instructors

Leah cordova

is the founder of Splish Splash Swim School, with over 16 years of experience in swim instruction. She began teaching at the YMCA and has spent the past 11 years providing private, in-home swim lessons throughout Los Angeles.
In 2021, Leah founded Splish Splash Swim School to create a more personalized, high-quality experience for families—one rooted in patience, trust, and genuine care. Her approach focuses on making each child feel safe, supported, and confident in the water.
Working with children is at the heart of her work. Leah believes that learning to swim is not only a life-saving skill but also an opportunity to build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love for the water.
Her mission is to provide a nurturing and elevated swim experience while helping as many children as possible feel comfortable, capable, and proud of themselves in the water.

Ethan Endicott

Ethan has 7 years of lifeguarding experience and over a decade as a competitive swimmer, starting at age 8. He works with all skill levels and is passionate about helping swimmers build confidence and improve technique in a supportive environment.

Emilie Becker

Emilie has 10+ years of aquatics experience, starting in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center and Waterworks Aquatics. She holds a Marine Science degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and is an avid diver and water polo player.

She teaches all levels with a fun, safe approach and loves helping swimmers build confidence and celebrate their progress.

CPR/AED/First Aid Certified

Isabelle Gillette

Isabelle has a lifelong love of swimming and experience in competitive teams, Junior Lifeguards, and synchronized swimming. She’s worked with children ages 1–12 as a nanny, tutor, and dance teacher.

Her teaching style is patient, creative, and play-based, helping students build confidence while having fun.

CPR/AED/First Aid Certified

Joseph Cavazos

Joseph began competitive swimming at age 4 and later played Division 1 water polo at Loyola University. He now coaches youth water polo and high school swim, focusing on making practices both fun and challenging.

He’s passionate about helping athletes grow, highlighted by guiding a beginner swimmer to becoming a race winner.

CPR/AED/First Aid/Lifeguard Certified

Raquel Alvarado

Raquel grew up as a competitive swimmer and began teaching in college. She’s passionate about swimming as a life skill and creates a fun, supportive, and safe environment for all students.

CPR/First Aid/AED Certified
Raquel Alvarado

Theo Greene

Theo is a former high school swimmer with two years of experience as a swim instructor. He brings strong energy and a positive attitude to every lesson.

His teaching style is firm yet fun, helping especially beginners build confidence while enjoying the process.

CPR/First Aid/Lifeguard Certified

Katerin Hernandez

Katerin Hernandez has several years of aquatics experience, teaching swimmers of all ages and skill levels. She’s known for her patience, creativity, and ability to tailor lessons to each individual.

She especially enjoys building trust with her students and watching their progress.

Shalan Raabe

Shalan Raabe grew up in the water, inspired by her love for swimming and even Ariel. That passion led to 7 years of competitive swimming and 4 years as a professional lifeguard at a local waterpark.

She loves sharing her enthusiasm for swimming with children of all ages while also helping more experienced swimmers advance their skills.

CPR/AED/First Aid Certified

Stephen Pollak

Stephen Pollak has been lifeguarding since 1996 and working as a private event lifeguard across the Los Angeles area since 2006.

His goal is to be an extra set of eyes at your event, allowing you to relax while guests of all ages safely enjoy the pool under his watch.