Founder & Master Trainer
Melissa Meris
When on dry land, Melissa stays busy adventuring with her children! She loves to hike, surf, and enjoys exploring the outdoors. Her favorites include scuba diving, whitewater rafting, tap dance and ZUMBA. She looks forward to traveling with her kids as they get a bit older. She is an electrical engineer specializing in acoustics and entertainment technology with many clients based in New York City. Holding multiple Master's degrees, Melissa is extensively trained in nervous system development and neuropsychology. She continues her work with young children out of the water as an emotional regulation coach and somatic therapist with both private client therapy and in small group classes. Her work includes research and application in the latest neurological science of nervous system development. She founded the Neural Path Research Foundation and continues to press forward in developing new and accessible opportunities and curricula for children and families to benefit from learning methodology that is based in the functional and proven understanding of how our brains work and thrive. She is passionate about early childhood development and loves to share her personal positive experience of survival swimming with other families.
Senior Instructor
Melisa Villegas
"Ms. Meli"
Meli is an International Relations graduate with a global perspective shaped by her Ecuadorian roots and her university years in Russia. Fluent in Spanish, Russian, and English, Meli thrives on intercultural communication and the discovery of new perspectives. Her career has been defined by a passion for mentorship. She is a skilled manager and specializes in early childhood development. Having dedicated nearly a decade to working with children, Meli has transitioned her leadership skills into her current role as a Senior Instructor at Guardian Aquatics. She has trained in all of the specialities offered at Guardian Aquatics under direct mentorship with Melissa. Her precision for detail coupled with her ability to ease children's resistance in the water has made her an invaluable asset to the Guardian team!
Meli is a firm believer that success comes from enjoying the process—a philosophy she carries into her professional life and personal adventures. When she's not at the pool, you can find Meli hiking, camping, or paddle boarding as she continues her mission to explore the world’s diverse cultures and landscapes.
