Atlanta's Premier Swim School

Brad Grzelka
Vice President
brad@atlantaswimacademy.com
Read Short Bio >

My family began Atlanta Swim Academy over 2 decades ago. During that time, I took lessons, became a certified lifeguard, and began working here part time. Now as the vise President of ASA I look forward to continuing to serve East Cobb for the next 20 years!

Below you can meet my dedicated staff and read short bio's on each of them including me. Please stop by sometime and say hi. If you feel you want to become part of a great team, print and fill out the application to the right.

In Alphabetical Order by First Name
Abby Johnston Lifeguard Read Short Bio > I have loved the water my whole life. My parents had me in the water at 6 months old & Ive been hooked ever since. I learned to swim at my neighborhood pool & I even swam competitively for a local year round swim team. I took my American Red Cross Lifeguard course right here at Atlanta Swim Academy. During the course, I was very impressed with the facility, the great staff & wanted the opportunity to join the ASA team. I plan on furthering my experience & teach swim lessons. I have been home schooled since 2nd grade. In the future, at least for now, I would like to become a pediatric nurse or mid-wife. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, or just reading a good book.	Alex Poole Lifeguard Read Short Bio > My name is Alex Poole. I currently attend Walton High School. I started lifeguarding at Atlanta Swim Academy because I love the water and working with people.

Alice Fazlollah Swim Team Coach alice@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > I am an Atlanta native, recently returned from school in California. I have been a swim instructor and coach for almost ten years in both Roswell and L.A., working with age group and masters swimmers alike. In Los Angeles I trained under Olympians Jason Lezak and Kristine Quance-Julian, greatly developing my coaching skills. Along with swimming, I am a personal trainer and avid runner. Currently I am a triathlon coach and graduate student, living in the Virgina Highlands. I am a USA Swimming Certified Head Coach, ASCA American Swim Coaches Association Level 2 Coaching certified and hold the following American Red Cross certifications: WSI, LG / First Aid, CPR / AED.	Andy Morrison Swim Instructor andym@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > My name is Andy Morrison and I am from Atlanta,GA. I am a Health and Physical Education Teacher in Fulton County. I was Health and Physical Education major at Slippery Rock University with two minors in Aquatics and Coaching. I was an active member in the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Club and the Vice President of the Fitness Integrated Teaching (FIT) Club at my University while I attended. Through the FIT Club I have had many opportunities to volunteer for different school related Health and Physical Education Programs such as: 5k run, Biathlon, field trips to the University Recreation Facility, to name a few. Through FIT Club I have had the opportunity to present and demonstrate at the Pennsylvania State Alliances of Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD) Convention twice, as well as at local Pennsylvania conventions to promote Core Training in Physical Education. Played varsity water polo at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and was a 4 year letter winner. Assisted with coaching and played on the Slippery Rock Mens Club Water Polo Team that went to the National level of competition. I am a USA Swimming Certified Coach and ASCA American Swim Coaches Association Level 1 Coaching certified. My previous experience includes: Completive swimmer and water polo player since the age of 9. Participated in a Triathlon in Galena Illinois (660yd swim, 16 mile bike and 4 mile run) and training for others. Participated in Varsity Swimming and Water Polo in high school - was the Team Captain for both. Competed in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Swim Meet in the 200 yard Individual Medley and several team relays. Assisted with coaching an age group swim team in Brookfield Illinois. Counselor and instructor for Boys Club as part of Kids @ College program at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois

Andy Shields Swim Team Head Coach/Swim Director andy@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > Sports and working with children have been passions of mine for as long as I can remember. I graduated from Elon University in North Carolina with a degree in Health and Physical Education, and have since been working in the sports and recreation field, as a coach, personal trainer, teacher and administrator. This has included 4 years in the private school setting, two of which were as Athletic Director. Originally from Essex, England, I grew up swimming, running, playing soccer and rugby, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach all of these sports at a number of different levels and to athletes of all ages since moving to the USA to achieve the "American Dream". I have to admit I am somewhat of a fitness fanatic, and enjoy competing in both road races and triathlons in and around the southeast, with my next goal being a marathon in the not so distant future. I have lived in Atlanta since 2003, and have since started a family with my wife Stacey. I have two step-sons Bryan and Connor and a beautiful 2 year old daughter named Siena.	Beth Panatera Swim Instructor/ARC Instructor beth@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > I have been swimming since the age of 3. I swam competitively during the summer in 1999 and 2000. I got my American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification in May 2006. Then in June 2006 I got my Boy Scout of America Certification. In the summer of 2006 I taught beginning to swim to ages 9-17. I taught swim technique, swimming merit badge, lifesaving, and basic first aid. I hope to get my WSI and become a full time swim instructor. I love swimming, teaching, and sailing in my spare time.

Brian Boone Facility Engineer brian@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > I’ve been in and around pools since I was about 5 years old. Summer swim league was always an integral part of my summer breaks, and I even managed to make a few appearances at state meets throughout my swimming career. Even after I outgrew the summer league I continued my swimming career as an assistant coach to my neighborhood team over the summer months and swam on my high school swim team during the school year. My love for swimming has extended to water polo over the years, and for the last 6 years I have been an active water polo player on a local water polo club team. Even though I am not currently teaching, I’m excited to be working at a facility where I can be a part of a staff that takes pride in passing on their love for the water to the next generation of swimmers.	Cara Epstein Swim Instructor/Lifeguard cara@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > I absolutely love being in the water. I have been swimming for as long as I can remember. By the age of 5 I was taking lessons. I swam competitively throughout childhood, & in high school I joined the diving team. I am currently a P.E. & Health teacher at Northwest Middle School in Alpharetta. Combining my love for the water with my love for teaching & children was the next logical step. When I can find a moment to myself, I enjoy traveling, reading, being with my friends & family & trying new restaurants. I also enjoy competing in triathlons.

Chelsea Bucci Swim Administration chelsea@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > Growing up in Roswell, I started swimming lessons shortly after my first birthday and have been involved with the sport ever since! My competitive swimming background consists of summer league swimmer and coach, year-round club swimmer and state team member at Centennial H.S. where we won the 2005 state championship. I have over 5 years experience in health and swim club customer service and as a swim instructor where I taught infants, children and adults. Outside of the pool, I am a full time student at Georgia State University majoring in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy cardio, weight training, and running marathons. My experience working with students and parents has led me to the dry land side of swimming as an ASA Swim Administrator. I am so excited about all of the services available at ASA and it will be my pleasure to assist you!	Christina Castillo Swim Administration christina@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > My family and I recently moved to East Cobb from San Antonio, Texas. Before coming to the Atlanta Swim Academy I worked as Marketing Director and Branding Manager for a firm in San Antonio and before that I was a Regional Manager and Recruiter for a national company. I am happily married and we have two children, both who are excited to jump in the water! As a family we believe that healthy activities and enjoying time together greatly benefits us all, here at the Swim Academy we have found a home.

Collin ODonnell Swim Instructor/Facility Engineer collin@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > Although not yet an instructor, I spend a great deal of time in the water swimming laps every morning before coming to Atlanta Swim Academy. I swam competitively in high school until I injured my shoulder swimming, but I continued spending time in the water as an assistant coach to my neighborhood swim team. When I'm not here, I enjoy being an active member of Army ROTC, playing Airsoft with friends, and building model ships.	Courtney Brown Lifeguard Read Short Bio > I am a student at Walton High School. I have been swimming for many years including summer teams for 2 years. In my spare time I like to listen to music, read, and study Psychology and Spanish. I love lifeguarding at Atlanta Swim Academy because it has a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the kids are a lot of fun!

Emily Gibson Swim Instructor/Lifeguard emily@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > I have been swimming for as long as I can remember. My father grew up swimming and I was a daddy’s girl so he taught me basic strokes in our backyard pool. I later went to the neighborhood pool and they asked if I wanted to join the summer league team, I was about 6 at the time. Once we moved to Sandy Springs a family friend mentioned year round swimming since I was obsessed by then. So, at the age of 9 I started swimming in the Olympic pool at Georgia Tech. I stayed there until I was 17 years old. I am currently at Southern Polytechnic State University, studying Civil Engineering. My ultimate goal is to be at Georgia Tech and to get my masters in Architecture to compliment the engineering. During my free time I enjoy staying in shape by biking and running. I am very excited to get the chance to be in the water again and to get back to the joy of swimming. I am looking forward to taking my passion for swimming and share it will everyone so you can enjoy it as much as I do.	Jack Jones Swim Instructor/Coach/Lifeguard jack@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed being in the water. I began swimming competitively when I was 12 for my neighborhood summer league. I still compete in a Masters swim program & have been doing so for the last 2 years. I love the challenge that swimming offers, both mentally with competitive swimming, & physically with the full-body workout. My passion for swimming can be matched with my love of children. In 2007, I combined the two & began teaching & lifeguarding. Although I am new to the ASA family, I feel right at home. I am a full-time student at Kennesaw State University as a Physical Education Major. I enjoy baseball, football, golf, & snowboarding. I am a USA Swimming Certified Coach and ASCA American Swim Coaches Association Level 2 Coaching certified.

Jason Werre Team Suit Sales/Swim Administration jason@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > Originally from Utah, I recently made the Atlanta area my home. Prior to coming to Atlanta Swim Academy, I was working in the telecommunications industry in Miami, Florida. It was a natural transition to the swim counter as I have been in the water since day one with my Grandmother who was the manager of a swimming pool and a passionate swimmer herself. I am a certified lifeguard and WSI instructor In addition to being a new transplant to the area and a new face at the shop, I have a new baby girl. I love spending my off time with my daughter Maya and wife Shelley. Work and family are the most occupying, however, when there is time, I am an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. Come see me at the counter!	Joey Hopkins Lifeguard Read Short Bio > Hi my name is Joey Hopkins. I currently attend Pope high school. I was born and raised here in Atlanta, Ga. In my spare time I enjoy motocross. I hope to attend UGA after high school. See you in or around the water!

Kevin ODonnell Swim Instructor/Lifeguard kevin@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > Hi my name is Kevin ODonnell . I have been swimming for as long as can remember. I love running, rowing, rock climbing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, unicycling (no I am not a clown), and anything outside that doesn't involve sitting still. Hope to see you in or around the water soon.	Mandy Arnold Instructor/Lifeguard mandy@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > Growing up around water was a constant in my childhood, and has been throughout my life. Watching my parents enjoying the water gave me insight as to how important it is to learn how to swim, not to mention how much fun it can be. Now I have the privilege to teach children the joy of swimming and I so love to see happiness on each and every face. Sometimes fear of the water can be a challenge, but with positive guidance and loving patience, anyone can overcome this fear. That is my main objective as a teacher here at Atlanta Swim Academy. I love swimming and have swam on my high school team earning a varsity letter. I have a Water Safety Instructor Certification through the Red Cross and have an American Red Cross Life-Saving Certificat. I am ASCA American Swim Coaches Association Level 1 Coaching certified. I want to be a positive influence on children and cant wait to see them walk through the door with smiling faces. See ya in the water!!

Matt Rinehart Swim Instructor/ARC Instructor matt@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > As far back as I can remember I've always been swimming. This is due mostly in part to my parents exposing me to the water at a very early age. My love and passion for the water eventually led to ten years of competition swimming, and an even greater love for instructing swimming. I was anassistant coach for three years before moving to swim instruction, which is where I am today. Given my love for the water, I was certified as a lifeguard and have been for almost five years. I received my Lifeguard Instructor certification two years ago and have been training lifeguards ever since. At this time I am teaching all American Red Cross Lifeguarding and CPR courses here at Atlanta Swim Academy, and am looking forward to adding many more to my array. I am hoping you will come share my passion for the water and learn to love it as much as I do.	Meg Waddell Swim Instructor/Lifeguard meg@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > I was born in Florida & I have spent most of my life in & around the water. Some of my fondest childhood memories include summers spent at the beach. When my family moved to Georgia, my love of the water was transformed into skill & technique. I learned how to swim right here at Atlanta Swim Academy! Combined with my passion for aquatics, & a love for children, it has been a great pleasure & a rewarding experience for me to have the opportunity to share this passion in the same place that I began my own journey into the water. Stop in & say, hello!

Michele Farrow Swim Instructor/Swim Administration michele@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > Originally from London, I moved to Atlanta 4 years ago with my husband and three children. Prior to moving here, I enjoyed teaching in schools in the UK as well as being the Principal of my own Music School, where I spent 16 fun packed years teaching the Piano! Not long after moving to Atlanta, I became a certified WSI swim instructor and Red Cross Lifeguard. I enjoyed nearly a year of teaching swimming at Atlanta Swim Academy, until a shoulder injury forced me to stop. I’m so excited to be back, this time as a member of the administration team. ASA is a happy place to be and I love being around children – they are funny, special little people, who always make me smile!	Owen Sweitzer Swim Instructor/Coach/Lifeguard owen@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > The water plays a big part in my life. Growing up in Georgia, swimming was my first love, followed shortly thereafter by water polo. Ive been swimming for summer swim teams since I was 7 years old. For 4 years in high school I swam on the varsity swim team at Wheeler, each year competing as a state finalist. I also helped found the Atlanta Water Polo League and established Wheeler High Schools water polo program. Since the start of my coaching career in 2006 I have continued to be very involved in the water polo community in the Atlanta area, but I am eager to get back to my swimming roots and share my love of the water and sports, in general, with a new generation of swimmers.

Phillip Laskey Lifeguard Read Short Bio > Ive always been very athletic, both on land and in water. I run on the cross country and track teams at Walton High School where I am currently a senior. I have also been wrestling since the third grade. I love to be in the pool, whether its at the Swim Academy or in my own backyard (which is where youre most likely to find me in the summer). Perhaps the best thing about working here is being able to swim and lifeguard year-round, even when its cold out. For the last 2 years Ive had the pleasure of lifeguarding at the Atlanta Swim Academy, and I hope to eventually begin teaching swim lessons there as well.	Ryan Boas Facility Engineer Read Short Bio > I was raised in Missouri around a lake where I grew to love the water. ASA was a perfect fit. I look forward to growing with ASA and expanding my experience as the chance prevails.

Sarah Rinehart Swim Instructor/Coach/Lifeguard sarah@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > I have been swimming since I was 3 years old, and have always been very comfortable and fluent in the water. I coached the Smyrna Sharks swim team for 7 years and kept busy as Captain of my high school swim team earning 2 varsity letters and going to 2 state championships achieving high honors. I am a USA Swimming Certified Coach and ASCA American Swim Coaches Association Level 2 Coaching certified. One of my fondest memories is seeing Lake Michigan for the first time at three years old. Running to the big water and watching my parents try to catch me before I actually entered the waves was a hilarious sight. I have always had a love for the water and want to reflect that love to the children I have the privilege to teach. My hobbies include reading, writing journals, drawing, aerobic exercise and of course, swimming laps.	Stephanie Lee Swim Administration Stephanie@atlantaswimacademy.com Read Short Bio > I spent most of my childhood in Puerto Rico and Miami, so swimming just came naturally as Ive been surrounded by water most of my life. Before starting here I spent two summers working at the Chattahoochee Nature Center as a swim instructor and life guard. I recently graduated from UGA with a B.A. in Comparative Literature and a B.S. in Psychology, and Ive moved back to the Marietta area to work before returning to school for a Ph.D. in cultural studies. Working here is a pleasure because of the great staff, especially my brother, Coach Chris. I look forward to seeing you in the water!
Vicky Farrow Lifeguard Read Short Bio > I’ve enjoyed swimming for as long as I can remember, especially the fun of being a member of various swim teams, abroad and in Atlanta. Now having got my Lifeguard certification, I am excited about working for ASA and cant wait to see you in the pool!