Lauren Murphy
Founder
Lauren Murphy is a certified Red Cross Lifeguard, CalmWater instructor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and former professional MMA athlete. She began swimming and training in deep water as a supplement to her martial arts career and quickly discovered the empowering nature of the water.
After retiring from professional competition, Lauren began her own journey into aquatic instruction and water competence. Concerned about rising drowning rates across the United States, and eager to introduce the benefits of deep water training to the community, she founded the CalmWater Collective.
Drawing on her background in martial arts instruction, Lauren structured the CalmWater program to meet students at every level—from those who are just becoming comfortable in the water to athletes training for advanced performance. Through progressive skill development, students build comfort, control, competence, and ultimately water fluency.
The mission of CalmWater Collective is to help decrease drowning rates in Houston and beyond while introducing people to the many physical and mental benefits of deep water training.
Michelle Washam
CEO
Michelle Washam is a certified Red Cross Lifeguard and CalmWater instructor.
She discovered her love for deep water training in 2022 after attending a deep water exercise class. She quickly fell in love with the challenge and focus the water demands, and after several years of training, became an instructor.
Michelle loves the sense of clarity and calm that deep water training provides. Using games and engaging activities, she helps students build water confidence and competence in an encouraging and approachable way.
As a mother of two young boys, Michelle has also experienced the benefits of the CalmWater method at home. She has watched firsthand as her children went from being hesitant in the water to happily playing and swimming in the pool for hours.