Instructor Bios
Janice Jaicks
- Waterworks On Wheels, Inc./FitnessFest
Janice Jaicks is the owner of Waterworks On Wheels, and teaches lessons every Tuesday at Fitness Forum Health Club (Chandler Blvd. & Dobson Rd.). Janice began teaching swim lessons in 1985 at the Mesa YMCA, and found that she had a real knack for it. She immediately sought additional training, and received her Lifeguard Training Certification and WSI (Water Safety Instruction) Certification.
Janice then started teaching children all over the East Valley in their own backyard pools. Janice became so busy with this endeavor that she started training and hiring other instructors to join her team – and from that time forward, Waterworks On Wheels blossomed into the outstanding business it is today!
Janice adds:
“All kids are unique. I try to take their individual temperaments, including any fears or anxieties, and learn for that child how best to teach him/her to swim and be water-safe. As for my instructors, I choose my staff based on experience with all ages and abilities, as well as his/her ability to understand a child’s strengths, weaknesses, and psyche. When to push, when to hold back, and what step to take to achieve our goals is key. The final ingredient to an outstanding instructor is someone who genuinely cares about each and every child and has patience. I personally enjoy teaching the Parent/Tot class at Fitness Forum. It thrills me to see the little ones, even at 15 months old, going under water and kicking their little legs to get through the hoola-hoop. I also love to see that same child a year later doing well enough to join the “big boy/girl” class, and then swimming before he/she turns three.”
Gretchen Carter
- Waterworks On Wheels, Inc./FitnessFest
Gretchen (Stalnaker) Carter, BA English (ASU), headed west to Arizona from West Virginia in late 2000 to attend Arizona State University. After completing her degree, Gretchen worked as an editor, trainer and instructional designer for several years before meeting Janice Jaicks and accepting the opportunity to work for this unique and exciting business.
Gretchen currently serves as the office manager/coordinator for both Waterworks On Wheels and FitnessFest.
Janice’s notes:
“Without Gretchen running the ship, the ship would have crashed and/or lost course more times than I’d like to mention. Everyone who runs an office, a business or a company needs someone who can “keep it together”, and Gretchen IS what keeps Waterworks and FitnessFest going and growing.
Her humble bio does not indicate her assets, which include organization, dedication, intelligence, diligence, friendliness in person and on the phone, and being a fantastic edit person and writer. When you have a small business, it is also important to have someone you can trust and someone who is loyal. I am lucky to have this in Gretchen.
Together we look to continue to bring you excellent customer service, as well as great service with swim lessons and with our fitness conferences.”
Instructor: Christina Haneghan
Christina Haneghan, BA Kinesiology (Exercise Science), has been in aquatics for more than a decade.
When she isn’t working for Waterworks, Christina works for a cardiac clinic in Phoenix, AZ.
Some of Christina’s other interests include health and wellness and sports medicine. Christina spends her free time exercising, watching sports, listening to music, and hanging out with friends and family.
Recently, one of our clients shared a wonderful note with us about Christina:
“We wanted to drop a note about our children’s swim instructor, Christina. She is such a phenomenal swim instructor. She is very aware of the kid’s abilities and challenges each child to his own level even within the same class. She is also firm, yet gentle and so very patient. Kids will often try to get out of doing things that are challenging (e.g. by whining) but Christina never falls for this; she has a very gentle but firm way of getting the kids to participate. The other parents also always comment on how patient and good she is. She always stays calm even with the frequent whining or disruption (the kids that scream through entire session or that won’t sit still). I don’t know how Christina does it! We believe that Christina is truly an asset to your school. We really appreciate having her and our kids look forward to going to swim class each week mostly because of her.” -Viviana
Adult Instructor: Connie Lagerhausen
Connie has been an aquatic fitness professional and swim instructor since 1978, and is certified in all areas of aquatics. While living in the Midwest, she was an Aquatics Director for the YWCA in Lafayette, IN and also helped build the YMCA swimming program in Mattoon, IL.
During her extensive career in the Valley, Connie has taught continuing education classes with Waterworks On Wheels, presented several workshops at our FitnessFest conferences, and developed a program for Waterworks On Wheels for adults of all abilities (novice to Ironman) that is still in use today.
Connie also teaches several water aerobics classes for Fitness Forum in Chandler. Along with more than 30 years’ experience teaching fitness and lessons, Connie has raised a family of athletes – placing her at the top of her game and a huge asset to our program.
Instructor: Libby Dohm
Elizabeth Dohm is in her last semester at ASU Downtown Campus as a Nutrition Management major. As a young woman, Elizabeth (nickname “Libby”) is very focused and goal oriented. While not teaching swim lessons in the backyards and indoors for Waterworks (currently instructing Saturdays at Fitness Forum Health Club), Libby works in the office scheduling new students and keeping the other instructors organized! Libby grew up in Arizona and began swimming for the City of Chandler when she was five. She also swam with Rio Swim Club and as a varsity swimmer at McClintock High School. Butterfly is her favorite stroke . Swimming and teaching lessons are her passion and she loves to convey this passion to kids. “I love the see the progress kids make. To see a non-swimmer become comfortable swimming across the pool is very rewarding to me!”
Instructor: Promise Manning
Promise Manning grew up in the Puget Sound area of Washington. Her mother introduced her to swimming at 6 months of age, and as a child she swam almost every day at the local public indoor pool. In high school, Promise joined the swim team and got a job as a lifeguard at a water theme park.
She then worked for the local YMCA as a lifeguard and swim instructor, where she wrote a teaching manual that she shared with her fellow employees and where she was regionally recognized for her teaching skills with children. For more than five years Promise has taught swim lessons for Waterworks On Wheels in both the indoor facilities and backyard program. She currently teaches Mon/Wed classes at Fitness Works Chandler.
She is rewarded each time she sees a child’s eyes light up when he/she realizes a new skill has been accomplished. Promise is working on an Education degree, enjoys teaching Middle Eastern belly dance, and plans to travel the world.
“Our backyard lessons are going very well. We see the kids making big improvements after each lesson. Promise is an excellent teacher.” – Carolyn
Instructor: Shay Marsh
Shannon Marsh (who likes to be called Shay) is an Exercise and Wellness Major and is in her fourth year at ASU. Born and raised in Nebraska, Shay came to Arizona a year ago. She was involved in sports throughout high school, including gymnastics, volleyball and diving. She taught swim lessons and summer swim camps in Nebraska and New Hampshire for several years before making the move to AZ. Shay has been an AFAA certified group exercise instructor for two years as well. She loves to workout and loves Nebraska Husker’s football. Shay loves kids and enjoys teaching lessons for Waterworks and loves spending time with her family. In addition to being a wonderful new part of our team, Shay currently teaches children’s tumbling classes in the East Valley.
Instructor: Barbara Williams
Barbara (Barb) Williams found a love for the water at an young age. Growing up in Southern California with a backyard pool, she started swimming early on and never stopped! Says Barb, “I might have been a clown fish in another life. I’d much rather be in the water than on dry land.” And the ‘clown fish’ part we’re sure is because of her bubbly, carefree personality! Barb was introduced to competition swimming at age seven and realized that once she was in the water, hardly anyone could catch her. She fell in love with the breast stroke and diving, and over the years grew into a fabulous swim instructor. In addition to swim instruction, Barb has pursued careers in Architecture, Interior Design, she was a Disc Jockey at one point in her life, and also worked in Home Care Nursing. After an accident in 2007, Barb learned the benefits of aqua therapy to help her regain her ability to walk. “Aqua therapy saved my life,” Barb says, “and headed me in a different direction. I love the water, I love to help people, and I look forward to seeing your child’s excitement as WE learn together through each lesson.”
Instructor: Katie Ellingsworth
Katherine (Katie) Ellingsworth is a current student at Mesa Community College transferring to Northern Arizona University Phoenix Campus for a degree in Business. Katie is very energetic, happy and driven. While not teaching swim lessons , Katie likes to spend her time reading, doing projects on her house, playing with her dog and relaxing. Katie grew up in California and began swimming for Irvine Nova Aquatics at a young age and from there moved on to being a part of the Petaluma Riptides. She also swam as a varsity swimmer at St. Vincent DePaul High school all four years. Butterfly is her favorite stroke, in addition to freestyle. Swimming and teaching lessons are something she gains a lot from, and enjoys the smiling faces from the kids when they achieve their goals.
Instructor: Erin Mortenson
Erin is currently in her third year of school pursuing a degree in Family and Human Development and attending CGCC and ASU. In her free time she loves to travel, read, swim, spend time with her favorite people and have new adventures! Before working for Waterworks she taught swim lessons, lifeguarded and coached swim team for Town of Gilbert Aquatics for five years. Erin has been in the water since age three and loves it. She swam on the varsity Mesquite High team and swam year-round with Rio Salado Swim Club. During her high school career she discovered that butterfly is her absolute favorite stroke. “I love teaching swim lessons and working with kids! It is one of the things that continually brings me the most joy in life. Seeing kids progress and learn to love swimming as much as I do is so rewarding. I can’t wait to meet you and your kids!”
Instructor: Lee Riggs
Lee Riggs grew up swimming in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. She completed her education at NYU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and has held various types of jobs throughout her lifetime. From Claims Adjuster to Certified Group Fitness Instructor to Acting Teacher, Lee has been able to utilize her diverse talents in her work. Especially enjoying her work with children, Lee decided to attain her Water Safety Instructor Certification at the ripe age of 42. Spending several evening hours with all the 18-year-olds at the WSI classes were a treat for Lee — and she held her own! She is very excited to work with Waterworks On Wheels, and we are very excited to have her.