About Valentine Reitblat

I was born and raised in southern California and spent most weekends at the beach. That's where my love of the water came from. I've been swimming my entire life, taking lessons as a young child and having grown up with a pool at home. I've volunteered and worked with children in many different capacities: a nanny, an art teachers assistant, and in after-school child care; so teaching kids how to swim was an obvious next step. I became a children's swim instructor in 2005, not knowing it would turn into my career and lifelong passion.

I love being in the water. Being able to teach children how to swim has been such an honor and privilege. Watching their progress and confidence grow is such a wonderful thing to witness. I have a unique relationship with each student and I love the trust we build during our lessons together. I have also begun working with children with autism. I've completed a training program and am eager to continue my work in this area. I want all my students and families to come away with swimmers that are confident and competent. It does take consistency and hard work, but fun is most important while learning this lifelong, life changing, skill.