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Our Coaches
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 12 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 3 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.
*Coach Tarin serves "At Home Private" lessons in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.*
Talya Allegretto
Hi, I'm Coach Talya! This is my fifth summer teaching lessons with OSS, building on a lifelong passion for the water. I am a student midwife and hold multiple certifications from the Red Cross, including lifeguarding, babysitting, and CPR. My extensive experience working with children began at age eight, initially as a mother's helper and then as a babysitter. Outside of swimming, I'm a fan of pandas and my favorite colors are green and pink. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for swimming with your children.
*Coach Talya serves "At Home Private" lessons in Atlantic, Cumberland, & Cape May Counties.*
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!
*Coach Karen serves "At Home Private" lessons in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.*
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!
Erynn Brady
Hello Friends! My name is Coach Erin. I am happy to be apart of Otter Swim School & Team. I started my competitive swim career at a young age traveling each weekend to swim meets, then becoming a division two student athletes in college. I was a double major in Marine Bololgy and General Biology. Most of my classes were by the ocean. I currently hold my advanced open water certification for SCUBA. I have experience in teaching infants and young children how to be safe around the water and how to swim efficiently. Also, I have been a lifeguard for more than ten years now. What can I say, I love studying marine life and the water. I hope to share my knowledge of swim in a fun effectivce way that will stick in you swimmer's head forever. Hope to meet new friends soon!
*Coach Erynn serves "At Home Private" lessons in Cape May County.*
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!
*Coach TobyJo serves "At Home Private" lessons in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.*
Shannon Risko
My name is Coach shannon! I have been an ocean and pool lifeguard since 2017. I grew up at the Jersey shore and I swam competitively for 10 years. I am also a special education teacher at Middle Township Middle School. I have such a love and joy for teaching, and I absolutely adore kids! I strive to help students grow and become comfortable in the water.
I am lifeguard, AED, and CPR certified.
*Coach Shannon serves "At Home Private" lessons in Cape May County.*
J.J. Hartsock
Hi! I'm Coach JJ. I've grown up on the water, thanks to my Coast Guard family. We have a boat, and during warmer months, I spend most of my free time boating, swimming, and fishing in the back bays. Learning to swim in those currents helped me become a strong swimmer. Outside of the water, I enjoy watching and playing football and lacrosse, spending time with friends and family, and dining out! I really enjoy working with kids and finding my inner youth while doing so. I am a certified in lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and First Aid through Red Cross. My goal is to help others become confident and strong in the water so they can enjoy it as much as I do!
Bryana Burke
Hi, I'm Coach Bryana, an OSS manager! This is my second summer with OSS. I'm a NCAA D2 swimmer at Kutztown University, where I study cinema television and media production. I'm also a certified lifeguard with 12 years of swimming experience and 7 years as a swim instructor. Fun fact: my favorite animal is a shark!
I'm offering at-home private lessons, managing at host pools, and lifeguarding private parties for OSS. I can't wait to share my love of the water with your little ones!
*Coach Bryana serves "At Home Private" lessons in Atlantic & Cape May Counties.*
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.
*Coach Jackson serves "At Home Private" lessons in Atlantic, Cumberland, & Cape May Counties.*
