
Magnolia Coast Swim School
Meet our team
Meet our dream team of swimming instructors!


Nate Mabry
Owner & Co-lead instructor


Mandy Clark
Co-lead instructor

Hi, I’m Mandy! I’m a passionate aquatics professional with over 17 years of experience in swim instruction, lifeguard training, and water safety program development. My journey began at 15 when I started teaching swim lessons at the local YMCA. Through dedication and a deep love for water safety, I worked my way up to Aquatics Director, expanding programs to reach and serve a diverse community.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching Special Olympics swim clubs, adult swim programs, and competitive youth swim teams while teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities. My goal is to create an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone can develop confidence in the water.
I believe swimming is a vital life skill, and I am dedicated to drowning prevention on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I can’t wait to help you and your loved ones gain the skills to be safer and stronger swimmers. See you in the water—Happy Swimming!

Lauren Smith
instructor

I am Lauren Smith and I am a dedicated educator at Biloxi Upper Elementary and the Assistant Swim Coach at Biloxi High School. With over 10 years of experience teaching swim lessons and more than 15 years of lifeguarding, I am passionate about water safety and skill development. My background in both education and coaching allows me to connect with swimmers of all ages and abilities, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. I look forward to working with individuals to help them achieve the life-saving skill of swimming, fostering confidence and safety in and around the water.

Joseph Karner
instructor

Hi, I’m Joseph Karner, and I’m excited to be a swim instructor here. I’ve spent the last three years lifeguarding, including one year as a Head Lifeguard (certified in Special Facility Aquatics), and I’ve also worked as an assistant lifeguard instructor. I enjoy working with kids, and I believe swimming is a fantastic and fun activity. I think people learn best with a mix of demonstration and hands-on experience, and that’s the approach I take in my lessons. My goal is for my students to gain the satisfaction of knowing how to swim and the confidence that they’re learning in a safe environment. I’m currently studying health science, focusing on pediatrics, but I enjoy working with adults as well. Outside of the pool, I’m really into snowboarding. I also serve as a Lifeguard Supervisor at Gulf Islands Waterpark. I’m looking forward to working with everybody!

Jessica Wadler
instructor

Hi, I’m Jessica Wadler, and I’m a dedicated swim instructor with a passion for water safety and helping people of all ages enjoy the water. I bring a valuable 2 years of experience as a lifeguard, certified in Special Facility Aquatics. I’ve worked with a diverse range of students, from young children aged 3-12 to adults of all skill levels. I believe that learning is best achieved through hands-on experience, and I strive to create a comfortable and supportive learning environment. My primary goal is to ensure my students feel confident and secure in the water, free from panic. I hope my students will develop a strong appreciation for water safety, discover the joy of swimming, recognize its benefits as a great form of exercise, and most importantly, have fun! Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, lifeguarding, and participating in various water sports like tubing and knee boarding, as well as snow skiing. I also serve as a Lifeguard at Gulf Islands Water Park. I look forward to seeing you in the pool!

Carson Wilhorn
Junior instructor

Hey there, I’m Carson. I’ve been on a competitive, year-round swim team for about ten years now, so I’ve clocked a few hours in the pool. I’ve loved being in the water for years now, and I’m hoping to spark that same passion in somebody else, while teaching them an important life skill in the process. I specialize in the distance races like the 1000yd freestyle. I am so excited to teach these kids to swim! See y’all this summer!

Nina “Jinx” Shull
Junior instructor

Hey my name is Nina! I also go by Jinx and I’m 17 years old. I’m a junior going on senior at Ocean Springs high school graduating in 2026 with a Distinguished Diploma. I’ve been a lifeguard for a little over 2 years and a swim instructor for about a year and a half. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! I’m excited to be able to work with your children and guide them into becoming a strong swimmer!
Parent Testimonies

Click on a name below to view what this parent has to say about our lessons!
Luke Brenner
“We highly recommend Nate for swim lessons. He is great with kids. Our daughter loved him. He instilled confidence in her and she was swimming like a fish after a week of lessons.”
Kassi Robinson
“Nate was fantastic in helping my son overcome his fear of water. Despite previous struggles, Nate’s approach got him out of his comfort zone and built his confidence. After just two sessions, my son went from being hesitant to jumping off the diving board and swimming the length of the pool. I couldn’t be more impressed with how Nate encouraged and guided him to succeed.”
Jessica Wilson
“Both of our instructors (Grayson and Kennedi) were great! Grayson really found ways to connect with Pierce and pushed him in a way Pierce happily responded to. The Popsicles really round the lessons out, great idea.”
Meredith Tutor
“Grayson is kind and patient with my son. He takes time to connect before each lesson and keeps him interested and engaged throughout their time in the pool. Jasper is trying new things each day and feels secure and confident.”
Ana Pitocchi
“All instructors were very patient with two toddlers who at times did not want to cooperate. You managed to help my sons overcome their fears and by the end of the week both were happily getting under the water! I also appreciated flexibility when we needed to cancel one class for weather we were able to reschedule for a session later that morning which was very convenient!”
Makayla Lewis
“Anavey was amazing! I loved seeing her get just as excited as we were when my daughter improved on something! She cheered Emery on and that really boosted her confidence!”
Catherine Knowles
“Mandy’s level of patience with my child when he didn’t want to cooperate was amazing.”
Kelsey Parks
“My daughter was not the easiest to work with this week, but the instructors were so patient.”
Bo Banks
“My son went from splashing and nervous to being confident in the water.”
Tiff Parker
“He made my very nervous son comfortable immediately. I would recommend him to anyone!”
Jasmine Shook
“Mandy helped my grandson feel more comfortable in the water. He does have a fear of it so that was major. She was very good at navigating that fear.”
Website Links:

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Email for inquiry
info@magcoastswim.com
Call or Text
601-818-2345