Our Coaches
Our Coaches: Excellence in Every Stroke
At Worden Aquatics, we take pride in having some of the most dedicated and highly trained coaches in the industry. Every new team member goes through a thorough vetting process, which includes extensive hands-on shadowing with one of our veteran instructors. This ensures they uphold the high standards of instruction and safety our swimmers deserve.
Our coaches often hold multiple nationally recognized certifications, including Lifeguarding (LG), First Aid/CPR/AED, Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT). These qualifications reflect our deep commitment to excellence and safety in every class.
Your Safety, Our Priority: We perform comprehensive background checks - including sex offender and criminal database screenings - on every coach, ensuring peace of mind for the families we serve.
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Founder & Managing Partner | Private Swim Lessons Coach | LG
With over three decades of experience in aquatics, Lauren Worden brings unmatched expertise and passion to every lesson. She holds an impressive list of certifications, including Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), Lifeguard, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, and Multiple Sclerosis Aquatic Instructor (certified through the MS Society).
Lauren’s career highlights include coaching athletes to Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in the 1999 Special Olympics - a testament to her skill, dedication, and ability to connect with swimmers of all abilities.
As a mom herself, Lauren understands firsthand the importance of water safety for both a child’s joy and a parent’s peace of mind. Whether she’s working with infants, seniors, or anyone in between, Lauren has a unique ability to ease fears, build confidence, and spark a lifelong love for the water. Her gift for teaching and genuine care for others set her apart as an exceptional instructor for swimmers at every stage.
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Private Swim Lessons Coach | WSI | CPO | LG
Originally from Cuba, Coach D discovered her love for competitive swimming at just 10 years old. In 1994, she earned a degree in Physical Sports and Culture with a specialization in swimming. She spent the next decade in Cuba as both a swim and diving instructor, building a strong foundation in aquatic education.
After relocating to Florida in 2007, Coach D opened her own swim school, continuing her mission to teach water safety and skill with excellence. When her husband’s career brought their family to Tennessee, she brought her passion for swimming with her.
Coach D is certified in Lifeguarding (LG), Water Safety Instruction (WSI), and Pool Operations (CPO). She works with swimmers as young as six months old and offers instruction in both English and Spanish, making her an asset to families from diverse backgrounds. You’ll find her teaching year-round at our Nashville location at the GJCC.
We’re proud to have Coach D on the Worden Aquatics team - her experience, energy, and dedication are truly invaluable.
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Private Swim Lessons Coach | WSI | LGI | CPR/AED/First Aid
Coach Kyndall brings a deep passion for both swimming and lifeguarding to every lesson she teaches. With over five years of experience teaching swim lessons, six years of lifeguarding, and two years as an assistant swim coach, she offers a well-rounded background in aquatics. A former competitive swimmer herself, Kyndall understands the dedication and joy that come with time in the water.
She holds a wide range of American Red Cross certifications, including Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding with CPR/AED/First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, Asthma Inhaler Training, and Coaching. In addition to her many qualifications, Coach Kyndall serves as our certified American Red Cross Instructor, training and mentoring the next generation of lifeguards and swim instructors.
Her commitment to safety and excellence is backed by countless hours of training and hands-on experience. What fuels Coach Kyndall most is the joy of watching swimmers - especially those who start out nervous - grow in confidence and skill. There’s nothing more rewarding to her than seeing a swimmer’s smile (and a parent’s relief) when that fear fades away.
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Private Swim Lessons Coach | WSI
Coach Lori is no stranger to teaching - she’s spent over 25 years working with children with special needs from kindergarten through fifth grade, and her passion for education shines through in everything she does. Her teaching experience extends beyond the classroom too - she’s even worked as a skydiving instructor, helping adults conquer their fears and reach new heights.
Lori has a unique gift for discovering what motivates each individual and using that insight to build meaningful, lasting connections. This intuitive approach helps her create a positive, encouraging environment where swimmers feel seen, supported, and empowered.
A lifelong swimmer who got her start at just two years old, Coach Lori is now diving back into her love for the water as her own son heads off to college. She's excited to share her enthusiasm for swimming and water safety with students of all ages.
Her philosophy is simple: “When you understand the safety, you can fully embrace the fun.”
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Private Swim Lessons Coach | Swim Team Coach | LG
Born and raised in Franklin, Amanda is a current NCAA Division I swimmer with a strong foundation in competitive swimming and instruction. Her journey began at age 9 on a neighborhood summer league team, and by 13, she had joined Excel Aquatics, where she honed her skills and qualified for the Southeastern Conference meet every year throughout high school.
Amanda’s passion for the sport quickly translated into teaching. At just 15, she began offering private swim lessons in her neighborhood and later helped coach younger swimmers at Excel Aquatics. As a two-year team captain at Independence High School, she played a key role in growing the program and was a 4-time state qualifier and 2-time state finalist across multiple events.
Now in college, Amanda continues to compete at the Division I level while pursuing a degree in pre-dental biology. She hopes to one day become a pediatric-focused orthodontist - combining her love for working with kids and her drive for excellence.
Teaches Swimmers: 2yrs +
Teaching Attributes: Fun, Encouraging, Cheerful, Patient, Firm, Trusting, Enthusiastic
Teaches At: The Grove
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Private Swim Lessons Coach | LG
Coach Kessler is a former D2 collegiate swimmer with multiple school records and six conference medals, who found his passion for swimming in high school. Raised in a teaching-focused environment by his mom, a longtime childcare center owner, he brings over two years of swim instruction experience and a heart for individualized coaching. Certified in WSI and CPR, Kessler has coached both competitive and non-competitive teams, served as a lifeguard assistant manager, and specializes in working with children with ADHD or fear of the water. He’s excited to return to Worden Aquatics!
Teaches Swimmers: 2yrs +
Teaching Attributes: Patient, Energetic, Encouraging, Passionate, Firm, Adaptable, Always Fun
Teaches At: Nashville Location at GJCC (Gordon Jewish Community Center)
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Private Swim Lessons Coach
Coach Jacob’s love for the water began early - he learned to swim at just four years old and hasn’t looked back since. In high school, he deepened that connection by becoming a lifeguard, where his sharp technical mind and passionate spirit led him to master all four competitive strokes within a few short months. It was through this journey that he discovered a love for the process of learning - especially the challenge and reward of mastering technique. When Jacob began teaching swim lessons, he found joy in helping others fall in love with swimming the same way he had. He teaches swimmers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, but especially thrives when refining stroke dynamics and breaking down complex techniques in a clear, approachable way. Jacob’s coaching style is a blend of fun and encouragement, balanced with a technical focus, firm guidance, and patience - especially with newer swimmers. Whether you're brand new to the water or looking to perfect your form, Coach Jacob brings energy, expertise, and heart to every lesson.
Teaches Swimmers: 2yrs +
Teaching Attributes: Fun, Encouraging, Patient, Firm, Trusting
Teaches At: Nashville location @ Gordon Jewish Community Center
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Private Swim Lessons Coach | LG
Before joining the Worden Aquatics team, Alex taught at Nashville Swim Academy. He began swimming competitively at the age of four and now represents both Ensworth High School and Ensworth Aquatics. His swimming journey began with the Nashville Aquatic Club, and he is on track to swim at the collegiate level. Alex brings a fun, high-energy, and encouraging approach to his teaching, creating a positive and engaging learning environment for his swimmers.
Teaches Swimmers: 2yrs +
Teaching Attributes: Fun, Friendly, Energetic, Encouraging, Compassionate, Enthusiastic, Engaging
Teaches At: Nashville Location at GJCC (Gordon Jewish Community Center) & Destinations
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Private Swim Lessons Coach | LG
Morgan is a passionate and experienced swim instructor with over 3 years of teaching swimmers of all ages and skill levels. With 4 years of experience as a lifeguard, Morgan is well-versed in water safety and emergency response, ensuring a secure environment for all students. She also brings 10 years of competitive swimming experience to her teaching, offering valuable insights and advanced techniques to help swimmers excel. She specializes in beginner to advanced swimming techniques, helping students build confidence in the water while mastering essential skills. She will make sure each lesson meets the individual needs of her students, ensuring progress is made at a comfortable pace. Whether preparing for a swim meet, learning to swim for the first time, or improving stroke technique, Morgan is committed to helping swimmers reach their full potential in the water!
Teaches Swimmers: 2yrs - 16yrs
Teaching Attributes: Patient, Firm, Encouraging, Friendly, Fun, Energetic
Teaches At:
Nashville location @ Gordon Jewish Community Center & Bridgemore Village, Thompson’s Station, TN (Private Neighborhood)
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Private Swim Lessons Coach | LG
Coach Rachael fell in love with swimming at the age of five and has over 20 years of competitive experience, including a season with the U.S. Masters team. With several years as both a swim coach and lifeguard, she’s passionate about promoting water safety and helping others gain confidence in the water. Outside of the pool, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young kids, staying active, and encouraging everyone she meets to learn the life-saving skill of swimming.
Teaches Swimmers: 2yrs +
Teaching Attributes: Compassionate, Encouraging, Motivated, Friendly, Cheerful
Teaches At: Destinations