Each instructor at Lil' Guppies 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!
Sarasota Instructors
Amy Diamond
Owner & Lead Instructor
Amy is the owner and lead instructor for Lil' Guppies Swim School. 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 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 started Lil' Guppies Swim School in 2006 in Los Angeles, and recently upon relocating in 2020, has established a branch of the school in Sarasota, FL! Amy is also an Acupuncturist & Physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine, children's book author, and mom to two boys, ages 15 and 9. They are the original lil' guppies and love swimming just as much as their mom!
Corra Lennox
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
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 Lil' Guppies Swim School 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
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
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!