Kayla Whittrock
Shift Coordinator
St. Louis Park, MN
How long have you worked for FOSS?
5 years!
What is your favorite part of working for FOSS?
Teaching a lifelong skill to kids and having fun while doing it.
Can you tell us your favorite FOSS Story?
When we had one of those really big snow storms on a Monday night and the teachers in the pool got to make a snowman on the magic carpet with the few students. It was really fun to watch them make the most out of a pretty slow shift and bringing out their inner kids. It was pretty funny to watch a snowman floating around our pool all night!
What is your favorite level to teach and why?
My favorite age group to teach is the babies/toddlers because I love watching them find their love for the water right at the beginning. Also, having my own little kiddo at home that just turned 1 years old, I can relate even more with the parents and babies because I’m going through the same stuff they are.
What is your favorite skill to teach and why?
My favorite skill to teach is birdflaps because I love being creative and having the kiddos use their imagination that they are flying around the world an back.
Can you recount a student of yours who experienced a major “lightbulb” moment when you were with them?
What is your favorite swim lesson activity to do with kids and why?
Diving for rings. I like to do it with Littles, especially. They come up so amazed, and their parents’ excitement is just priceless.
Anything else you really wish you could tell parents about you as they bring their children to FOSS?
Coming to work and teaching your kiddos to swim is something I cherish and truly enjoy doing. Each and every student I teach means so much to me and I’m truly grateful to be able to teach kids a lifelong skill—and hopefully make a difference!
