Improving Your Backstroke: Part 2 of a Four-Part Stroke Improvement Series – Wallen Swim School in Roseville and El Dorado Hills, California
Mel is an owner and swim instructor at Steve Wallen Swim School. She moved to the United States in 2008 from her hometown of Ulm, Germany. She first learned to swim at the age three through the German Lifesaving Association and went on to swim competitively for twelve years until making the decision to pursue a career in Aquatics.
Over the last 20 years, she has spent time as an Aquatics Director, Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Water Gymnastics Instructor, Pool Party Coordinator and a Mass Sport Host. Mel is an avid fan of the water and enjoys working with students of all ages. In her spare time, she enjoys camping and off-road adventures with her son and husband.
Steve Wallen is an owner as well as an instructor at Steve Wallen Swim School. He graduated from Chico State with a degree in Physical Education. While swimming at Chico State under the legendary olympic swim coach Ernest Maglischo, Steve competed on the Men’s Swim Team that won back to back National Championships as well as set a National Record in the 800 freestyle relay. He is also a member of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
Steve Wallen has been involved in the sport of swimming for over 40 years. He taught lessons in his Folsom home for eighteen years, and has now moved on to expand his swim school to better serve his customers. Steve has always dreamed of owning his own swim school where he can demonstrate his passion and exceptional talent for teaching students of all ages and abilities to swim. Steve and his wife Susy have raised four children and currently reside in El Dorado Hills with their yellow lab Bauer.
Kaleb Wallen is an owner as well as an instructor at Steve Wallen Swim School. He grew up in Folsom, California and attended Folsom High School. He then went on to graduate from the University of California, Davis where he excelled in both academics and athletics. Kaleb studied Exercise Biology with an emphasis in Physiology as well as competed on the UC Davis Men’s Swim Team for four years where he swam under olympic swim coach Pete Motekaitis. He has now followed in his father’s footsteps and is doing what he knows and loves. Kaleb has worked for Steve Wallen Swim School for the past seventeen years, and enjoys working with swimmers of all ages and skill levels.
Kaleb Wallen first started teaching swim lessons and coaching swim team students at the age of fourteen in his family’s backyard pool in Folsom. Once he graduated from UC Davis in 2007, he and his father decided to expand their backyard program which has now grown to be one of the most popular and respected swim schools in the area. Kaleb now teaches infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels, as well as specializes in competitive video analysis and underwater filming for competitive swimmers and triathletes looking to improve their stroke technique and efficiency.
Londa is our manager in EDH with over 17 years experience in retail sales, management, client communication, and customer service. From owning her own coffee shop and construction company to managing other companies, she has done it all.
Londa has a competitive swimming background through high school. Steve actually coached her when he was the head swim coach at Ponderosa High School in the 80’s.