Elizabeth Jansen
Stevens Point,WI
Summary
Dynamic swim instructor with extensive experience at North Shore Country Club, specializing in individualized instruction for children with diverse needs. Proven ability to foster confidence and independence through empathetic communication and therapeutic play. Skilled in crisis response and family engagement, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard
North Shore Country Club
Harrison, WI
06.2026 - Current
- Delivered individualized swim instruction tailored to children's unique developmental and physical needs, fostering skill acquisition and comfort in water.
- Conducted private and group swim lessons at local aquatics facility.
- Adapt activities, communication, and instruction to meet individual children's abilities and comfort levels.
- Build trusting relationships with children while creating a safe, encouraging, and inclusive environment.
- Engaged families in regular updates about children's progress and needs and while strengthening partnerships in support of each child's growth.
- Employed patience, empathy, and positive reinforcement to cultivate children's confidence and independence in swimming.
- Encouraged students to build confidence in and out of water by making swimming fun.
YMCA Swim Instructor/Lifeguard
Ymca Of Stevens Point
Stevens Point , WI
09.2025 - Current
- Provided swimming instruction to individuals and groups of all ages.
- Taught YMCA swim lessons for children and adults
- Instructed water safety skills during pool activities
- Monitored swimmer safety throughout practice sessions
- Prepared lesson plans using YMCA program guidelines
- Explained lesson goals to parents and guardians
- Motivated swimmers to advance through drills by delivering constructive feedback on performance.
- Cultivated relationships with parents and swimmers to enhance retention of participants in future swim lesson sessions.
- Encouraged students to build confidence in and out of the water by making swimming fun.
DREAM Team Coach / Participant Support
UW-Stevens Point / DREAM Cheerabilities Team
Stevens Point, WI
09.2023 - Current
- Facilitated inclusive cheerleading experiences for children with disabilities, promoting skill development and teamwork.
- Fostered positive relationships with children, enhancing participation, confidence, and sense of belonging.
- Provide individualized encouragement and support based on each child's communication style and abilities.
- Created a welcoming atmosphere where children felt valued and included.
- Fostered understanding of belonging, ensuring children felt seen and supported.
- Coordinated practice plans with athletes, families, and program staff to ensure alignment and effective communication.
- Monitored participant safety during stunts, formations, and transitions.
- Reinforced positive teamwork and confidence throughout cheer sessions.
- Adapted coaching methods for different ability levels and learning styles.
Lifeguard, Swim Instructor & Head Lifeguard
Menasha Pool
Menasha, WI
05.2018 - 09.2025
- Led a team as Head Lifeguard, demonstrating leadership, responsibility, communication, and decision-making skill.
- Taught swimming skills to children across various ages and abilities, enhancing their confidence and comfort in the water.
- Provided adapted instruction for children with special needs, fostering individual progress and ensuring inclusive learning experiences.
- Engaged children and families in a safety-focused environment, promoting awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
- Responded calmly and appropriately during stressful or unexpected situations.
- Created a welcoming environment while maintaining safety and professional standards.
- Accumulated 8 years of experience in child-focused environments.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Family And Consumer Sciences, Child Life-Track
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI03-2027
Skills
- Water safety education
- Water safety instruction
- Lifeguard training certification
- Swimmer support strategies
- Child disability support
- Child engagement techniques
- Parent engagement strategies
- Emergency response training
- Leadership
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability
- Empathetic listening
LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT
UW-Stevens Point Cheer Team — Senior Member | 2023–Present - Collaborate with teammates in a highly structured and team-oriented environment. - Demonstrate leadership, communication, accountability, and commitment. - Support teammates and contribute to a positive and encouraging team culture. - Balance academics, employment, and collegiate athletics.
CHILD LIFE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) — Student Member | 2026–Present - Pursuing professional development and education related to the child life profession. - Learning about child-centered care, therapeutic play, family support, and the role of Child Life Specialists in healthcare settings.
- Child Life Association of Stevens Point (CLASP) | 2025–Present - Participate in meetings and professional development opportunities related to child life. - Engage with other students interested in the child life profession. - Learn about child life careers, practicum opportunities, and professional expectations.
- ACLP National Conference | 2026 - Participated in professional development and networking opportunities with Child Life professionals. - Connected with professionals from children's hospitals and healthcare organizations to learn more about the field.
EXPERIENCE
UW-Stevens Point / Storm Elite Allstars, DREAM Team Volunteer / Participant Support, Stevens Point, WI, 2025, Present, Support children with disabilities in an inclusive cheerleading environment., Build positive relationships with children and encourage participation, confidence, and belonging., Provide individualized encouragement and support based on each child's communication style and abilities., Help create an environment where children feel welcomed, valued, and included., Develop an understanding of the importance of belonging and allowing children to feel seen and supported. Volunteer at Marshfield Clinic with 33 hours currently, and a plan to continue my volunteering experience there for the foreseeable future!
AREAS OF PROFESSIONAL INTEREST
- Child Life - Trauma-informed care - Children experiencing domestic violence or family violence - Children who have experienced sexual abuse - At-risk and vulnerable children - Therapeutic play - Family-centered care - Child advocacy - Emotional support and coping - Developmentally appropriate communication
Timeline
Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard
North Shore Country Club
06.2026 - Current
YMCA Swim Instructor/Lifeguard
Ymca Of Stevens Point
09.2025 - Current
DREAM Team Coach / Participant Support
UW-Stevens Point / DREAM Cheerabilities Team
09.2023 - Current
Lifeguard, Swim Instructor & Head Lifeguard
Menasha Pool
05.2018 - 09.2025
Some College (No Degree) - Family And Consumer Sciences, Child Life-Track
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point