Our Instructors

JSS Instructor Since 2014

 Alex Huynen, Ph.D. - Founder, President (She, Her, Hers)

"I swam for Splash Aquatics for 15 years. In 2009, I became a certified swim coach for Splash and I now specialize in stroke development and technique. I have also worked at a preschool/elementary school in Cypress that focuses on children with special needs. I am currently a licenses educational psychologist. I have a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Arizona, a Masters in Education in School Psychology from Alliant International University, and a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in School Psychology from Chapman University.

My goal was to develop a nonprofit swim program that is fully inclusive for all children. I have experience teaching children with different abilities and want to build a program at Jump Start Swimming that will work for any child. All children should be water safe.

I am halfway to my goal. Jump Start Swimming is a nonprofit organization and we provide lessons to all children who attend our program; however, I am still determined to increase instructor knowledge, techniques, and experience so that all our instructors are able to work with all children no matter what their ability.”

Certifications: Life-guard, CPR & First Aid: Infant and Child, and Adult; Safety Training for Swim Coaches; USA Swim Coach; Swimming with Autism Certified


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JSS Instructor Since 2018

Jake Huynen - Instructor (He, Him, His)

“I started swimming for Splash Aquatics when I was five years old. I swam at Splash until I reached high school and began playing water polo at Fountain Valley High School. Water polo became my love. I have played water polo for my high school, college, and on a club team. I live in the water and spend my time either at the beach or in the snow! I have taught swim lessons for the last three years. I have also been able to help teach children and adults with a range of disabilities. I currently coach water polo at Ocean view High School and for Riptide.”

Certifications: Lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid: Infant, Child, and Adult; Safety Training for Water Polo Coaches

 

JSS Instructor Since 2021

Madison Le - Instructor (She, Her, Hers)

“I started swimming in 2005 back when Los Amigos High School held swim lessons during the summer. A year later, I started my 13- year long journey of competitive swim with Riptide in 2006 and then Splash in 2012. Additionally, I swam my first two years of high school (2015-2017) before realizing that I enjoyed coaching more than I did swimming. I started coaching in the summer of 2015. Since then I have had many opportunities to coach at schools like Estancia specializing in basic techniques for beginning swimmers. Currently, I am rekindling my love for the water after having spent so much time outside of it and sharing my love for teaching and instructing.”

Certifications: Heartsaver CPR/AED, First Aid: Infant, Child, and Adult

 

JSS Instructor Since 2023

Samantha Bell - Instructor (She, Her, Hers)

“Hi, everyone! My name is Samantha Bell and I am so excited to be a part of the Jump Start Swimming team. As a former competitive swimmer for Nova Aquatics, Goldenwest Swim Club, and Huntington Beach High School, I am excited to jump back into the pool and help the new generation of swimmers. Throughout my time at HBHS, I was a member of the varsity swim team, Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook and an active member of the student council. After graduating, I headed off to college to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a journalist and currently attend the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications. I have taught swim lessons for the past three years and have a great deal of experience with children of all ages. Teaching swim lessons has become the highlight of my summer and I love to pass on my love for the water onto others. I'm super excited to dive into this summer with everyone!”

Certifications: CPR & First Aid: Infant and Child, and Adult

 

JSS Instructor 2022 & 2024

Patrick Knight - Instructor (He, His, Him)

Hello my name is Patrick! I’ve been a swim instructing and lifeguarding for 5 years. I have experience with all ages and multiple disabilities! I love teaching and I'm currently a college student working on my degree in education.  I want to start in elementary and work my way up to high school and hopefully become a college professor after getting my doctorate. I work really well with everyone and I can’t wait to see your faces this summer!

Certifications: CPR & First Aid: Infant and Child, and Adult

 

JSS Instructor Since 2024

Chloe Douglas- Instructor (She, Her, Hers)

Hi! My name is Chloe Douglas, I am a junior at Huntington Beach High School. I have been teaching swim lessons for four years and I have been lifeguarding for three years. I love working with kids of all ages! I've been babysitting and I have been around kids with disabilities for multiple years. I love working with everyone! I love being in the water and I love swimming! 

Certifications: Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid

 

JSS Instructor Since 2024

Angie Franzetti - Instructor (She, Her, Hers)

I started swimming when I was three years old with Green Valley and absolutely fell in love with the water. I continued swimming with them every summer until I was eighteen years old! Once I entered 3rd grade I started swimming competitively with Riptide Aquatics. I continued with Riptide until I started high school. I went to Ocean View High school and immediately started playing water polo. I fell in love with water polo. I swam and played water polo all four years at Ocean View, and continued to do both in college! Currently, I am a water polo coach for Riptide Water Polo and for the Ocean View High School water polo teams. I am attending Golden West College, where I am playing water polo and majoring in Art Education.

Aiden Douglas - Instructor (He, His, Him)

Bio Coming Soon

Certifications: CPR & First Aid: Infant and Child, and Adult

 

JSS Instructor Since 2025

Annika Hurtig - Instructor (She, Her, Hers)

Hello I'm Annika! I’m part of Ocean View Aquatics, playing goalie for the varsity water polo team and swimming on the varsity swim team. I’m set to graduate from Ocean View Highschool in 2026. Outside of the pool, you will find me at the beach. Being in the water is a huge part of my life, I like to pretend I’m a real life mermaid. I love to have a good laugh and keep the energy fun wherever I go!

Certifications: CPR & First Aid: Infant and Child, and Adult

 

JSS Instructor Since 2025

Serena Ruiz - Instructor (She, Her, Hers)

Hello! I’m Serena! I’m a high school senior at Ocean View High School. I’ve done high school swim for 3 years and water polo for 2. The water is my favorite place to be. When I'm not at the pool or the beach, I love to read and bake. I'm so excited to help others be comfortable in the water and help them enjoy swimming as much as I do!

Certifications: CPR & First Aid: Infant and Child, and Adult

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