About Us
Each instructor at Starfish Swim School SRQ is handpicked for their experience and passion in teaching students how to swim, be watersafe, and accomplish their goals in the water. We maintain a fun and safe learning environment in which every student, regardless of age or skill level, can thrive!
Amy Diamond
Owner & Lead Instructor
Amy is the owner and lead instructor for Starfish Swim School SRQ. Amy grew up on the East Coast and fell in love with the water at a very young age. She was always the first one in the pool and the last one out! Amy swam competitively from age 8 through college. She competed in butterfly, backstroke, the IM, and freestyle relays and still enjoys swimming on Masters club teams. Amy has always loved working with children so it was a perfect combination of passions to start teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding at the young age of 15. Amy has taught lessons for over 30 years and has lifeguarded and coached age group swim teams on both the East and West Coasts. She established her first swim school, Lil' Guppies Swim School, which has run successfully in Los Angeles, CA, since 2006. Since then, she has gone onto expand her education, experience, careers and interests. In addition to operating Lil' Guppies Swim School and Starfish Swim School SRQ, Amy is also an Acupuncturist & Physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine, author of the children's book series The Adventures of Splash & Shelly, and proud mom to two awesome boys, ages 16 and 10. They are the original starfish swimmers and love swimming just as much as their mom!
Samantha Granados
Administrative Assistant
​​Samantha Granados, an LA native, has lived and worked in both California and New York. After graduating from St. John's University, her career has spanned from the fashion industry to TV and film. However, she never left the swim world and simultaneously taught swimming lessons (going on almost 20 years). She has now gone back to her roots in Los Angeles, where she teaches swimming and enthusiastically works for all things admin for Starfish Swim School SRQ. She is the proud owner of her doggy Verona and would live at the beach if she could.
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​​​​​Corra Lennox
Swim Instructor & Lifeguard
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Corra grew up around water in Minnesota and has always loved swimming. After spending 5 years in the Navy she decided to move to Florida where she found her passion of teaching water safety and swimming skills to families with infants - adults, special needs, and the elderly. She has experience teaching basic skills, competitive swimming, and preparing for military and dive qualifications. When Corra isn't teaching she enjoys going to the beach, hanging out outside and gardening.
Yesenia M-Lee
Swim Instructor
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Yesenia is a passionate seasoned swimming instructor dedicated to teaching students of all ages and skill levels, including individuals with special needs. She genuinely enjoys creating a fun and engaging learning environment for all students. Yesenia's vast experience includes teaching both in groups and privately, as well as coaching swim teams across diverse age groups during summer leagues. She has successfully developed and implemented swimming programs tailored to meet a variety of needs. Yesenia's teaching style is patient, encouraging, and enthusiastic! She strives to adapt her instruction to fit each student’s unique requirements, making learning to swim enjoyable and positive - which is what Starfish Swim School SRQ is all about! Yesenia is particularly passionate for teaching water safety and swimming skills to both children and adults, especially those with special needs. As a proud mother of two, Yesenia has spent many rewarding years working with children in various capacities. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Yesenia moved to the Sarasota area to further for educational, family, and career opportunities.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dana Valentine
Swim Instructor
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Dana recently relocated here to Sarasota from Pennsylvania. She swam competitively for 8 years, and has taught swim lessons and life guarded at a children’s camp for 2 years. Dana has also been a Master Water Safety Instructor and Deck Supervisor for 2 years. She has a passion for fitness and working with children, both in and out of the water! Dana loves being able to combine her passions with education and creating a safe, positive and active environment in the water for everyone!
​​​​​​Jaden Bunt
Swim Instructor & Lifeguard
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Jaden grew up in Boston, MA, and has been in love with swimming and the water since he was 3 years old. After graduating High School from Lexington Christian Academy in 2023, Jaden moved to Sarasota. Jaden is going into his sophomore year at Seton Hall University as a member of the Men’s Division I Swim Team. Jaden loves to go to the beach with his friends in his free time, and has experience as both a Lifeguard and a Water Safety Instructor. Jaden can work with all ages. Jaden’s passion for teaching swimming is all derived from his love from working with children, and trying to make them laugh and smile!​​​​​​​​
Holly O'Brian
Swim Instructor
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Holly is a self-proclaimed mermaid and for good reason! Holly holds a PADI/NAUI scuba certification and her USCG Captain's License; she also previously owned and operated a NAUI Scuba shop in New Port Richey. After raising 2 children and teaching Special Education for 35 years, Holly bought a boat in Albany, New York and motored south to Florida to live her dream. Holly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team in all things children and water. With her background, she consistently prioritizes the importance of water safety and swim instruction for all ages and skill levels, teaching with a patient, fun and nurturing approach. We are so happy to welcome her!
​Stephanie Stanley
Swim Instructor
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With over 50 years of experience in the water, Stephanie brings a lifelong passion for swimming and water safety to every lesson. She holds an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, which includes CPR and Advanced Lifesaving. Stephanie swam competitively for 8 years and has been teaching since 2008; she has experience working with special needs students and swimmers of all ages--from infants taking their first splash to adults building confidence in the pool. Stephanie focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where each swimmer can grow their skills and love for the water.