Meet Our Instructors

INFANT SWIMMING RESOURCE INSTRUCTORS are highly trained academically and in-water. We are monitored and evaluated for our safety and efficiency and complete stringent recertification requirements annually. The role that theory and academics plays in our training and instruction is impressive. ISR was built on solid, scientific theory and implementation of that theory. The instructional and safety protocols drive the thoroughness of the program and its true prioritization of safety for the child.

All Instructor are current in these Certifications:

• Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Instructor Certification
• Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certification

BARB GORMAN
  Fort Washington / Chestnut Hill

Certified in 2005 and the first ISR Instructor in Pennsylvania, I have skilled hundreds of little ones in ISR Self-Rescue. Fourteen years in, I still love my job and refine my instruction. 
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I joined Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) after searching for a program that would truly teach my one-year-old how to survive in the water if he were to accidentally get into our backyard pool alone.

When I first watched an ISR lesson and saw 6 month old baby girl roll back to float and breathe by herself on her back, I was in awe. Hooked, there was no turning back--I wanted both my son and I to get trained. And we did.

The role that theory and academics played in my training is the single thing that most surprised me. I knew ISR was built on solid, scientific grounds, I just never imagined the breadth and extent to which individual instructors were required to know it. But this is a testament to the thoroughness of the program and its true prioritization of safety for the child. 

Teaching babies and children life-saving aquatic skills is the coolest thing I have ever done in my life, second only to becoming a parent!

Email me b.gorman@infantswim.com and ensure your little one(s) have these life-saving Self-Rescue skills! Follow me on Facebook Infant Swim Philly and Instagram Infant Swim Philly!

CHRISTINE STINSON
Blue Bell / Chalfont / Cherry Hill ​

​I found ISR when tragedy struck a young child in my area. I was pregnant with my twins and learned about this wonderful program. During my children's lessons I would sit by the pool with amazement and couldn't shake the feeling that I had to become an instructor. I traveled to Florida to become certified to teach ISR, and after coming back from my training I have not stopped teaching. I am completely dedicated to the ultimate goal that not one more child drown.
After studying musical theatre at Catholic University in Washington DC, I had the unique opportunity to travel internationally with UP WITH PEOPLE, and did community service in the United States and Europe working with children in different cultures. I learned about people both young and old, and embraced the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. I firmly believe that ISR sets the ground work for building self confidence, independent thinking, and problem-solving skills in young children. 
I am so thrilled to be part of such a special program and truly enjoy everyday I am teaching ISR.

Schedule lessons with me at any of my locations using this personalized link.
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Follow me on Facebook at: 
ISR Christine Stinson 
ISR Montgomery County 
ISR Southeastern PA
ISR Mercer County

MICHELLE KNEDLER
Pipersville / Doylestown

I was first introduced to ISR when my youngest son was 19 months old and my older son almost 4 years old.  We were in the process of having my little guy evaluated due to his lack of social engagement and other developmental delays. When a friend told me about ISR, I knew it was something I had to do for both my boys. My son was diagnosed with Autism a few weeks into his training and I could not be more grateful to have found ISR and our incredible instructor Barb Gorman when I did.

​This program has changed both my boy’s lives, and it still amazes me to see how their ISR skills have made them happy, safe, confident swimmers to this day. Having seen the importance of ISR as a parent, I knew I wanted to become an instructor. I was certified in April 2018 and I am thrilled to be teaching and providing children with these life changing Survival Swimming skills.
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Before my boys were born, I worked as a special education teacher for seven years and now continue to research and implement new and diverse strategies in an effort to help my son with the many challenges he faces as an individual living with Autism. I know that ISR was one of the best things I have ever done for my children, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach these priceless skills to so many more little ones. 

​Follow me on Facebook at Michelle Knedler ISR!

MIA ATELLA
​Newtown Square / Media PA
Egg Harbor NJ

m.atella@infantswim.comI discovered ISR when my cousins three young children were enrolled in the program. I decided to observe lessons from a local instructor and began researching ISR in more detail. 

I graduated in 2014 with a Public Health Promotion degree from West Chester University. I love working with children and wanted to make a difference in their lives. Becoming an ISR Instructor made that dream come true. 

I have always enjoyed being in the water and became a Certified Scuba Diver at the early age of 10. I worked several summers as a Lifeguard at a local day camp in Glen Mills. The traditional swim lessons I was teaching as a Lifeguard could not compare to what ISR students learned in just 6 weeks. I was amazed by their skills and realized the importance of ISR training. 

I traveled to Virginia Beach in 2018 to become a certified ISR Instructor and it was truly life changing. I love teaching young children life saving skills in the water. There is truly nothing more special then seeing their parents reaction the first time their little ones learn the roll back to float technique.

When I am not teaching ISR lessons I enjoy spending time with my big Italian family, traveling and cooking. I spend a lot of time exercising and staying healthy. 

My goal is to honor the ISR mission that “Not One More Child Drowns”. I am honored to be a part of the ISR program and strive to become a better instructor everyday. Please contact me at:​ 215-316-4996​ 
​m.atella@infantswim.com
Follow me on Facebook: ISR Miss Mia!

JENNA PORCELLI
​Newtown PA / Princeton NJ 

Hi there! My name is Jenna Porcelli and I am a former New Yorker now living in Yardley, PA. I found ISR when my oldest was an infant, and brought him 40 minutes away from my home to the fabulous Barb Gorman for lessons. It was beyond worth it, and when my second child came along I trekked her to lessons too!

Parenting is hard, and we are all always wondering if we are doing the right thing. But when I saw my babies roll to their back for the first time I didn't have to wonder...I knew I had done whatever it took to make them as safe as possible around water. ISR solidified its place as one of my proudest accomplishments as a mama, and I became obsessed with helping other moms feel that way too!

I have spent a whopping 180 hours training to become part of the solution for childhood drowning and look forward to offering this amazing program to families in my area. I will be teaching in Newtown, PA as well as Princeton, NJ during the school year, and will be offering lessons in the Hamptons, NY in Summer 2020. I look forward to meeting you and your children by the pool!

For lessons contact me at: j.porcelli@infantswim.com or 908-887-3807 and check out websites: Lower Bucks ISR and Princeton ISR.

JADE VAN GILDER
Montgomery County / Pennington / Ocean View​ ​

I am a Montgomery County resident and proud mother of 2 young ISR graduates. 

After watching my own children become skilled swimmers, a passion for ISR, water safety and drowning prevention was born. 

Formerly an elementary school teacher, I trained in 2019 and am now a certified ISR instructor working to aid in the mission that "not one more child drowns".   When I'm not teaching Self-Rescue, I enjoy the beach, traveling, biking, camping, kayaking, and volunteering in my children's schools.

For lessons in with me in Blue Bell, PA, Pennington, NJ, or to get on the waiting list for Ocean View, NJ please contact me at:
​j.vangilder@infantswim.com 
or 215-200-1675
Be sure to follow me on Facebook at:
​ISR Jade Van Gilder
​ISR Montgomery County

Please email Infant Swim Philly via the contact form or your instructor (be sure to include your phone number) ​to ask about the program and signing up for lessons at your preferred location in more detail.