Meet Our Aquatic Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & HEAD LESSON INSTRUCTOR

Alix Jordan swam for Jerry Adams at the Schenectady Swim Club (SSC), where she learned mental well-being and character are just as important as physical fitness. She swam year-round from age six through the end of her collegiate career, setting numerous records for SSC, several of which still stand. At Niskayuna High School, she was voted co-captain of her swim team senior year, went to states, and set the school record as the backstroker in the 200 medley relay. Alix attended Swarthmore College, where she was named a Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Star 2006-2008 and was on the Conference Academic Honor Roll 2006-2008. She was voted co-captain of the Swarthmore swim team twice and broke the school’s records in the 400 medley relay, 100 backstroke, 50 backstroke, as well as the pool record in the 50 backstroke. Alix graduated from Swarthmore College in 2009 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Education. After college, Alix continued to pursue her interest in helping youth by providing one-on-one assistance to children with special needs in numerous classrooms and homes throughout the country. She honed her skills as a Behavior Therapist and Program Manager before completing her graduate studies at West Virginia University, where she was selected to be a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Alix received her M.A. in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education and earned an additional Certificate in 2019. After running a K/1 composite pod school for the entirety of the pandemic, Alix now works full-time for JAAR Program. She approaches all educational moments with the knowledge that children who feel supported, loved, and confident will thrive in life. 

PROGRAM DIRECTOR & STROKE SPECIALIST
Scott Kerr is a native Oregonian who has a long history of successful swimming and coaching. He graduated from South Salem High School, where he held numerous school swimming records, and was inducted into the school Hall of Fame in 2011. After graduating from high school, Scott competed for the Florida State Seminoles, and in 1987 he received his B.S. in Hospitality Management from Florida International University. Scott’s coaching history includes 4 years at the Pinecrest School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 24 years coaching Sheldon high school swimming, 15 years as Head Coach with the Eugene City Swim Club (ECSC), and 9 years as Head Coach with Team Eugene Aquatics after ECSC and the Eugene Y swim team merged in 2009. Scott is an ASCA Level 5 coach and has been part of the USA National Team coaching staff. Throughout his long career, Scott has qualified athletes for the Olympic Festival, World Championships (short course and long course), Goodwill Games, and Olympic Trials. He has coached 13 Senior National Qualifiers and over 60 Junior National Qualifiers. Scott has been married for 20 years to his wife, Toni. They have 2 sons, a dog, a cat, a bearded dragon, fish if the herons don’t feast, a rabbit, and 3 chickens. Scott and Toni are not currently looking to rescue more pets. 

LESSON INSTRUCTOR

Eryn Wilder is a senior at Bushnell University. She is studying to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Eryn aspires to work with children who suffer from trauma and other stress-related disorders. She has always enjoyed working with children, especially in a pool setting. In high school, Eryn swam on a competitive club team which led to her becoming an assistant coach of the local high school junior varsity swim team. Additionally, Eryn started teaching swim lessons in high school and in college moved onto teaching private lessons to children with physical disabilities. She loves working with a diverse population and values the connection she forms with each child. Eryn believes that watching children succeed, despite all the obstacles they face, is the most amazing transformation to witness. In her free time, Eryn continues to swim, values learning, enjoys being outdoors, and loves spending time with her friends, and her family including her husband, Doug. 

SUBSTITUE LESSON INSTRUCTOR

Mady Navarro is a graduate student at the University of Oregon. She is studying the science of communication disorders. Mady's undergraduate minor is in Special Education. Her goal is to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and work with children who experience disabilities. Mady is in her fifth year of working with both children and adults who are neurodiverse; she loves learning from a richly diverse population! Additionally, Mady swam competitively in high school and retains her love of the sport. She is excited to combine her passions as a member of the JAAR team!                                                                    
After a busy end of summer with other fulfilling commitments, Mady has returned to JAAR Program as our substitute. She is a valued employee, and we are incredibly grateful for all her hard work!