Meet Our Instructors
We wouldn't be able to do this without any of you!
Ashley Voelker, Manager / Swim Instructor
Hey y'all, I'm Ashley!
I am so excited to have the privilege to teach your awesome kiddos to float and swim. I am the proud mom of a spectacular little girl who is a Haley's Little Fish graduate! I will be the first to tell you that I was apprehensive when we enrolled because she was already 2, but Haley C and Haley M were both so sweet and patient with my little girl. I was amazed at what she could do at 2 years old in just a few weeks! I learned that it was a process but one that was well worth it. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death in children under the age of 5, and I am so proud to be a part of an organization that wants to change that statistic! I can't wait to get to know you and your kiddos and do everything that I can to make sure that they are safe in the water!
Haley McDonald, Swim Instructor
Hey, I'm Haley M!
Being a survival swim instructor is the most fulfilling profession. But to be honest, it's something I never thought about doing. I have always been one of those who think "inside the box" regarding professions. I worked in the dental field for 9 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom with my daughter. I still wanted to do something to make a difference in the lives of others, though. So I signed my daughter into survival swim lessons with Haley's Little Fish in February 2019. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that my daughter was able to save her own life if she were to fall into the water. I thought to myself, wow, Haley Craig has the most fantastic job. I was fortunate enough for her to ask me to join her team several months later. Saying I was thrilled is an understatement. Educating children of all ages how to save their own lives is unique and special. I love working with children and seeing what they can accomplish. I want each and every child to be taught this life-saving skill. Being a survival swim instructor makes a difference by teaching our precious children a skill that can save their own lives.
Katelyn Abernathy, Swim Instructor
Hey, I’m Katelyn!
My passion for teaching swim lessons came shortly after watching my daughter learn how to float at 8 months old. Like most of our parents, I began in mommy and me lessons and was amazed at how much the babies could learn at such a young age. After finishing the mommy and me classes, I began training with Haley Craig. In this training, I learned how vital and life-saving these skills are to children. I have worked with children of all ages and skill levels. I truly enjoy helping children overcome their fears, challenge themselves, and reach their goals. Watching children who were once scared to be in the water; now smile and love the water is why I love my job.
Madyson Gatlin, Swim Instructor
Hey, I’m Madyson!
I am a mother of two boys and a part of the HLF family for over a year. I've always loved taking my oldest to lessons and watching Haley. I have always had an interest in survival swimming after having my oldest son because I wanted to be able to teach him something that I knew one day could save his life. I'm so grateful for Haley taking a chance on me and offering me to join her amazing team. I love working with children, and it has always been my passion. It's something about teaching this life-saving skill that is so fulfilling. Working with HLF has hands down been my favorite job ever. I can't wait to meet your little ones and teach them this life-saving skill!
Michelle Fulkerson, Swim Instructor
Hey, I’m Michelle!
I taught school in Baldwin County for many years. With a background and having degrees in behavioral management and General Education for K-6, I have been blessed with numerous opportunities to assist students in meeting their personal goals both in and out of the classroom. Having seen my granddaughter go through the program at Haley’s Little Fish, I knew this was the place for me. I am so excited to be a part of your child’s life and transform the “I can’t” to the “I can”!!!
Robin Reed, Swim Instructor
Hey, I’m Robin!
Growing up, I lived at the pool or beach during the summer months, so swimming has always been a part of my life. When my family got a pool in our backyard I first learned the importance of swim safety and even helped my mom teach neighborhood kids how to swim so they could be safe in our pool. When I got to college and needed a summer job, I couldn’t think of anything better than being near the water, so I became a lifeguard. My passion and awareness grew into making sure people were safe in and around the pool! From then on, I have always had an interest in teaching others and I am so excited I get the opportunity to teach your kids the lifelong skill of swimming! Thanks to Haley’s Little Fish, I am able to make a difference in your child’s lives.
Megan Miller, Swim Instructor
Hey, I’m Megan!
Growing up on the water in Hawaii and the Florida Keys, I learned very early on the importance of water safety. As a former nanny and scuba diving instructor, teaching children has always been a passion of mine and making a difference in a child’s outlook on the water is what I strive for. My daughter has been enrolled since she was 11 months old. As a parent, it has been so amazing to see her progress in such a short amount of time, and it is relieving to know that she is always safe! Directly observing the kids love for the water and their increasing level of comfort with lessons made me realize just how rewarding job this is. I could not be more thrilled that I am helping to make a difference in children’s lives and ensuring their safety. HLF provides life-saving skills that are NECESSARY for our babies and I am so honored to be a part of it!