The Swim Whisperer

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Introduction

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 71 times

Serves Bensenville, IL

Background checked

2 employees

9 years in business

Business hours

Sun8:00 am - 7:00 pmMon8:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Top Pro status

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2018

2017

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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:

Obele B.

Jan 25, 2022

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • Beginner • Comfortable in water • Become more comfortable in water • Improve swimming technique • Learn basic strokes • Yes, a pool at my home • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Private Swim Lessons

Christina K.

May 20, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Adult (18 or older) • No experience • Comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • Become more comfortable in water • Yes, a pool at my home • 60 minutes • The swim instructor travels to me

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

Nicole S.

Aug 8, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

I cannot say enough about our positive experience. My child went from not being able to swim to having the confidence to swim the entire length of the pool in six short weeks. Diving for rings in the deep end has become a new favorite. This was the best investment we could have made for the safety of our family. We look forward to lessons next summer!

Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • Beginner • Comfortable in water • Improve swimming technique • Become more comfortable in water • Yes, a pool at my home • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Private Swim Lessons

Beth A.

Mar 25, 2021

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Hired on Thumbtack

Kristi is 100%...a Swim Whisperer. My 9 year old son just finished up his first lesson and it was a truly amazing experience. My son loves the water but has never been able to go underwater with out plugging his nose and could barely tread water. This has been a growing safety concern of mine and with each year it becomes a confidence issue for him. He has had swim lessons ever year since he was 3 and no one has been able to gain his trust and find the right way to get through to him - but Kristi had him going under water without holding his nose in less than 10 minutes. Wish I had discovered her long ago.

Details: Youth (6 - 12 years old) • Beginner • Comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • Become more comfortable in water • Yes, a pool that allows private lessons • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location

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.