Our Mission & Core Values

Our mission is to develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of swimming, while creating a safe and fun environment in and around water.All ASA instructors maintain Red Cross Lifeguard Certification while a member of our staff.

As part of their orientation, instructors complete at least 40 hours of in the water training with seasoned instructors as they learn the ASA swim curriculum. Each instructor brings their own technique and approach to the classes, making our pools a fun and dynamic learning environment. We are proud of our staff and hope you have a chance to see each and every one of our instructors in action.

Meet the ASA Staff

My family began Atlanta Swim Academy 3 decades ago. Below you can meet my dedicated staff and read bio's on each of them, including me. Please stop by sometime and say hi. If you'd like to become part of a great team, fill out our application!

Brad Grzelka

Brad GrzelkaOwnerThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More than 3 decades ago, my parents started our family business, Atlanta Swim Academy. Some of you may know that for many years the business also taught and certified people to SCUBA dive. In 2006 we exited the dive business and chose to focus primarily on teaching swimming. Around that time, my parents retired and passed the reigns on to me. I now own Atlanta Swim Academy and I am passionate about helping others overcome their fears and foster the same love for the water that I have carried with me for most of my life. I look forward to passing my love for the water on to my two children, Jessie and Tyler.

Growing up, I was very fortunate to have had many opportunities to be in and around the water whether is was swimming with friends or going on snorkeling/scuba diving trips with my family. As a teen, I became lifeguard certified, learned the ropes of running the business, and eventually as an adult, obtained my Certified Pool Operator (CPO) status.

Prior to having kids my love of the water expanded to cave diving. Since having kids my hobbies have turned to other sports/hobbies such as running, mountain biking, going to the lake, and off-roading with my Jeep.

Please stop by sometime and say hello! I look forward to continuing to serve East Cobb and the surrounding areas swim needs for many more years.

Managers

Lisa SandlerSwim Program ManagerThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bio: I am honored to be a part of this dynamic and experienced swim staff. I started swimming as an infant and continue to love the water – pool, lake, river, ocean and sea! Growing up I continued to learn to swim at camp, started teaching swimming in 1993, and was a member of Arcadia University’s DIII NCAA swim team from 1995-1999. Teaching kids and individuals of all ages and abilities to swim is so exciting for me and I hope to meet you soon.

Amy FarrarAdministrative ManagerThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I grew up swimming on the river in Lee County, Alabama. I've been managing aquatics and recreation programs since high school and I think swimming is one of the most fun and necessary skills a child can learn! In my free time, I like to go hiking and paddling.

Adria DennisHuman Resources ManagerThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I have always loved the water, and started swimming competitively at 10yrs old in my hometown Watertown, WI. During my swimming career, I had the opportunity to travel to multiple State Competitions, Zone-Regional Meets, Speedo Sectionals, as well as Junior Nationals. I broke multiple records at my High School in WI, and qualified for State Championships 3 years during high school season as well. My passion for swimming has never ended, and I absolutely love being able to contribute my experience and knowledge of the sport as a Swim Coach now. I love helping kids achieve their own goals, and just to have fun in the sport of swimming! I also enjoy Health & Fitness overall and it is still a very important part in my life.

Jack Jones Facility Engineer Manager / Swim Instructor / Coach This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I have enjoyed being in the water for as long as I can remember. I began swimming competitively with my neighborhood summer league when I was 12. I still compete in a Masters swim program and have been doing so since 2008. I love the challenge that swimming offers, both mentally and physically. My passion for swimming can only be matched for my love of children. In 2007, I attained my WSI certication and combined my two great loves when I started teaching at ASA. I had attained my lifeguarding and CPR/AED certifications in 2000, but something about teaching made me feel right at home at ASA. I am also a USA Swimming Certified Coach, and I have my Level 2 ASCA (American Swim Coaches Association) Coaching certification. I have been Facility Mangager at Atlanta Swim Academy since 2015. When I'm not spending time at work, school, or with my family, I enjoy baseball, football, golf, and snowboarding.

Administrators

Amy FarrarAdministrative ManagerThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Casey SeeleyMedia Specialist / Assistant Admin ManagerThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I started swimming at 2 years old, and joined a year round swim team at 6. I continued swimming competitively through high school and became a lifeguard and swim instructor in 2012, and have loved every minute of it. I am very happy and excited to be a part of the Atlanta Swim Academy Family!

Cate BucciSwim Administrator

I've been a competitive swimmer for 13 years and I used to swim on the team here at ASA when I was younger! I currently attend Gwinnett Technical College studying Sports Marketing. I graduated from Centennial High School in 2019. My favorite thing about swimming is that not only is it a fun sport, but its a necessary life skill. My favorite part about teaching kids is that everyone is super unique and that brings joy to me. Outside of ASA I love to workout and do cross-fit. I also enjoy hiking and taking my dog with me.

Chloe HaggertySwim Administrator

I actually learned how to swim at ASA when I was younger! I am currently a student at Georgia State studying Journalism. My favorite thing about swimming is how free I feel in the water. Outside of ASA I love to go hiking with my dog! I also love reading and writing.

Stefan WilliamsSwim Administrator

I grew up in Jamaica so I was constantly around water. Most of my holidays I spent at the beach or river. I have a Bachelors of Science degree from Oglethorpe University. When I was younger, my parents had a difficult time getting me out of the pool. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is the fact that I can help them develop a new skill. My hobbies outside of ASA include: watching or playing soccer, volunteering at non-profit organizations, and photography.

Maxwell SimmonsSwim Administrator / Facility Engineer

I grew up swimming in summer league and on my high school swim team. I am currently a college student at Kennesaw State University. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is seeing how happy they are when they get in the water - they love the pool! My hobbies outside of ASA include anything car-related, working on cars, going to car shows, and watching competitions.

Stacey BurasSwim Administrator

I was a swim instructor for 2 years, teaching children ages 5-13. I attended Kennesaw State University, and eventually pursued acting at Second City in Chicago. I love the energy that kids have, and their willingness and courage to try new things. I love to write, in my free time I write for sketch teams in Atlanta at various comedy clubs.

Supervisors

Ben Ladinsky Supervisor / Swim Instructor

I used to coach gymnastics at a summer camp, and I really enjoyed working with the kids. I love how no matter how bad of a day you are having, the kids can cheer you up every single time. I came to Atlanta Swim Academy in 2015 to work with kids in a different environment. I feel teaching swimming lessons is a great way to interact with kids and have a fun time learning new skills.

Dylan VillhauerSupervisor / Swim Instructor

I have loved to swim ever since I was a little kid. My friend got me into to summer league at the age of 8 and I stuck with it ever since. I swam through high school and even joined a year round competitive team. After high school, I continued to swim at South Georgia State College for 2 years. I'm really happy to be able to teach kids how to swim and have them enjoy learning how to swim!

Jacque StewartTraining Supervisor / Swim Instructor

I have enjoyed being around the water my whole life. Whether it be teaching lessons, coaching, or just having fun. I am excited to be a part of the ASA family.

Julia Amos Supervisor / Swim Instructor / Lead Coach - SwimFit

I have always loved the water and have been swimming as long as I can remember. I joined my first competitive team at the age of 12 and quickly fell in love with the sport. I swam at college at Life University. and began life guarding and teaching lessons at the age of 15. I coached age group swim teams for the past 3 years. My hobbies outside of swimming include sailing, camping and trail running.

Zaire UnkSupervisor / Swim Instructor

Determined to become a lifeguard at the age of 15, I learned how to swim. From there I started to instruct swimming lesson classes after being praised for my performance. I graduated from Chowan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. My favorite thing about teaching lessons would be the moments when my students achieve new goals when they are learning to swim. I enjoy building computers and writing code in my spare time.

Instructors

Lisa SandlerSwim Program ManagerThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I am honored to be a part of this dynamic and experienced swim staff. I started swimming as an infant and continue to love the water – pool, lake, river, ocean and sea! Growing up I continued to learn to swim at camp, started teaching swimming in 1993, and was a member of Arcadia University’s DIII NCAA swim team from 1995-1999. Teaching kids and individuals of all ages and abilities to swim is so exciting for me and I hope to meet you soon.

Abe FallickSwim Instructor

I have been swimming for as long as I can remember. I started with summer swim team, then transferred to a club team and high school team. I am currently enrolled at Kell High School. I love the feel of the water and I can never go too long without being in the water. I am excited to share that feeling and to teach it to others. My hobbies mostly include school sports and I am very involved in my religious youth group. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and making music.

Abigail RonicSwim Instructor

I have been swimming since I was 4 years old. I enjoyed going to the lake with my family from a young age as well as swim classes. After graduating from Georgia Highlands College, I will be attending KSU while working on a degree in Education. I hope to teach Art to Middle and High School students. Swimming is an important skill for all and learning early helps keep kids safer around water. When I am not in the water, I play with my Jack Russel Terrier and attending live concerts. I also love painting and exploring recipes in the kitchen.

Ali RosatoSwim Instructor

I took swim classes all throughout my childhood and kept swimming because I grew up with a pool. I graduated from the University of Alabama in 2017 with a Bachelors Degree in Anthropology. I love to be in the water and helping kids achieve their goals! My hobbies outside of ASA include: yoga, orange theory, acting, modeling, writing and producing films. I also have a passion for fashion and plan on starting a blog.

Alieen HickeySwim Instructor

I started swimming at a very young age. From summer league, to swim academies, to competitive swimming, I have had a lot of experience! I am graduating from Harrison High School and then going to Kennesaw State University to major in business management. I believe swimming is a very important sport to learn in terms of safety and it is also very fun! Outside of the pool I also play tennis. I am looking forward to helping everyone reach their goals in swimming.

Andrew KeenanSwim Instructor

I have been swimming my whole life and worked at Six Flags Whitewater as a Lifeguard. I graduated from Etowah High School in 2019. My favorite thing about swimming is just being able to be in the water and I love being able to see the progression of kids learning to swim and becoming confident in the water. Outside of ASA I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing basketball.

Anna WrightSwim Instructor

I have over 1 year Life-guarding experience and also taught swim lessons over the summer. I graduated from Dalton High school and am currently attending Kennesaw State University.My favorite thing about being a Swim Instructor is the fact that I get to connect with the kids and grow with them as they become more advanced in swimming. My hobbies outside of ASA include: playing basketball and tennis, painting, and watching as many Disney movies as I can.

Anslee LoffertSwim Instructor

I grew up always being around the pool. I graduated from Mill Creek High School and am currently a student at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a Bachelors in Exercise Science. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is seeing their faces when they learn something new! Outside of ASA I am also a student athletic trainer at Kennesaw State.

Ben LadinskySupervisor / Swim Instructor

Brian QuintanaSwim Instructor

I grew up taking swim lessons in Colombia. I am a graduate of River Ridge High School. My favorite thing about being a swim instructor is the experience of teaching and helping a child learn new skills. I feel this will be very useful in their future! My hobbies outside of ASA include Tennis & Soccer. I am really into snowboarding even though I'm not really good at it yet. I also love investments.

Catalina DunnSwim Instructor

Hi! Swimming has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started swimming competitively in 2006 and I am so proud to have competed at the state level with my relay team! I graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in Spanish. Teaching swimming is so important as kids learn a vital skill while having fun. Outside of the pool I love to play soccer, read history books and stay active. Hope to meet you soon!

Clare BuffordSwim Instructor

Bio: I've been swimming since I was 8 years old, and I also have 2 years coaching experience with my summer league team. I am currently a High School student. My favorite thing about swimming is the relationship you form with your teammates and coaches. Outside the pool I like to babysit and dog-sit. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends.

Collin O'DonnellSwim Instructor / Facility Engineer

I have always spent a great deal of time in the water swimming; I usually get in a few laps every morning before coming to Atlanta Swim Academy. I swam competitively in high school until I injured my shoulder, but I continued spending time in the water as an assistant coach to my neighborhood swim team. In 2009, I obtained my WSI, lifeguarding, and CPR/AED certifications right here at ASA, and I've been teaching here ever since! When I'm not here, playing Airsoft with friends, and building model ships.

Davaughn QuestadSwim Instructor

I have been swimming for 11 years. I am currently enrolled in college courses. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is being able to pass on all the knowledge I have learned over the years from my coaches. Outside of ASA I play drums/percussion, I play soccer, and I enjoy wood working/carpentry

Dylan VillhauerSupervisor / Swim Instructor

Emily NettlesSwim Instructor

I have been swimming year round for 6 years. I swim on Stingrays Swimming and have made several State and Premier times. I go to Allatoona High School. My favorite things about swimming are my team and how fun it it. I enjoy watching the kids progress and have fun. When I'm not swimming I enjoy being with friends and playing with my dogs.

Ester ShimonSwim Instructor

When I little I always loved to swim and I had to be forced out of the water. I did swimming lessons at ASA and then joined the neighborhood summer league team. Being in the water feels great and I love helping swimmers grow each time they come to class. Outside of the pool, I play Lacrosse for Walton HS. See you soon!

Jacque StewartTraining Supervisor / Swim Instructor

I have enjoyed being around the water my whole life. Whether it be teaching lessons, coaching, or just having fun. I am excited to be a part of the ASA family.

Josie BurnetteJoise Burnette

I've been on my school swim team for 4 years. I am a student at Johnson Ferry Christian Academy. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is watching them grow! My hobbies outside of ASA include swimming and playing piano.

Julia AmosSupervisor / Swim Instructor / Lead Coach - SwimFIT

Laura Lim SangSwim Instructor

I have been swimming year round for over 12 years and I have swam for Jamaica twice. I am a graduating Senior at Sprayberry High School. My favorite thing about swimming is just being in the water and the competitive aspect. I love being able to teach kids how to swim so they can one day feel the same passion that I have for swimming. Outside of the pool, I love to spend time with my friends.

Lily EnsleySwim Instructor

I have been swimming since I was six years old. Before working as ASA, I was a teacher cadet at East Side this past year and have had many volunteer camp experiences. Swimming is a great activity for people of all ages and I love to help kids dive in! Outside of the pool I like to dance, crochet, and cook.

Madisyn JamesSwim Instructor

My background in swimming includes life-guarding at Six Flags White Water. I am a Senior at Wheeler High School. I absolutely love swimming and being in the water. I love to see the smile on the kids faces once they've accomplished something. Outside of ASA I am a cheerleader at Wheeler High.

Maggie PokornyDeck Hand / Swim Instructor

I started summer league when I was 4, then took up year-round swimming when I was 8. Since then I've continued to swim year round. I am currently a student at Blessed Trininty High School. My favorite thing about swimming is the competition it brings, and the friendships built from being on a team. I like helping kids learn to swim because it is an important skill to learn and I like being able to give back all that I have learned. Outside of the pool I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love to read and to go for runs.

Marc HayesSwim Instructor

My background in swimming includes 4 years of High School Swim Team and being a Team Captain. I also swam year round for 3 years and was a Lifeguard for 3 years. I attended Westlake High School and graduated from Georgia State University in May 2019 majoring in Film & Media with a minor in Entertainment & Media Management. Swimming is a very healthy activity that is great for all ages and is an essential skill to learn. Outside of ASA, my hobbies include working with film & media. I often work on short films, editing videos, doing photography gigs or making music

Meg WilliamsSwim Instructor

I went through the ASA swim levels and was a past year-round swimmer on the ASA Swim Team. I am currently a High School student. I love swimming because it can be super competitive but also very relaxing. Teaching kids to swim is fun because they make it exciting. Outside of the pool I play on my school's Lacrosse Team.

MJ HoffmanMJ Hoffman

I grew up swimming in my neighborhood swim team and my high school swim team. I also made it to State in high school. I was also a Lifeguard throughout high school and college. I am an Exercise Physiologist from Georgia State University. I graduated in 2017 and I hope to become a Children's Occupational Therapist. I love seeing the joy on the faces of kids when they can do something they were not able to do before! My hobbies outside of ASA include personal training and uni-cycling.

Nia DuBoseDeck Hand / Swim Instructor

I was introduced to swimming when I began attending a Surf Camp in San Diego, CA and I fell in love with the water. I am a junior at North Springs Charter High School. My favorite thing about swimming is feeling light and controlled and love sparking that interest in kids. Outside of the pool I enjoy dancing and drawing.

Nicole RigbySwim Instructor

I did swim team here at ASA when I was a kid. I also have experience teaching my niece and nephew how to swim. I am currently a student at Kennesaw State University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is seeing the joy on their faces when they finally master a skill. My hobbies outside of ASA include: Mountain Biking, photography, video editing, swimming and DIY projects.

Nikki HitchcockSwim Instructor

I am from Orlando, FL and grew up swimming, surfing and being around the water! I went to high school at Walton and am currently a student at Georgia State University. I enjoy helping kids learn to swim; I've always had a passion for building up those around me to feel like they can succeed. My hobbies outside of ASA include Horseback Riding - I give riding lessons to friends and family, along with caking care of my niece.

Rachael HorneSwim Instructor

I have been swimming competitively year-round since I was seven years old. I have helped coach summer swim team for the last three years. I am a student at Johnson Ferry Christian Academy. I love to help kids learn how to swim and get to watch them improve and to have fun while getting better! Outside of ASA I swim for Stingrays and I love to play piano.

Ryan MoffettSwim Instructor

I starting swimming when I was 6 and have been swimming year round ever since. I am currently a Junior in High School. My favorite thing about swimming is being able to compete and I love teaching kids how to improve in swimming. Outside of the pool I enjoy going to UGA football games and hanging out with friends

Sam SmithSwim Instructor

I began swimming at 3 years old, and competing by age 4. I started teaching swim lessons at 16, and have been enjoying it for 15 years. I graduates from Clarkston High School and attended Middle Georgia College. My favorite thing about swimming is doing butterfly and I love to see the excitement on kids' faces when they accomplish a new skill set! Outside of ASA I enjoy going to parks and watching movies.

Teresa TenenbaumSwim Instructor

I started swimming at a young age at ASA. I did summer league swim team for 7 years, 4 years of hs swim and 2 years of hs dive. I went to Campbell High School for their International Baccalaureate program. I am currently a Biotechnology major and Spanish minor at KSU. I have always felt very at home in the water and enjoy sharing my love of the water with those around me. Outside of ASA, I love the outdoors, am an avid whitewater kayak-er, enjoy long hikes and plan to hike the Appalachian Trail. I also love to read, cook and hang out with friends.

Zaire UnkSupervisor / Swim Instructor

Facility Engineers

Jack JonesFacility Engineer ManagerThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Collin O'DonnellSwim Instructor / Facility Engineer

Brian BooneFacility Engineer

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 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. 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.

Maxwell SimmonsSwim Administrator / Facility Engineer

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Store Hours MON-FRI 10am-7:30pm,
SAT & SUN 9am-5:30pm

732 Johnson Ferry Road
Marietta, GA 30068

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