Susan Mueller
Instructor and Co-Owner Susan Mueller is an MSI graduate.
Not too long ago, 2004 to be precise, I could not swim because I had a paralyzing fear of water. As an adult, I went to traditional swim classes that simply did not work for me because they were not addressing my fear of the water. Photogallery
At 21, I knew I had a fear of water which was augmented by a fear of falling.
Class after class I walked away frustrated knowing that there had to be someone out there that could meet me at my level. That would teach me to overcome my fear - not manage it!
The year I turned 50 I found such a swim method. I had almost given up when my daughter Rebeca (also an MSI instructor and Co-Owner of Water Elements) found an article that showed Melon Dash teaching a Beginning class for adults afraid of water.
I was enthused but at the same time I was scared of spending another dime on a class that might not work for me. I could not take another failure.
In August of 2004, one month before I turned 50, I decided to try it out. After all ... this was what I had been looking for, I could not just pass it up and it was 100% guaranteed- or your money back!
In February of 2006, a year and a half after my first beginning class I became a water aerobics instructor and by June 2006, one month shy of the 2 year mark I had gone through the training to become an MSI instructor!
The first 24hr Beginning class I taught was at Safety Harbor...the very same pool that was covered in the article Rebeca discovered in 2004! This is our class picture.
My fear of water is gone and my fear of heights is disappearing. No more do I have to watch from the side of the pool...now I can join in the fun if I so choose.
Rebeca and I have joined forces. Our quest is to help people eliminate their fear of water - one person at time, in the young and old.
The name of this swim school was chosen very carefully. Water Elements is about breaking down skills to their most basic elements and teaching a swim class that will help every student reach their swimming goals.
My purpose in life has been renewed without boundaries!
MY THANKS
....to my husband Jon for his undying support while I was going through the classes, when I decided to open Water Elements with Rebeca and now as I move into new water experiences.
...to my daughter Rebeca who not only took the time to read and clip the famous article, but who encouraged me to move forward and heal my fear of the water. You have been my spotter, my pool buddy and now my partner in this worthy endevour.
...to my son for showing me how to have courage.
---to my parents who taught me perseverance and resiliency.
...to my family and friends for being loving and supportive.
...Melon for developing the MSI method and being my mentor and teacher!
...Terri for being my most patient MSI spotter and cheerleader :)
I appreciate and love you all very much.
Susan
To my Mom- I know you would be swimming with me if you were here! I love you.
A Nadar Puerto Rico!
July 2007 To swim Puerto Rico! Photogallery I was asked by Melon Dash to represent her and TSI (now MSI) as a speaker at this conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The conference was dedicated to training over 100 instructors and preparing them to teach 2 weeks of non-stop classes, open to all Puerto Ricans. I was especially happy to be able to deliver the TSI message of how to teach adults who have a fear of water in Spanish. An added bonus was participating in the conference and working alongside people who are dedicated to enhancing their community. ANadar Puerto Rico! was trully a splendid experience.
Old San Juan was a historic treat..hmm as well as the guava cheesecake.
May 2008 - What an experience!
So...what is the next step after you have surpassed your fear of the deep side of the pool? Snorkeling in open water.
Going to the other side of the world was not something I had planned to do but when the opportunity arrived I couldn't pass it up. Swimming in beautiful water, experiencing a different culture and just living in paradise for a few days was a renewing experience.
Freestyle Class in Sarasota, Florida
December 2008
The time I have spent in the water since August 2004 has paid off beautifully in this Freestyle class! Now I have a new goal of using swimming for fitness. How simple it is when you follow the steps and seek comfort first. You can cut through the water in a complete state of oneness. I love it and can't wait to begin my drills - drills - drills.
These are my "Born Freestyle friends". Kerry, Jo, Evie,(me), Cher (my Wa Wa sister from 2004 Beginning class ;).
Learning to teach the Freestyle in Sarasota, Florida
December 2010
A dream come true. This year I spent a week with Melon learning how to teach Freestyle - As she puts it: "The Holy Grail of swimmers!" It was an incredible week of learning and re-affirming the MSI methodology as an unique swimming breakthrough. We had an awesome group of students - as always. My new goal is to bring Freestyle to our students in the Tampa Bay area!