (’09). My daughter, Kaylee, swims like a fish and I can’t wait to see her go through the Children of the Sea program. If you ever have any questions, stop by the front desk and come see me!

 

Courtney

Hi everyone! My name is Courtney and I have worked here at the Front Desk since Spring 2005. I just finished my Bachelor’s Degree at Portland State last year and am happy to be done with school. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, stepson, and beagle, as well as going to movies, reading, and hanging out with friends. I look forward to meeting all of you!

 

Wendy

Hi Swimmers! My name is Wendy. Besides being a swimming instructor since 1999, I am a mom and grandma, a retired professional golfer, a musician, a student, a preschool teacher, an astronomer, a radiographer, an athlete, a bowler, a camper, and many more things. I have lived in California, Oregon and Washington.

 

My favorite thing of all time is the Big Dipper. I started teaching at COTS in 2005, and I love it so much that I might stay here until I retire. The warm water soothes my body, the children’s hugs touch my heart, and the parents and staff are some of my best friends. It just doesn't get any better than that!

 

Hollie

Hi, my name is Teacher Hollie and I have been working at Children of the Sea for 4 years. Before working here, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health from the Eastern Oregon University. When I am not at the school I spend time with my husband and two children, Preston and Meadow. Both of my kids currently swim at C.O.T.S. and really enjoy their time in the water. I also enjoy running, bowling, camping, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

 

Amy

Ready Go! I’m Amy and have been a swim instructor here at Children of the Sea for a total of 4 and a half years. I love the water and I love working with children. During the day, I’m a substitute teacher in David Douglas School District and I teach grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. I love to see children learn in the classroom and in the water!

 

For fun, I love eating sushi, reading, scrapbooking, and going to movies. I look forward to meeting you all in the pool!

 

Erica

I am from Eastern Oregon where the cold is the coldest and the heat is the hottest. I have been teaching for almost 10 years now, but I have swam my whole life. When I am not working, I like to spend time with my daughter and my friends. I love staff parties! I love swimming, going to the mall, and playing Mario games on my Wii.

   

Kendra

My name is Kendra. I have always loved the water and have been active in it for many years. While in high school I participated in water polo, swim team and lacrosse and was team captain in each. During swim team my favorite stroke was backstroke and freestyle. I am a very open person and I always try to make people smile. I have always loved working with children of all ages and I plan to work with children for many more years.

 

Krissy

My name is Krissy. I moved to the United States from Canada not too long ago and I love it here. Swimming has been a part of my life since I was 4-months-old. I was on a swim team and now teach kids to swim. When I am not in the pool you can usually find me at home with my husband and my cat working on a quilt or reading my new favorite book.

 

Linnea

My name is Linnea and I am currently taking classes at PCC and hoping to become an elementary or special education teacher. I love spending time outside with my two dogs and playing volleyball. I work at the front desk at Children of the Sea and love seeing the kids everyday! And when I was little I took swim lessons at COTS with my sisters!

 

Casey

My name is Casey. I am from Denver, Colorado, and I’ve been working in aquatics since I was 12 years old. I worked as a lifeguard and enjoy teaching all ages. I am a mother of the cutest little guy named Elijah. He is 19 months old and is currently in swim lessons with my husband of 4 years, Tommy. I moved here from Colorado where I grew up. I love it here and plan to stay awhile.

 

Nicole

Hafa Adai! I’m Nicole. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands. I moved to Portland 4 years ago to attend PSU where I’m studying Psychology. I’ve been swimming since I was 10-years-old. From 15 to 17, I swam with the CNMI National Team. It was a great experience and took me to competitions all over Asia and the Pacific! I love swimming and am so happy to be a part of the COTS team!

 

Micaela

I'm Micaela and I'm a junior at Portland State University. I was a competitive swimmer for 7 years and was thrilled to have the opportunity to teach swimming. I worked here at COTS for a year before taking a year off while I was in Americorps NCCC, traveling around the southeast United States doing service work. I had a lot of fun and learned a great deal, but I'm excited to be back in the water. When I'm not at work or school, I like to spend my time reading, cooking, and hiking.

 

Ashlee

Hey everyone! My name is Ashlee and I love being a part of Children of the Sea! After over a decade of teaching/directing in regular schools, I was very happy to move toward a less time consuming position as a private parenting advisor and baby planner so I could spend more time with my family. I love that job, but I missed having the regular interaction with children I used to. Children of the Sea became a perfect fit! 

 

I have always loved to swim, and after teaching my youngest when she was one, I helped many of my clients teach their children. Now that I have fallen in love with the program at COTS, I send everyone here! I hope to continue with them for years to come and can't wait for all of my own children to go through the program as well. See you in the pool!  

 

Abbie

Hey guys! My name is Abbie. I've been swimming ever since I can remember. I was on my high school swim teach and even life guarded for a while. I am currently in school to major in elementary education. Needless to say, I love kiddos. I also enjoy seeing movies, spending time with my family, and cooking! 

 

Shelley

Hi, Swimmers! My name is Shelley. My husband and I moved from Hawaii to the beautiful state of Oregon after he served four years in the U.S. Navy. While in Hawaii I was a lifeguard/swim instructor for four years on the Pearl Harbor military base. Along with the teaching experience, I have a swimming background being a competitive swimmer since the age of ten.

 

Maria

Hola! My name is Maria and I am one of the awesome instructors. I have been with Children of the Sea since May of 2012. I am originally from Mexico and moved to Portland, OR when I was 12. I have been teaching swim lessons for 11 years, and working as an elementary school educator for 5 years at different schools through out the Portland metro area. When I am not making difference in children's lives, I love to watch movies with my future husband, go out with friends and be crafty at home with jewelry and making scrapbooks. After I quit my previous swimming pool job, I thought I would never find a place as fun as COTS has been for me to work at.

 

Melanie

Coming soon!

 

Kaylee 

Hey there! My name is Teacher Kaylee and I'm from warm and sunny California. I moved to Portland 8 years ago to be closer to my family, who I love spending time with.  Growing up, my mom had an in-home daycare, so I have been working with children for 9+ years.  Being from California, I was always swimming. So, When the opportunity came to work with children while swimming, I couldn't resist! Children of the Sea is the most rewarding and accomplishing job I could ever ask for. Watching one of my students achieve a milestone makes my job that much better. I look forward to swimming with all of you!

 

Savannah

Hey Swimmers! My name is Teacher Savannah. I am a COTS alumni and now a COTS swim teacher. I have been teaching here for almost a year and love every second of it! When I was 3 years old I learned how to do a starfish float (from COTS) and have been swimming ever since. I was on a varsity team as a holeset in water polo at my high school and in my spare time I work with kids with special needs. I have worked with kids with special needs ever since I was a kinderbuddy in kindergarten. I love swimming and dancing. Also, right now I am studying to become a nurse! See you in the pool!!

 

Jillian

Hi, my name is Teacher Jillian and I have been a swim instructor for 8 years. I just recently joined the COTS family and fell in love with the program, along with the amazing people I work with. I have a passion for teaching children to swim. I love watching their faces as they meet a goal and to know I helped in that process is very rewarding. When I am not in the pool, I am a student at PSU studying elementary education. I am also an avid dancer and rock climber. I look forward to swimming with you!

 

Esther

Hey swimmers! My name is Teacher Esther and I love swimming. I grew up in Tillamook, OR, where my dad taught me to swim in the local river. When I was 12, I joined a swim team and started teaching swim lessons on the side as a volunteer. I loved teaching so much I never stopped, and I can't see myself ever stopping in the future.

 

My hobbies include swimming, hanging out with my fiance and reading. I attend Clackamas Community College part time, and spend the rest of my time in a pool. Hope to see you there!

 

Kelli

Hi, my name is Teacher Kelli! I started teaching at COTS in the Winter of 2013. Before joining the COTS staff, I attended Central Washington University, where I enjoyed advanced swim classes, water polo, and lap swimming in my free time. Once I graduated with a Bachelor's degree, I returned to the Portland area and have since enjoyed teaching both art and swim. When I am not teaching, I enjoy lap swimming, running, hiking, biking, spending time with friends and family, and writing music. I look foward to swimming with you soon!

 

Aimee

My name is Aimee and I am currently a student at Lewis & Clark. I started swimming competitively at age three and continued competing for 15 years. On my hometown club team in Californina, I started junior coaching at age 13, then continued on to a head coaching position a few years later. I was also an instructor for a learn to swim program, as well as a lifeguard in California. Outside of school and work, I like cooking, camping, reading, and listening to music. I look forward to seeing you in the pool!

 

Karissa

Coming soon!