I’m Lauren Finnell, Infant Aquatics instructor and founder of Fintastic Infant Aquatics. My husband Bill and I live in Memphis with our three children.
I graduated from the University of Memphis in 2005 with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. I spent a few years teaching and then worked part-time as a tutor, helping children with learning disabilities. After our first two children were born, we made the big decision to move to Spain, where we worked in ministry for three and a half years.
After returning to Memphis, we had our third child Mac. He wants to do everything his big brother and sister do! They love to swim, so I knew it was vital that he learn survival swimming skills. After researching the topic, I discovered Infant Aquatics and contacted the founder, Judy Heumann, to learn more. She told me about her program and how she teaches instructors as well as children at her facility in Longmont, CO. Immediately, I knew this was something I wanted to do and made the decision to travel to Colorado for an intense, hands-on six week in-water training.
For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed being around water. Swimming, canoeing, and water skiing were some of my favorite pastimes as a child. Now, my kids enjoy many of these activities too. As a mom and instructor, I believe it is vital to teach swimming survival skills to help children enjoy the water safely and look forward to teaching your children!