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.

Amanda Carlson | Supervisor / Swim Instructor

Bio: I've been swimming since I was 5 years old. I love being around the water and working with children. I have been year round swimming since I was 8 and swimming has always been a huge part of my life. I am an assistant swim coach of a summer league team in East Cobb. I am also a junior at Lassiter High School and participate on the Lassiter Varsity Swim and Dive Team.

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.

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.

Caroline Swenson | Swim Instructor

Bio: I have grown up in Atlanta my whole life and started on swim team at a very young age and continued until middle school. I currently participate in small triathlons and love to be in the water whether I'm competing or just hanging out with friends. I believe all kids should learn to swim and teaching them is awesome. I love being able to see students improve tremendously while at ASA.

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 in 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.

Christina Hill | Swim Administrator 

Bio: I was born in Savannah, GA where I got to grow up near the ocean. My dad lived in California so my love for water only grew as we always went deep-sea fishing and tried out many different water sports. Swimming is one of my earliest memories as a child. My older brothers were lifeguards in our neighborhood, so my sister and I would run out to the pool with our friends every chance we could! I believe swimming is both fun and useful, whether it is recreational or competitive. I have experience in both retail and child care. I enjoy meeting new people and watching children grow in their skills! I am very excited to be apart of the ASA staff!

Cole Shearer | Swim Instructor

Bio: I started swimming when I was 7 and took swim lessons at Atlanta Swim Academy when I was 12, when I focused on my skills in Sea Lions and Manta Rays. Swimming and enjoying time in the water is one of my favorite pass times. After finishing my lessons at ASA, I began swimming competitively in 2014. I hope to meet you and your swimmers soon!

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 Rizzo | Swim Instructor

Bio: I've been swimming since I was a little kid, and enjoyed being on the swim team in middle and high school. I am a junior at Kennesaw State studying Organizational Communications and Statistics. My favorite thing about helping kids learn to swim is how much fun it is to watch their confidence build as they learn a new skill. Outside of the pool I enjoy running, cooking, reading, and anything I can get my hands on, and playing with all the dogs in my life!

David Milley | Swim Instructor

Bio: I have been swimming as long as I can remember. I first joined a competitive summer swim team when I was 4 years old and swam with them for years. I later joined ASA's swim team and continued swimming for several seasons. When I am not swimming I play drums in the schools marching band, and participate Boy Scouts..

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!

Elise Weisengoff | Swim Instructor / Swim Administrator

Bio: Growing up around the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, I've been swimming since before I could walk. As I grew up, I developed a passion for mentoring and teaching children. I was a camp counselor for Girl Scouts of Central Maryland for eight years. I also taught swimming to children ages 3 months to 16 years old. I'm excited to be with Atlanta Swim Academy!

Elizabeth Turner | Swim Instructor

Bio: I have been swimming for 13yrs and began coaching my summer league swim team 3 years ago; 2yrs as an assistant coach and 1yr as a head coach. I spend most of my summer teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding. In the past 2 years I have picked up the sport of Water Polo and play on 3 different teams around the area. I am a senior at Lassiter High and will attend UGA in fall 2015.

Eric Lieberman | Swim Instructor / Coach 

Bio: I am a senior at the Weber school, and this is my 9th season at ASA.  I originally started in Red Group (SwimFit Red). I am now in senior group, as well as the Team Captain. Through ASA, I reached the state and sectional levels for my breaststroke and placed very well at the high school level.  ASA has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, whether it is learning how to swim better at age 7, or creating some of my best friendships.  I am very excited to start sharing some of my knowledge and love of swimming with the younger generation of athletes.

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!

Grace Caruso | Swim Instructor

Bio: I've always loved the water and have loved to swim for as long as I can remember. I started swimming competitively on a summer league when I was 5 and continued for 8 years. I love working with kids and have helped coach my neighborhood swim team in the past. I'm so excited to be working at ASA!

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.

Hannah Drilling | Swim Instructor / Coach

Bio: I've loved to swim ever since I can remember. I'm currently in the senior group of the ASA swim team and compete year round. I tried many sports before swimming and swimming was the one I enjoyed the most. I'm also on my highschool team that went to state this last year where the girls placed 4th. I look forward to a future in swimming and a lot more memories with ASA.

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.

Joe Whitaker  | Swim Instructor

Bio: My love for the water can not be contained! At 5 months old my dad put me in the pool and I had the biggest smile on my face. My parents quickly signed me up for swim lessons and later for swim team. I joined my neighborhood summer league team and continued in High School. Naturally I became a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor as soon as I could. After High School, I joined the Navy and served as a surface rescue swimmer. After the Navy I relocated back to home to the Atlanta area. For kids, Learning to swim opens a world of possibilities and opportunities.

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.

Kara Dees | Swim Administrator  

Bio: I began swimming when I was very young. I took to the water like a fish and competed in swim meets through middle school. Even outside of a competitive setting, I have loved the water. I remember visiting my grandfather's house on the lake every summer. We'd go out on the boat and swim for hours. Learning to swim is one of the most enriching skills a kid can learn! ASA is a great place. I'm so excited to be here.

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.

Kaylynn Hiller | Swim Instructor

Bio: I have been swimming since I was three years old. I was on swim team in elementary school, and am also a certified scuba diver. My favorite thing about swimming and teaching is to see how kids manage to progress so quickly in learning new skills! Outside of the pool I am in the Walton High School Marketing band as a bass clarinet player and a section leader. I also work with other clubs, such as National Honor Society, tutoring and do service around campus.

Keegan Ford | Camp Counselor

Bio: I have been swimming ever since I can remember. I joined ASA's Swim Team when I was 9 years old and am now in the Senior group. You can always find me in the wait, and I can't wait to be an awesome camp counselor and lifeguard.

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.

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.

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.

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.