About our Staff

866 Navaronne Way, Concord, CA 94518                                          Phone (925)429-3244   Fax (925)459-8895

Little Swimmers is a family-owned and operated swim school. We take pride in the high quality of our lessons, as well as the facilities we offer our swimmers.

Owner/Administrator

Tilde Karlsen-Viscia is your day-to-day contact regarding scheduling and payments. Tilde is a stay-at-home mom of two kids who are also currently enjoying Kendra's schooling, and well aware of the challenges of finding good quality swim lessons for little kids in our area.

 Instructor/Swim Director

We centered our high-quality swim lessons around the teachings of Kendra Messer, and her well-proven methods for aquatic progression. 

Kendra has been swimming for over 20 years and has been teaching for more than 10 years. Kendra is up-to-date certified in Lifeguard and first aid.

 "I have a working knowledge of childrens' learning processes and fears. I feel very strongly about water safety and I have a strong desire that not only will my students swim proficiently, they will also be confident in their skill. This confidence will carry into their every day life and will enhance their enjoyment while in swim class.

I am extremely dedicated to the progression of each and every one of my students; I have high standards for my swimmers, based on their individual ability and for myself as I guide them to reach their goals.

I pride myself on being able to teach any student, no matter age, swim ability or disability. I have extensive experience working with children with disabilities ranging from mild to severe. Through patience and understanding I am able to reach the child and bring them positively through whatever obstacles stand between them and their ability to master strokes.

It is my goal that my students leave my class with a sense of accomplishment - no matter how big or small that accomplishment may be."

                                                              Kendra Messer

Instructor

We are excited to introduce Kristen McCormack as our new instructor at Little Swimmers. Outside of swimming competitively for more than a decade, Kristen has also extensive experience with instruction as well as coaching, and working with children of all ages in general. Kristen most recently coached the swimmers of the Vista Diablo Dolphins during the 2009 season.

Kristen has worked with Kendra to adapt to our Little Swimmers' Program and techniques. Kristen is CPR-certified.

"I grew up in Florida swimming before I could talk. I swam competitively for over 12 years and went on to coach swimming here in California. I also directed the 5th and 6th grade program at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church for two years.

I graduated from Flagler College in 2004 with a BA in Social Sciences and a minor in Youth Ministry. In college I worked as a backpacking guide for students of all ages in Colorado. I also have experience volunteering with children with disabilities through Young Life's Capernaum Program.

I absolutely love kids and I find it a privilege to be a positive adult influence, who not only teaches aquatic skills, but encourages, supports, and loves in order to build self-esteem and confidence in our children."

                                                                 Kristen McCormack