Meet Carissa: Founder + Lead Instructor!
Hi families! I'm Carissa, the owner and lead instructor here at Buffalo Swim Academy!
I specialize in providing quality, one-on-one swim instructions to children of all ages and skill levels- especially new and nervous swimmers who may have fears or bad past lesson experiences. My teaching journey began in 2017 and I have not looked back since!
Over the years, I've taught in various capacities at town recreation departments, private swim clubs, and in families' homes. These diverse experiences have given me valuable insight into what works- and what doesn't- when helping children learn to swim safely.
Recognizing a huge need in Western New York for individualized, survival-style swim lessons taught through play and fun, I founded Buffalo Swim Academy in 2022. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and supportive learning environment for every child I teach. I also take great pride in connecting with families and educating parents on water safety and ways they can help their child reach their goals both in and out of the pool.
Certifications and Continuing Education
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Red Cross Certified Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor (WSI): 2017 → now
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Red Cross Certification in CPR/AED/First aid: 2017 → now (renewed every 2y)
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Board Member Level Instructor at Superhero Swim University (an online community of swim instructors dedicated to sharing knowledge and advice with other instructors): 2024 → now
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And most importantly: Over 9 years of diversified, hands-on experience teaching lessons to children of all ages and abilities. To this date, I have almost 3000 hours of teaching experience under my belt and will continue to learn and grow as an instructor.
Outside of the pool, I graduated from Canisius College with a BS in Biology in 2023. I am currently a Phase 3 vet student at Ontario Veterinary College set to graduate with my DVM in 2027. Although veterinary medicine is one of my interests, I absolutely love teaching swim and plan to do so for many more years!
Meet Alicia!
Alicia is so excited to be joining Buffalo Swim Academy for a second summer in 2026! As a lifelong swimmer, Alicia knows how important swim lessons are for the safety of young ones around the water, and for peace of mind for parents.
Alicia started as a lifeguard and group swim instructor at the Rochester Yacht Club in 2019, and then moved to teaching private 1:1 swim lessons in 2023. She coaches camps for competitive swimmers through the University at Buffalo and is an alum of the UB Women's Swiming and Diving Team, where she specialized in sprint freestyle.
While at UB, Alicia studied Exercise Science on the Pre-Physical Therapy track. She loves to incorporate movement and the human body into her lessons! An internship at UB's Early Childhood Research Center also introduced her to play-based learning, which she finds very effective in motivating and engaging little ones throughout their lessons. She hopes one day to become a pediatric physical therapist! In her free time, Alicia loves to work out, read, and explore Buffalo. She is so excited to meet you and your kiddos and to get swimming this summer!
Meet Noah!
Noah Cooper is thrilled to join the team at Buffalo Swim Academy this year as a swim instructor!
Hailing all the way from California, Noah began his teaching journey as a certified lifeguard and swim instructor for CSD in 2014. Over the years, he received extensive training in both water safety and instruction, including certifications in Emergency First Aid, AED, CPR, Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI), and more! Ever since working as a swim instructor, Noah has followed his passion of teaching- now bringing over 12 years of experience to work with his swimmers!
Noah studied Mathematics and Liberal Arts at Sonoma State University before continuing on to earn a Masters of multiple subject teaching from Sacramento State University. Even after transitioning to a career as a classroom teacher in 2020, he continued teaching private swim lessons.
In the Summer of 2025, Noah made the monumental move from California all the way to Elma, where he is now working in the Lancaster Central School District!
Noah loves to help new swimmers overcome fears of the water and discover the joys of swimming! With 12 years of hands-on teaching experience, he has worked with individuals of all ages and with a wide variety of personal goals. Whether your concern is with water safety, stroke development, or just learning enough to have fun swimming with the family, Coach Cooper is happy to help!
Meet Kayla!
Kayla is so excited to join the team at Buffalo Swim Academy this year as a swim instructor, bringing over 4 years of hands-on teaching and aquatic leadership experience. She began her career in 2021 as a lifeguard and water safety instructor (WSI) at the Clarence Town Pool.
During her undergraduate studies in Exercise Science at the University of Vermont, Kayla continued to grow as an instructor at Hardack Pool, where she worked as a manager, lifeguard, and swim instructor while competing on the track team. There, she taught both group and private lessons, working with swimmers of all ages and abilities- from new swimmers to stroke development.
Kayla is currently completing her Master’s in Exercise Science at the University at Buffalo, where she has found a passion for coaching adaptive sports. Through her work leading adapted fitness classes and teaching adaptive kayaking, she developed a strong appreciation for individualized instruction, creativity, and building meaningful connections with each student. Looking forward, she hopes to pursue a career in Occupational or Physical Therapy, continuing her commitment to helping others thrive.
Kayla is extremely excited to work one-on-one with people of various ages and swimming abilities, grow meaningful relationships, and share her love for swimming this summer!