Instructors

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  Sea Star Aquatics LLC is owned and operated by Stacy Smith. As a certified Aquatic Recreation Therapist, Stacy has been teaching children and adults with special needs and physical limitations for 15 years at the Bellevue Aquatic Center in Washington. Stacy is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and a certified Aquatic Exercise Instructor. She combines her extensive knowledge and athletic ability with her kind, caring nature to provide the best programs for her clients. Stacy knows how to push her clients to their fullest potential with positive support and encouragement through every step of the learning process.  

  A lifelong swimmer, Clara has 20 years of experience working with special needs children. She believes in helping families build a solid foundation where children are empowered to learn and grow into responsible, capable, caring adults. She is Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute Certified and a Red Cross Certified Lifeguard/First-Aid/CPR/AED. Clara is also a USA Swimming Certified Coach and coaches for Chinook Aquatic Club in addition to her work for Sea Star Aquatics. Her playful nature, bright pink hair, and ability to connect with children has earned her the nickname "Bubbles." Clara specializes in teaching adapted swim skills and water safety to children of all abilities.

Kristina has over 17 years experience working in child development, five years as a teacher in a classroom setting, and three years in aquatics. She has lifelong experience living and working with special needs children. Kristina specializes in connecting with young swimmers who need a kind, firm, creative approach to exploring the aquatic environment. In addition to her work for Sea Star Aquatics, Kristina is also a volunteer swim coach for Chinook Aquatic Club and a student at Green River Community College. 

Katie is an Illinois native who moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2018 and never left. She has worked in the field of disability for over a decade with a variety of experience ranging from outdoor recreation, Special Olympics, medical settings, caregiving, and King County Search and Rescue. Katie swam competitively for eight years and now enjoys recreational open water swimming. She is passionate about eliminating barriers to aquatic recreation so that everyone may enjoy the life-changing magic of water.