Coaches | Otter Swim School

Tarin Allegretto

My name is Coach Tarin. I am owner of Otter Swim School & Team. I have worked with children from the time I was 9 years old up to now. I started as a mother's helper and continued to babysit, work in preschool settings, studied child psychology, and was a birthing doula for 15 years. I also taught surf lessons for 25 years. After one too many surf injuries I transitioned into the swim world. I am a USA Swimming certified coach, lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, and most importly mom of my own 4 amazing swimmers/coaches. I have coached swimmers, including my youngest daughter, up to Jr Championships (formerly known as Jr Olympics) levels. I love working with babies on water safety and confidence. I enjoy seeing children progress through their swimming levels. And helping adults reach their swimming goals. A fun fact about me is that my favorite Disney movie is Avatar Way Of The Water.

Toby-Jo Allegretto

Hi, I am Coach Toby-Jo. I am a Club Team swimmer with Otters and High School swimmer with OCHS. I have accomplishments in 200 IM, freestyle, and breast stroke. I am CPR and AED Certified. I have competed in 2 Iron Mans. I have also completed a three mile swim across Lake Winnipesaukee twice. I enjoy playing Club LaCrosse. My favorite TV show is Phineas and Ferb.

My love for working with kids and my passion for swimming is what motivates me as an instructor. Whether I'm teaching little ones to paddle their way through the water or guiding them to build confidence in the pool, my dedication shines through. My enthusiasm for both activities creates a positive and nurturing environment where children can thrive. I will continue spreading joy through my love for swimming and working with kids!

Jackson Riggs

Greetings! I'm Coach Jackson. This marks my third season with Otter Swim School (OSS). I'm thrilled to be offering lessons at your home in addition to host pools this year. I've been a swimmer since before I can remember, and I hold Lifeguard, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications through Red Cross. When summer rolls around, you can find me in Somers Point, living with my Nana. A fun fact about me: my favorite movie is Surf's Up!

I'm looking forward to sharing my passion for the water with your children.

Talya Allegretto

Hi, I'm Coach Talya! This is my sixth summer teaching lessons with OSS, building on a lifelong passion for the water. Growing up I took part in many water sports including competitive swimming, diving, and surfing. My favorite stroke is butterfly! I am a student midwife and hold multiple certifications from the Red Cross, including lifeguarding instructor, lifeguarding, babysitting, and CPR. My extensive experience working with children began at age eight, initially as a mother's helper then continuing as a babysitter and nanny. Outside of swimming, I'm a fan of working out, art, and my favorite color is purple. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for swimming with your children!

Grace Hurley

Hello everyone - I’m Grace Hurley and I’m an enthusiast for all things water! I was an avid competitive swimmer throughout highschool and my favorite event was the 500 free. I’ve spent many years babysitting and working with kiddos, as well as two very wonderful summers as a summer camp lifeguard & counselor! Last spring I completed my NAUI Scuba diving certification and now I’m in college studying environmental science with a focus in marine biology. I am Red Cross certified for babysitting, CPR, and lifeguarding. This is my first year with OSS and I’m thrilled to be working in a profession that blends my two passions, working with kids and being in the water!

Ava Ruh

Hi! I’m Ava, I am a Ocean City High School graduate and currently a college student. Growing up at the beach, swimming has been a huge part of my life, and I love sharing that passion with others. My goal is to help swimmers feel confident, comfortable, and safe in the water while making lessons fun and something they look forward to each week. I enjoy working with kids of all ages and love seeing their confidence grow as they learn new skills. As a student-athlete, I understand the importance of consistency, patience, and encouragement, and I bring those qualities to every lesson to help beginners to feel comfortable while helping more experienced swimmers improve their skills. I am CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard certified and safety is always a top priority. Whether your child is just getting comfortable in the water or wants to improve their swimming skills, I’d love to help them build confidence, reach their goals, and have fun along the way!

Karen Larkin

I'm Coach Karen, My passion for the water began during my childhood summers in Ocean City, NJ. I swam competitively in my youth and continued swimming at Rider University. I bring over 10 years of experience as a teacher for students with disabilities. This background, combined with my love for the water, makes teaching swim lessons the perfect fit. I enjoy water activities, from boating and paddleboarding to kayaking. I'm excited to share my respect and love for the water with your children!

Gianna Gonsalves

I’m Coach Gianna, and I’m so excited to spend another summer as a swim instructor in New Jersey! I have lived in Egg Harbor Township my whole life and go to college in Rochester, NY, for mathematics. I love going to the beach, so learning water safety has always been a big part of my life. I have many years of experience working with kids inside and outside of the water, from working as a daycare teacher for younger students to tutoring older students. I’m excited to work with your children so they can have a lifetime of safe, water fun!

Jacie Couse

Hi, I'm Coach Jacie

Lexi

Hi, I’m Coach Lexi! I swam competitively for the Vineland YMCA and my high school, and I am fully certified in lifeguarding, AED, and CPR (adult/child). Among my swim achievements, my absolute favorite is qualifying for the Junior Olympics in the 100-yard Butterfly. I’ve also helped my teams clinch first place at every single championship meet we attended.

In my free time, I ride horses and teach riding lessons, which gives me a unique perspective on coaching. This inspired me to use alternative, fun teaching methods that encourage kids to step outside their comfort zones and truly grow. Fun fact: I’m also a daycare teacher and am highly experienced working with special needs children!

I’m driven by a deep passion to see every child succeed, and I love watching their self-belief grow with each new skill learned. Whether coaching competitive club swimmers or teaching a beginner lesson, I strive to create an uplifting, nurturing environment where all my swimmers can shine in their own unique way.

Emma Beronio

Hi, I'm Coach Emma! With my dad in the Coast Guard, I've spent my entire life living near the beach. Whether I was snorkeling and kayaking in Key West, surfing in Cape May, or playing games in my Nema's pool, I've always loved being in the water.

When I was younger, I spent several years as a competitive swimmer, where I learned the importance of proper technique, consistency, and having fun while improving. Those experiences continue to shape the way I coach today.

At Otter Swim School, I love coaching our younger swimmers because I get to help them build confidence in the water while fostering a lifelong love of swimming. Seeing their excitement as they learn new skills and grow more comfortable in the water is the most rewarding part of my job.

Josephine

Hi! I'm Coach Josie. I am so excited to be working with the Otter Swim School to teach new swimmers how to swim! I am a certified lifeguard, and have been for several years. I love to swim in my free time. Also in my free time, I enjoy performing with colorguard programs such as Rowan University's, where I am a student, and Light Brigade, where we competed in the World Class division! I also used to be a daycare and preschool teacher, and I love spending time with children! I'm excited to work with so many amazing individuals and help them swim!

Maria Windle

Hi, I'm Maria! I've been swimming since I was 5 years old and compete for both club and high school teams. My favorite event to swim is the 100 backstroke. This is my fourth summer teaching swim lessons with Otter Swim School. I love teaching kids how to swim and helping them feel happy and confident in the water. My goal is to make every lesson fun, safe, and full of encouragement so every child feels safe and proud of what they can do!

Brandyn

Hi! I’m Coach Brandyn

Angelo Acevedo

Hi, I’m coach Angelo and this is my first year coaching with Otter Swim Team. My love for the water comes from growing up by the beach and always swimming. I have previous experience with competitive swimming for club and now I swim for my high school team. Fun fact about me: surfing and dirt bikes are my favorite hobbies.