Squiddles Survival Swim School is a different kind of swim lesson. It was established by the owner, Anatasia Dewald, in memory of her twins, Devin and Conner, who drowned in 2005 in a swimming pool at a daycare facility. The business pays homage to the 15 years of dedication that Anatasia has put toward teaching children and parents the importance of safety around the pool.
Master Instructor, Owner
Anatasia Dewald
Specialization Otter, Stingray, and Porpoise
Head Instructor Anatasia Dewald is driven to teach every child how to save themselves if they fall in any water body. Why does she have this drive? In 2005 while at work, she received a phone call that no parent ever thinks they will receive. Her 2-year-old twins drowned while at the daycare facility. One can only imagine the unbelievable heartbreak she felt. Anatasia decided that she would do whatever it took to prevent this phone call from happening to another parent. In March 2008, she traveled to San Antonio, TX, to embark on intensive 6-week training to become an aquatic survival swim instructor. Taking her knowledge back to Copperas Cove, TX, she began her new journey. She has taught over 2,400 students to save themselves, and she wants yours to be 2,401.
She has learned over the years that for your child to be able to survive, she must be firm, consistent, and fair while teaching. Some parents find it difficult at first to watch their child learn but then understand the process. She never gives up, works long hours, and has a laser focus to keep your child safe.
Instructor
Jodi Osborne
Specialize in Porpoise, Shark, Orca and Adult swim lessons
Instructor Jodi Osborne comes from a lengthy swimming background. She learned to swim at age four and was the youngest to join her hometown competitive swim club in Elk Grove, CA. She quickly made the local paper winning against eight-year-olds in her favorite stroke, breaststroke. Around the pool, she had the nickname, Toad. Along with her siblings, she started training with Olympic Coach Sherm Chavoor at the Arden Hills Swim Club in Carmichael, CA. Coach Chavoor taught swimming legends, Mark Spitz and Debbie Meyers.
Jodi continued swimming in high school and college and started teaching lessons at age 16. She enjoyed teaching so much that she became a high school teacher and cheer/dance coach. She believes that students learn differently and at different speeds, so she prefers one on one lessons. This helps to create confidence in each student, so they are motivated to keep trying until they succeed.
OZ
Lexi Venegas-Franklin
Specialization Communication, Scheduling, and all of Administration
Lexi is our Operations Manager the "OZ" behind the curtain. A graduate from the University of Texas with a Bachelors of Science in Radio-Televison-Film and an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Graphic Design she brings a wealth of knowledge to our growing business. She is a huge part of our team, from designing our logo, website design, finance manager, scheduling, and direct customer care she does it all! She has a passion for Squiddles that is very personal. She too lost her twin brother and sister to drowning. She is driven to make sure others do not endure what her family endured on that traumatic day. She works full time as a graphic designer and runs the Squiddles business full time. To say she is busy is an understatement. She is an absolute force of nature that every business owner wishes they had. We are grateful and appreciative of her knowledge, passion, and commitment to the Squiddles family.