Splash | Safety Director

Meet our Safety Director, Splash! Though he has been part of the Barron family since 2017, he actually found us by accident. It was a nice, cold, and sunny day in the Arctic Circle, and Splash was going for a swim with all of his friends. They were having so much fun! At least, they were, until a storm rolled in. They all scrambled onto to the nearest iceberg to find safety, but Splash slipped off and fell in the water! He was scared, and had no idea what to do. But Splash is never one to give up! He picked a direction and started to swim, and he swam for days and days, often floating on his back to take a rest and catch his breath. Finally, he made it to shore, and he decided to keep going farther inland, swimming in lakes, rivers, and making new friends (like Flip from Barron Gymnastics) along the way! He didn’t stop until he got to a big arch. Only then did he feel like he was home. After a few days of exploring the city, he caught word of a swim school being established called Barron Swim School. Splash knew that he had to be a part of it, and the rest is history! Now, he serves as our Safety Director and absolutely loves his job! From Safety Circles to Polar Bear Floats, Splash knows all about water safety and is always ready to lend a helping paw. In his free time, he likes to swim and spend time with his Barron family. His favorite candy is Sweedish Fish!

Emma C. | Employee of the Month

Emma Cowherd joined Barron Swim School in the fall of 2024, bringing a passion for teaching that has been evident since her freshman year of high school. With experience as a mentor and leader in her high school teaching program, Emma excels at engaging with children and fostering a positive learning environment. Her strengths include active listening, enthusiasm, and the ability to provide differentiated instruction tailored to each student’s needs, while also remaining calm under pressure. A lifelong swimmer, Emma has spent countless summers at her neighborhood pool and has experience as a lifeguard, in addition to competing on her high school swim team. Outside of swimming, she enjoys listening to music, attending concerts, and journaling. Emma is also a proud dog owner of two dogs, Gus and Pete, she’s a fan of Scooby-Doo, and she loves Twizzlers Pull ‘n’ Peel candy.

Jack Y. | Director of Operations

Jack has been working at Barron Swim School since the very beginning in 2015, even before we had our first location. He started out as the Aquatics Director for our South County location and is now the Director of Operations across both our South County and our O’Fallon locations. Jack has coaching experience from coaching novice level swimmers all the way to the Olympic Trial Qualifiers. He was a USA swimming club coach for over 25 years and has coached in St. Louis, North Carolina, Virginia and Texas. Jack also used to be a competitive swimmer, himself. He began swimming at the age of 4 on the local swim team and swam all the way through high school. His favorite stroke was breaststroke and the IM. In Jack’s free time, he loves to read about history (Western European is his favorite), enjoys running, and is a HUGE football fan. Jack’s favorite candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (they’re the best when they’re frozen)!

Alex H. | General Manager

Alex joined the Barron Swim team in 2019 as a swim instructor at our South County location, and he is the General Manager at our location in O’Fallon, MO. In both roles, Alex coordinates safety procedures and mentors and trains staff on Barron Swim School’s curriculum. He also oversees the progress, development, and evaluations of the students. Alex is committed to providing the highest level of safety, leadership, and instruction to all staff and swimmers. Born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri area, Alex’s passion for swimming started from a young age and continued to grow once he joined the water polo team at Mehlville High School. Upon graduation from Mehlville High School in 2008, he joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and served for ten years. In Alex’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Natalie and four children: Sophia, Maverick, Charlotte, and Melita.  He also enjoys fishing, landscaping, and time at the gym.

Josephine R. | Aquatics Director

LIGHT BLUE LANE

Josephine has been working at Barron Swim School since early 2018. She began as a part-time swim instructor at our South County location and is now the Aquatics Director at our O’Fallon location. Josephine’s roles both in and of the pool involve implementing safety procedures in Barron Swim School’s curriculum, as well as mentoring and orchestrating the development and performance of staff. Josephine’s main goal in the pool for each lesson is to find the perfect and most effective balance between safety and enjoyment for each child. Before joining the Barron team, she worked as a lifeguard all throughout high school and swam competitively on her high school swim team, followed by becoming one of the assistant swim coaches for her team her senior year. Josephine currently obtains a lifeguard certification, a CPR and first-aid certification, and her CPO certification. In Josephine’s free time, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends, paddle boarding, and reading.

Erin S. | Assistant Aquatics Director

ORANGE LANE

Erin has been working at Barron Swim School since the summer of 2023. She has lots of experience working with children, as she used to teach swim lessons at another facility and was a daycare teacher for two years prior to becoming a swim instructor at Barron. She loves working with kids because she enjoys watching them learn new things, and she finds fulfillment in seeing the joy it brings them when they accomplish a new skill. Erin is also currently in school to get her degree in elementary education and was a competitive swimmer for 16 years, so teaching at Barron Swim School is the perfect mix of both of her passions! In her free time, Erin likes to read, go hiking, and go hammocking, and her favorite candy is Gushers.

Sydney S. | Lead Teacher

YELLOW LANE

Sydney has been working at Barron Swim School since 2019. She started at the South County location, where she worked as both a Lead Teacher and an Assistant Aquatics Director, and transferred to the O’Fallon location in the fall of 2024. Sydney discovered her passion for teaching during her sophomore year of high school while working with children. Starting as an A+ Tutor, she progressed through the Area Technical School Program for Early Childhood and Elementary Education, solidifying her commitment to a career in education. She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and is pursuing her English Degree and teaching certification through the Teach-In-12 Program at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Her teaching philosophy centers on making a difference in her students’ lives through kindness, patience, and empathy. Outside of teaching, Sydney enjoys reading—boasting a personal library—and cherishes time with her family, particularly her nephews, Gray and August. A fun fact about her is that she played softball for 13 years and even coached her own team. She is also a fan of Jolly Rancher Gummies!

Zach A. | Lead Teacher

MAROON LANE

Zach has experience working with kids from the time he was a kid all the way up until about freshman or sophomore year of high school. Zach worked at a summer camp called camp sunshine (later changed to camp rainbow) which was out in Potosi, Missouri. This camp was designed for kids with chronic illnesses that never got to enjoy being a kid much. As a volunteer he would directly interact with the kids while they participate in various activities. Zach’s strengths for teaching are leadership and extroversion. He’s very devoted and an outgoing individual who maintains a high level of energy. Zach holds a certification in shallow life guarding, and has taken courses per the Boy Scouts of America in order to become a better swimmer. These courses included life-saving, as well as techniques for swimming. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and being outdoors as much as possible. He also loves visiting Seattle, Washington with his girlfriend to visit his dad as well as going to the mountains and pier to sight see and explore. His favorite candy is Reese’s Pieces.

Allison B.

Allison became a teacher at Barron Swim School in the winter of 2024. She has spent nine years working in informal education and education research prior to joining the Barron Swim School team, where she has had the opportunity to engage with K-12 students, community college students, and adults in continuing education. Inspired by the incredible teachers she encountered throughout her own life, Allison is passionate about teaching and strives to pay forward the impact they had on her. She loves helping students become deeply engaged in the topics they are learning while making the process enjoyable. With a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, Allison excels in creating a supportive, patient, and positive environment where students feel empowered to learn, even when facing challenges. Outside of teaching, Allison enjoys powerlifting, MMA, cooking, and spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Deacon. She is also a fan of Marvel comics and movies, especially Daredevil. She enjoys fruity candy and Snickers!

Barbara A.

GREEN LANE

Barbara has been teaching at Barron Swim School since the summer of 2024. She has a passion for both working with children and for fitness, and she loves having the opportunity to combine both of those passions when she comes to work. Barbara has a variety of experience working with kids, from as young as infants to as old as teenagers, and she has an impressive teaching background in various recreational activities. Her optimism, adaptability, and ability to make each class fun and unique are just some of her teaching strengths. Barbara loves spending her free time in nature and enjoys going hiking, camping, and canoeing. Her favorite sweet treat is dark chocolate.

Cassie G.

LIGHT BLUE LANE

Cassie has been working at Barron Swim School since the spring of 2024. She can be found both in the water teaching and behind the front desk working customer service. Cassie has two years of prior swim instructor experience under her belt and adapted very quickly to Barron’s curriculum and culture due to that experience. Her strengths as a swim instructor are knowing how to relate to kids and parents since she is a mother of two children, herself. She also has prior experience in retail and customer service, and her experience in those roles makes her a strong, friendly, upbeat person behind the front desk at Barron. When Cassie is not at Barron, she likes to bake, garden, cook, and spend time outdoors with her family. Her favorite candies are Pez and candy hearts.

Delaney B.

Delaney joined the Barron Swim School team in the spring of 2025. A competitive swimmer since the age of five, Delaney has spent the majority of her life honing her skills in the pool, and she brings five years of experience working with children as both a babysitter and swim instructor. Delaney’s passion for teaching is fueled by her love for helping kids stay engaged and reach their full potential in the water. She is skilled at keeping kids entertained while guiding them to swim across the pool with speed and confidence. Her ability to give constructive feedback in a positive and encouraging way makes her an excellent coach. In addition to her teaching experience, Delaney plans to major in education, further solidifying her commitment to working with children. Outside of the pool, she enjoys reading and spending time with her pets, and her favorite treat is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!

Emma N.

LIGHT PURPLE LANE

Emma has been a part of the Barron Swim School team since early 2023! One of her biggest strengths in the water and as a swim instructor is her bubbly, high-spirited personality. She loves being able to share her passion for water and swimming with the students she’s instructing, and she enjoys watching them grow to love swimming and being in the water, too! Emma used to work as a lifeguard, and she’s also a year-round competitive swimmer. When she’s not in the water, Emma can be found spending time outdoors. She loves going hiking, biking, skiing, and horseback riding, and her favorite candy is Skittles.

Julia Z.

BLUE LANE

Julia joined the Barron Swim School team in the summer of 2024. Before diving into the world of swimming, she brought her creative energy and dedication to teaching children at a gymnastics school. This experience ignited her love for guiding kids through new skills and celebrating their achievements. Julia is known for her kindness, creativity, and eagerness to continuously learn and grow. She approaches swim instruction with the same enthusiasm, and her commitment to making learning a joyful experience ensures that each child not only develops essential swimming skills but also gains confidence and a love for the water. When she’s not in the pool, Julia enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time with her two beloved dogs, Ember and Ace. Her favorite treat is Nerds Clusters.

Lydia D.

PURPLE LANE

Lydia has been on the Barron Swim School team since the fall of 2024. Lydia has developed a strong foundation in nurturing and leading children, where she has experience volunteering as an assistant teacher for preschoolers at Dardenne Presbyterian Church, working as a counselor in training at Camp Cedarledge during the summer, serving as the assistant to the Den Leader of a Cub troop, and babysitting for the past few years. In addition, she has grown up with two younger brothers with severe ADHD, where she has developed a deep empathy and insight into the challenges some children face. Her strength lies in her ability to be patient and adaptable, ensuring that every child feels supported and encouraged, and these experiences have equipped her with the patience and understanding needed to support children of all ages, abilities, and personalities. Her enthusiasm for working with children extends beyond the pool; she is also passionate about musical theater, dance, and choir. Lydia has been involved in choir for four years and theater for almost 10 years, currently participating in select treble at Liberty High School and theater at the same institution. Though she is taking a break from dance, she has been practicing various forms since second grade. Lydia’s favorite sweet treat is rainbow Sweet Tart Ropes.

Makenzie S.

Makenzie joined Barron Swim School in the spring of 2025, bringing with her a strong background in working with children and a passion for teaching. She previously taught swim lessons and served as a lifeguard at Wapelhorst Aquatic Center, and has spent years volunteering at summer camps and daycares led by her mom, who is a daycare director. Makenzie’s enthusiasm, outgoing personality, and positive energy make her a natural fit for working with young swimmers—she loves how excited and engaged kiddos are in lessons. Outside of the pool, Makenzie is a state-ranked wrestler, placing 4th in the state after just two seasons, and she holds leadership roles as Vice President of her school’s choir program and Senior Class President. Her favorite sweet treat is Snickers!

Michaela F.

TEAL LANE

Michaela (aka Mack) joined the Barron Swim School team in early 2023, and she has prior experience in both lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons. Her favorite part about being a swim teacher is seeing the smiles on the faces of her students when they succeed, and she loves watching them make progress in class and learn how to be safer in and around the water. She finds that contributing to her students’ growth as both swimmers and as individuals is the most fulfilling part about her job, and because she has such a passion for working with children, she loves working with a variety of age groups and personalities. When Michaela is in the water, she prioritizes bringing positivity into each of her classes with each of her students. Outside of work, she enjoys working out and running, and she is currently studying to become a pediatric nurse. Her favorite candy is Skittles!

Missy F.

PEACH LANE

Missy joined the Barron Swim School team in the winter of 2024, bringing years of experience as a lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, and swim teacher. Her passion for teaching began in high school and college, where she loved helping children discover the joy of water while overcoming their fears. Missy’s strengths as a swim instructor include her ability to connect with students, her patience, and her adaptability. She strives to create a positive, supportive environment that builds confidence, emphasizes safety, and makes learning fun. Outside of teaching, Missy enjoys spending time with her family on the pool deck and lake, supporting her children’s swim teams, and volunteering on several nonprofit boards, including the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board. Her favorite candy is Ferrero Rocher!

Nia W.

GOLD LANE

Nia joined the Barron Swim School team in the winter of 2023. She loves working as a swim teacher because she is fond of seeing her students grow increasingly more excited about learning new things, and one of her biggest strengths as a teacher is wearing her smile and going into each class with a good mind space and ready to make a difference in every student’s life. With a strong background in customer service, she values the opportunity to broaden her understanding of how Barron Swim School operates, while providing exceptional support to clients. Nia deeply appreciates the collaborative, positive atmosphere at Barron and is passionate about the importance of teaching water safety, not just to children, but to their families as well. When Nia isn’t working, she can be found learning new songs on the saxophone, participating in a family-run non-profit organization, and exploring Missouri with her cousins and grandma. She also has a Husky-Great Dane mix named Niko, and her favorite candies are Milky Ways, Wild Berry Skittles, Twix, and gum.

Olivia N.

LIGHT GREEN LANE

Olivia has been working at Barron Swim School since the summer of 2023. She has teaching experience with coaching soccer and volunteering to coach early elementary kids during the school year, and she babysits! She also has a competitive swimming background, so she’s very comfortable and familiar with the water. Olivia’s strengths in the water as a teacher is flexibility because she strives to accommodate for each student to do their best and work their hardest while also prioritizing safety, and she’s determined to go out of her way as much as necessary to make any changes needed to help each child perform to the best of their abilities. In her free time, Olivia loves being creative by writing stories, painting, drawing, and sewing, and she loves taking her dog named Molly on car rides. Her favorite candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Payton D.

GREY LANE

Payton joined the Barron Swim School in the fall of 2024. Payton is a passionate educator with extensive experience in babysitting and working with children, where she has developed a deep understanding of their unique personalities and interests. She enjoys fostering growth and creating an engaging environment where each child can thrive and have fun. As a teacher at Barron, Payton’s strengths lie in her ability to keep kids entertained and engaged while learning more about each child’s individual preferences. A competitive soccer player since the age of four, she brings teamwork and enthusiasm to her teaching style. Outside the classroom, Payton enjoys spending quality time with her family—her parents, younger sister, and two dogs—and loves exploring new places and experiences with friends. Her favorite candy is Snickers.

Rylee W.

Rylee joined the Barron Swim School team in the summer of 2024 and operates in both an in-water role and a customer service role. Previously, she worked in the Gymnastics industry, where she appreciated the understanding and efficiency of the team in resolving issues quickly. This experience highlighted the importance of a collaborative and organized work environment, something she values highly at Barron. Rylee enjoys being part of a team where cooperation is key, and everyone can rely on each other, making the work environment positive and productive, especially for the kids. Rylee enjoys drawing and sketching outside of work, and she has two dogs who keep her company. Summer is her favorite season, as it’s the perfect time for outdoor activities and enjoying the warm weather. Her go-to treats are Sour Patch Kids and Hershey’s chocolate!

Sophie C.

RED LANE

Sophie started at Barron Swim School in the summer of 2024. Her experience with children extends beyond the water, having worked in a counseling business and having experience to teaching piano to children, where she honed her skills in creating engaging and inclusive educational experiences. Sophie’s approach to teaching swim lessons is characterized by her ability to make learning both enjoyable and accessible. She believes that a fun, inclusive atmosphere not only enhances skill acquisition but also builds confidence and enthusiasm in her students. Her love for being around people and creating memorable experiences shines through in every lesson she teaches. Outside of the pool, Sophie enjoys indulging in her favorite candy, peach Haribo jelly, and cherishes the moments spent with friends and family.