Our Mission & Core Values

Our Mission is to develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of swimming in students of all ages, and to create 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 Grzelka | Owner

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Bio: Water has played an integral role in my life. As a child I was fortunate enough to have grown up with many opportunities to be in and around the water. My family began Atlanta Swim Academy over 3 decades ago.

Adria Dennis | HR / Team Admin / Lead Senior Group Coach

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Bio: I have always loved the water, and started swimming competitively at 10yrs old in my hometown Watertown, WI. I quickly developed a passion and talent for the sport, and joined an elite year-round club swim team at age 14, in which I had the opportunity to travel to multiple State Competitions, Zone-Regional Meets, Speedo Sectionals, as well as Junior Nationals.

Amy Farrar | Administrative Manager

Bio: I love swim lessons because I believe swimming is one of the most fun and necessary skills a child can learn! I first learned to swim when my Grandpa would throw loose change at the bottom of the pool and tell me I could keep the money if I swam to get it. I started lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons in high school and kept at it throughout college where I worked at the Auburn University Aquatics Center. I've spent the last 4 years managing summer camps and year round outdoor recreation programs for children, which included swimming, boating and sailing lessons.

Anna Powell | Camp Counselor / Swim Instructor

Bio: My background in swimming includes swim team for 11 years and I've been a lifeguard for 4 years.  I graduated high school in 2015 and am currently enrolled at Chattahoochee Tech.  I love watching kids figure out how to do something new and helping them achieve that is always fun! Outside of swimming, I enjoy reading and playing video games.

Annaliese Mundt | Swim Instructor

Bio: I love the water and kids! It has played a huge role in my life. I've been swimming since I was 5 years old in my neighborhood league and started year round swimming when 12. I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I love swimming because it is relaxing and I also love the competition. I think it is an important skill. I can’t wait to teach new kids and watch their love for it grow as mine did. Outside of swimming, I play three instruments and make art. I am so thankful to be apart of the Atlanta Swim Academy staff!

Ben Ladinsky |  Supervisor / Swim Instructor

Bio: 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 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.

Brian Boone | Swim Instructor / Facility Engineer

 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. 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.

Casey Seeley | Supervisor / Swim Instructor / Swim Administrator

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Bio: I started swimming at 2 years old, and joined a year round swim team at 8. 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!

Cassidy Jodesty | Supervisor / Swim Instructor

Bio: I am a current student at Kennesaw State University majoring in International Business. I was born and raised in Georgia and I adore the state. Swimming and I have been in love since I was 3 years old. I have been on swim team for 10 years but have been swimming for 14 years. I am a huge fan of reading and being outside where I can lay in the sun. Fun Fact: I have a T-shirt collection with somewhere near 35 shirts.

Clare Bufford | Assistant Swim 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 ODonnell | Swim Instructor / Facility Engineer

Bio: 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.

Danielle Frazier | Swim Instructor

Bio: I've been swimming since I was about 2 years old and I was on summer swim team when I was 7. I am also a certified scuba diver. I am currently enrolled at Lassiter High School. I've always loved swimming. There's so much to do in the water. I love seeing kids excited when they do something correctly. Outside the pool I play travel and high school soccer, which takes up most of my life. I also love to spend time with my family and friends!

Davaughn Questad | Swim Instructor

Bio: 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

Dwight Michael Price | Supervisor / Swim Instructor

Bio: I've been swimming for as long as I can remember. I started swimming competitively when I was 8 years old and during the summers. I played baseball for a long time and had to stop swimming, but started again in high school and have done it ever since. Swimming is an important skill to learn because it's fun and is a great way to stay active.

Dylan Villhauer | Supervisor / Swim Instructor

Bio: 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!

Ester Shimon | Swim Instructor

Bio: 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!

Gabe Lacasella | Swim Instructor

Bio: I started swimming when I was six years old and have swam ever since. I have swam for summer league, High School, and club swim team over the years. I am currently a high school student at Pope High School. My favorite thing about swimming and coaching is the progression, whether that be dropping time, or just learning how to float. My major hobby outside the pool is gardening. I have a greenhouse in my backyard that I spend most of my free time in. I plant many types of plants with my sister who has helped me develop a love for growing.

Grace Motahari | Swim Instructor

Bio: Having grown up in Sandy Springs, I started swimming at a very young age. I’ve always loved being in the water and swam competitively in both summer leagues and year round teams, even making it to State a few times. I’m a proud alumna of Atlanta Swim Academy and look forward to passing on the knowledge and skills I acquired to my students.

Isabelle Witteveen | Swim Instructor  

Bio: I've been in and around water for as long as I can remember! I love swimming and working with kids. I took swimming lessons at Atlanta Swim Academy, then started competitively swimming with my Summer league, and I now swim for Walton High School. I believe that swimming essential for all, especially children.  See you soon!

Israel Lelis | Swim Instructor

Bio: I've always been in love with the water, every summer I would spend most of my time either swimming in the pool or in the ocean. I would spend so much time in the water that my mom would call me her little fish. I've been swimming since I was 3 and couldn't see myself doing anything else, I would swim for fun but it wasn't until I got into high school that I joined the swim and dive team at my high school. That's when I knew that swimming was my passion, and now to get to pass that onto the younger generation and I couldn't be more excited.

Jack Jones | Facility Engineer Manager / Swim Instructor / Coach

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Bio: 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 for the last 2 years. I love the challenge that swimming offers, both mentally and physically.

Jacque Stewart  | Supervisor / Swim Instructor / Coach

Bio: 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. 

Jared Vesser | Swim Instructor

Bio: I learned to swim as a toddler and swimming for a team when I was just 4 years old. I started swimming for a team at 4 years old and have been on a swim team ever since then. I swim for my school. As a lifeguard, I started teaching swim lessons in 2016 and really enjoy teaching kids to swim. I love working kids because they are always laughing and bringing joy to everyone around them. When I’m not in the pool, I enjoy kayaking different rivers and fishing, working on my truck, and playing football. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and just having fun!

Jasmine Brownlee | Swim Instructor

Bio: Started swimming as a water baby and kept going, joining Summer league, and at Marietta High School. I love working with kids, and watching them learn and improve at swimming is so rewarding. Outside of the water I paint, shop and wind down from a busy day by watching Netflix.

John Cherok | Lead Gold Group Coach

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Bio: Raised in Columbus, Ohio, I started swimming as soon as my parents threw me in the pool at age 6. I swam competitively up to college swimming summer league and age group short course and long course. My best strokes were to 100 breast and the 400 IM. Swimming Masters off and on and now raising a 9yr old girl who is actively into swimming, I've found new desire to pursue coaching as a way to continue the passion of swimming.

Julia Amos | Supervisor / Swim Instructor / Coach

Bio: 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.

Kathy Lim Sang | Head Coach / Lead Silver & Bronze Group Coach

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Bio: Kathy hails from the sunny Island of Jamaica. Her husband and two daughters migrated to Marietta in 2008. Both her daughters have been integrally involved in swimming, the younger, at State level, the older, a senior at college.

Kathy is a certified Physical Education Teacher, also having taught English Lang and Lit at High School Level.

Lauren Huston | Swim Instructor

Bio: I have always had a passion for sports, with Swimming being the top of the list. I started swimming as early as the age of 2. By the age of 10, I was swimming competitively with the Fulton County Swordfish Team. I have participated in Scuba Diving summer camps and continued swimming for various swim teams during my middle and high school years. My passion for swimming and safety lead me to earning certifications for teaching swimming and lifeguarding in 2011. I earned an Associates Degree in Biology and I am continuing my academic career in the Public Health program at KSU. I look forward to working with the Atlanta Swim Academy family!

Lia Gonzalez | Swim Instructor 

Bio: Hey! I'm Lia and I have been swimming since I was 3 years old. I love the pool and look forward to having fun-tastic time with the swimmers at Atlanta Swim Academy.

Lily Ensley | Swim Instructor

Bio: 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.

Lisa Sandler | Swim Program Manager

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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.

Lydia Knight | Supervisor / Swim Instructor / Swim Administrator

Bio: As a very young child, I began taking swimming lessons and have loved swimming ever since. My family took annual trips to Florida where I put this passion to use, and lived in the tropics overseas later in my childhood where I was able to go swimming all year round- even in the middle of winter! I also greatly enjoy being around kids of all ages and they always brighten my day!

Maddy Lewis  | Swim Instructor

Bio: I started my swimming journey when I was 5 years old.  From there I swam Summer league for 11 years and year round for 8.  And now I swim for Lassiter High School.  I enjoy helping kids learn new skills and watching them grow and improve.  Outside of the pool I like to spend time with my friends and family.

Maggie Pokorny | Swim Instructor

Bio: I started summer league when I was 4, then took up year-round swimming with 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.

Matt Evans | Swim Instructor

Bio: I started swimming what I was 6 years old for summer league. Later I became a Junior Coach and was able to teach kids the same techniques I learned. I also swam competitively throughout High School. I am currently attending Georgia State University majoring in Bio. My favorite thing about swimming is that no matter how old you get you can always go swimming and have a great time while getting a full workout. I like helping kids learn to swim because it teaches them life lessons about self-discipline. My hobbies outside of the pool are reading, hanging out with friends, and going to the gym.

Maxwell Simmons | Swim Administrator / Facility Engineer

Bio: 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.

Nelson Camacho | Supervisor / Swim Instructor / Swim Coach

Bio: Swimming has always been a part of my life. I started on Summer league at 4 years old and continued swimming through the years and including college. Loving the water so much, I became a lifeguard, coach and instructor when I was old enough. I studied exercise science in college and excited to bring that expertise to the swimmers at ASA. When I am not in the water I like to play soccer and video games.

Nia DuBose | Swim Instructor

Bio: 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.

Payton Benoit | Swim Instructor

Bio: I have been swimming since I was 6 years old and did year round swim team from ages 10-16, and now I play Water Polo. I am currently a student at Pope High School. I love helping kids get over their fears of swimming and watching individuals grow and develop with practice! Outside of the pool, I am also an Athletic Trainer at my high school and am involved in a Sports Medicine Internship.

Rebecca Lieber | Swim Instructor

Bio: I swam competitively and for neighborhood swim teams, so now I want to coach kids how to swim too. I think swimming is a fun way to get exercise and I love to be with children and help them learn new things. I am currently enrolled at Lassiter High School. Outside of the pool, I am also involved in cheerleader at Lassiter, and I enjoy working out, volunteering, and yoga.

Riley Kollas  | Swim Instructor

Bio: I've been swimming since I was 2 years old. I am a member of Lassiter Swim Team and was on North Hampton Summer Swim Team for 4 years. I am currently a student at Lassiter High School. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is their faces when they figure out/perfect a skill. Outside of the pool, my hobbies are reading, listening to music, and playing soccer.

Ryan Moffett | Swim Instructor

Bio: 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.

Shelly Gerding | Swim Administrator

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Bio: I have lived most of my life in Georgia.  I graduated from Berry College in 2005.  I have experience working in both retail and customer service for over 10 years now and I really enjoy it!  I love meeting and getting to know new people who love the excitement of learning.  Watching children learn how to swim always brightens my day. I am very happy to be a part of the staff at ASA.

Victoria Pondiscio | Swim Instructor

Bio: I have a background swimming on my neighborhood swim team for 8 years growing up. I am currently a psychology major at Kennesaw State University. I love the water and to help kids grow. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is being able to promote them to achieve their goals! My hobbies outside of the pool include collecting copper pennies and rollerskating. I also like to travel and go to aquariums.

Will Devine | Swim Instructor

Bio: I have been swimming for almost 8 years now, and have coached for 3 years. I'm a high school student at Pope High School. My favorite thing about swimming would definitely be teaching kids to swim. My free time outside of the pool, you can find me playing basketball.