I am an Aquatic Volunteer for the American Red Cross Saint Louis Area Chapter. Watching my students achieve what they thought was “the impossible” has brought me great joy. When teaching there is nothing that pleases me more than to hear “I did it!” and seeing the students strive for more. I believe that the Red Cross Aquatics Programs teach far more than the details of how to swim and the basics of water safety; they contains the dreams of an athlete unaware of their potential, the building blocks for heightened self-esteem, gifts of lifesaving skills, compassion and empathy, courage and hope. Teaching aquatics for the Red Cross has allowed me to make my passion for water and teaching contagious and still lets me be a student; taking in knowledge from each experience I have. I am ever grateful for the opportunities Kathy, Ryan, Laurie, Joyce and all of my students have given me over the years.
Kelly is an Aquatics volunteer for the St. Louis Area Chapter.