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About
I save lives, help people overcome fears and build confidence. I have been a swim coach for 15 years and am truly blessed that my career is my passion!
Overview
Hired 72 times
Serves Bensenville, IL
Background checked
2 employees
10 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 7:00 pmMon8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Payment methods
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Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2018
2017
Services offered
Student experience level
Work location
My customers travel to me
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
55 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Jeanine F.
Sep 1, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Ms Kristi exceeded our expectations x10. From lesson one she was able to get our little 4 year old to put her head under water and dive for mermaids within 30 min. After only five lessons my daughter has gone from zero ability to swim to being able to swim better than me. The investment is priceless, but having the peace of mind knowing she is safe in and around a pool is what makes a parent like me sleep better at night. I couldn’t be happier with our decision to hire a personal swim instructor wouldn’t recommend anyone other than her. Thank you to Ms Kristi for giving our daughter one of the most important skills of her life.
Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • No experience • Comfortable in water • Become more comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • Yes, a pool at my home • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Private Swim Lessons
Kodi K.
Jul 13, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
I like how Kristi focuses on fundamental skills that many of us were taught incorrectly. After many rounds of lessons over the years, my son still isn’t confident in his swimming abilities. After his one-hour session with Kristi yesterday, he now believes he can become a strong swimmer if he practices these new skills. He said he’s most excited about the breathing techniques he learned.
Details: Youth (6 - 12 years old) • Intermediate • Comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • No, I would like the pro to suggest a pool • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location
Private Swim Lessons
Carrie R.
Jul 5, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Kristi B. is the instructor I have been hoping to find for over six years! My daughter, J, had two severely traumatic experiences in the water by age four and until last week, had been beyond fearful of getting her face wet.
I hired a private 1:1 swim instructor for my son, who has multiple social and emotional special needs, nine years ago, when he was six. The instructor is a wonderful public school special education teacher. He was extremely successful with my son. He was not, however, to develop the trusting relationship necessary with my daughter, for her to be comfortable working with him.
Kristie, after interviewing over the phone and meeting me, sat down with J to let her describe, in her own words, her previous experiences in the water and how they made her feel.
Keeping J's perspective in mind, Kristie was able to get in the pool with her and begin the teaching process. I was fascinated by how Kristie arranged the steps to instruct my daughter were different than the order in which my son was taught. It seems she tailors her approach to the student's needs-kind of like an I.E.P. for swimming. : )
By the end of the first lesson, my daughter was putting her face in the water and floating on her back independently! When Kristie asked, J said she thought she'd never swim on her back. J was beaming with pride. I'll never forget her expression. :)
Two days later, Kristie had J going completely underwater, by herself. I loved that Kristie taught her how by demonstrating the physical goal, not by putting her hands on her (in this specific teaching area) to guide my daughter through the motions. It showed J that only she was in control of her body and Kristie was not going to rush or force her into something she was not ready to try. Empowering words and consistent, positive reinforcement had J swimming the width of the pool, on her back, by the end of the second lesson!
At home, we're recording the achievements made during each class on the calendar to provide a visual of her achievements.
My number one goal for my daughter is to be safe in and around water. I can't express how excited, thankful and relieved I am that J is swimming on her back and quickly developing more potentially life saving safety skills. By the time Jackie will no longer need lessons, I know she will continue swimming just for fun.
I can't recommend Kristie enough!
I can't wait to see what will develop during tomorrow's lesson!
Private Swim Lessons
Ramona M.
Oct 11, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
When i talked to Kristi over the phone she told me that I'll be able to swim in 1 hr. I was skeptical, I'm not going to lie. That being said, i just had my 1st 1hr class on Friday and let me tell you by the end of the class i was swimming. She promised and she delivered. She's an amazing teacher, very knowledgeable, very patient and her technique is gold. I absolutely recommend her. Thank you Kristi
Details: Adult (18 or older) • Beginner • Comfortable in water • Become more comfortable in water • Improve swimming technique • Learn basic strokes • No, I would like the pro to suggest a pool • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location
Private Swim Lessons
Lissa B.
Feb 23, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Kristi is amazing! My daughter was afraid to get her face wet but after only a few lessons she was swimming! Kristi is patient, professional and the most knowledgeable swim teacher we've ever worked with!
Private Swim Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Christine Battaglia
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Please feel free to contact me about pricing information!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I find out where the client is physically and mentally before we start. What their goals are, their prior experiences, any fears associated with the water and any special needs. I make everyone I work with feel extremely comfortable sharing with me. I have the ability to be at the level the person I am working with is at, regardless of their age or circumstance.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BS in Social Work and am a certified Life Coach. I am a certified Water Safety Instructor through American Red Cross. I also have experience in Aqua Therapy and Rehab through ATRI and Aqua Fitness. CPR/AED training.