Coach Rachel 

Coach Rachel is teaching At Home Private swim lessons in Cape May, Rio Grande, Dennis Township, Ocean View, Marmora, Milleville, Egg Harbor Township and Mayslanding areas.

Hi my name is Rachael (Merritt) I’m a transportation driver for Dennis township school District and Tall Pines day camp. When im not hanging out with my school and camp kids, I get to be Momma to my two amazing kids. My daughter is Remy, who is 10, on the autism spectrum, and somehow already “part teenager”. My son is Leland. He is 8 years old, VERY MUCH into Roblox and has a shockingly large amount of YouTube subscribers. They keep me on my toes and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Fun fact about me that not many people may not know is that I can play piano, trumpet and guitar… though, I’m a master at none, I can probably entertain a crowd around a camp fire. 

I love the water. I swim 4x a week at the rec for exercise. On the weekends I take my kids there to swim as well. In the summer we go to the beach and ride the waves or we are on the boat crabbing.   

Can’t wait to share my love of the water with your little ones. 

Coach Bryana

Coach Bryana is teaching At Home Private swim lessons in Ocean City, Upper Township, Dennis Township, Sea Isle, Longport, Margate, Ventnor, Galloway, Hammonton, and Vineland areas.

 
My name is Bryana. I’m a NCAA D2 swimmer for Kutztown university Studying Cinema television and media production. I am a certified lifeguard. I have been swimming for 12 years and a swim instructor for 7. A fun fact about me is that my favorite animal a shark.

Coach Allison

Coach Allison is teaching At Home Private swim lessons in Gloucester County area.

Hello, my name is Allison DeGeorge. I have been Married for 20 years, we have 4 beautiful children. My Family is most important to me!

I swam competitively from the age of 5-18 years old. I swam for several teams: Wenonah, Willowdale, Jersey Wahoos, Colosseum in Voorhees, and Cherry Hill High School East. I helped coach in the summer for Willodale Swim Club a few summers and gave swim lessons to toddlers a few summers as well. As an adult I taught at Rowan University. I also gave private lessons in my own for years. I believe excercise and Fitness is not only good for my body, but it keeps me mentally focused and challenged. A few other passions of mine is singing and dancing. I have sung in many choirs and performed for years in bands and as a soloist for weddings. I also love theater and performed in many productions. My husband is a professional musician. He and I love to play music together and with our children who are all musicians.

I absolutely love the water, it has always been my safe place. I also enjoy teaching, especially children. Being able to teach swimming is a privilege for me. I have been a realtor for 30 year and although I love my job, my heart and passion is in the pool water!

Coach Morgan

Coach Morgan is teaching At Home Private swim lessons in Upper Township, Dennis Township, Sea Isle, Avalon and Cape May Court House areas.

Hello all! My name is Morgan. I have been a swim instructor and more for over 2 years. I have five younger siblings and one older. Growing up around a pool with my younger siblings it was ver obvious how important water safety is. I've the last two years my love for water safety and helping those who are not confident in the water has really moved me to work with the fantastic OSS team. Some family members of mine live at the shore year round therefore, I spend a lot of time at the beach with my chocolate lab enjoying the sun! I'm so excited to see how this summer goes and to meet you!

Coach Talya

My name is Talya Burke I am 16 years old. This is my 4th summer teaching swim lessons and I have been in water since before I could walk. I am lifeguard certified, babysitting certified, and CPR certified through Red Cross. I have been working with kids since I was 8 years old starting as a mother's helper and babysitting. My favorite animal is a panda and my favorite colors are green and pink

Coach Toby

Hi, I am Toby. I am a Club Team swimmer with 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 Maria

Hi my name’s Maria Windle 
I love swimming and working with kids, also to help them grow throughout their swim career! 
I have swam all throughout my life and I am still competing on a nationals swim team. I am CPR, AED, and First Aid certified through Red Cross. Summer 2024 will be my 4th summer coaching with Otter Swim School. 
One fun fact about me is I love the movie Mulan and I also like reading!

I hope everyone has a great summer!

 Coach Meredith

Hi I'm Meredith. I am the second oldest of 7 children. I love working with kids. This is my second summer working at Otter Swim School. A fun fact about me is that my favorite color is pink.

Coach Jackson

My name is Jackson Riggs, I live with my Nana in somers point during the summer, I’ve been swimming since before I can remember, and my favorite movie is Surf’s up. This will be my 2nd summer teaching swim lessons with Otter Swim School.

Coach Addison

My name is Addison. I love working with children! I have been swiming since I was 4 years old. In addition to being Lifegaurd, CPR, AED, and First Aid certified, I am also Babysitter certified through Red Cross. My favorite move is The Little Mermaid. I am looking forward to a great summer with Otter Swim School!

Coach Ava

My name is Ava. I am a sophmore at OCHS. I play soccer, volley ball, and track. I love the beach and being outside. During my free time I like to hang out with friends and family.

Coach Kalyn

Hi, my name is Kalyn. This is my 2nd year teaching with Otter Swim School. I am a Jr Olympic Swimmer and Jr Champion Lifeguard. I am lifeguard certified through Red Cross. I currently swim for GPAC Swim Team and mainly do long distance events! A fun fact about me is that I love the movie Wall-E, açaí bowls, and surfing!

Coach Anna

Hi I am Anna. I've been lifeguard certified for three summers. I am also CPR, AED, and First Aid certified through Red Cross. I attend Stockton University for social work. Overall I love kids, I love swimming and to relax in the water. I love being outdoors. I am so excited to meet some great people I'll be teaching this summer at Otter Swim School!

Coach Sydney

Hi, my name is Sydney. I am a senior at OCHS. I volunteer with Seaville Fire Resue and Upper Township Rescue Squad. I love the beach and swimming. This is my first year with OSS. 

Coach Katherine

Hi! My name is Katherine Dooner. I graduated from Stockton University with my bachelor's degree in teaching and from Montclair State University with my master's degree in child advocacy. I will be going into my second year teaching 3rd grade this fall. I have lived in South Jersey my entire life and enjoy swimming, going to the beach, and boating. Fun Fact: I have two rabbits named Rosie and Honey!

Coach Samantha

Hello my name is Samantha Kern. I am a mom of 2 beautiful boys. I am a certified teacher in early childhood education. I am also Lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid certified through Red Cross. This is my first year with Otter Swim School and I look forward to helping the kids love and to be safe in the water!

Coach Makayla

My name is Makayla Murray. I am a sophomore at Mainland. I enjoy being in the water, I also row for the Mainland Crew Team year round. I like going to the beach and being outside. Fun fact about me is I am a middle child.

Coach Yusuf

My name is Yusuf Ayaz and I am 16 years old. I grew up in New York City and learned swimming from my instructors from when I was very young, creating experience with the four strokes & how to float. I am lifeguard, CPR, ADE, and First Aid certified through Red Cross. I have lots of childcare experience along side of taking care of my two younger siblings. In my free time I play basketball, go to the gym, hand out with friends, and volunteer at my local mosque. I am excited to start teaching at OSS this summer and excited to teach my swimmers!

Coach Karen

Hello!  My name is Karen Larkin.  I am the mom of Tim, a former ice hockey player and now a high school social studies teacher and hockey coach for Snider Hockey. My daughter Kristen, a former volleyball player, now works in the sports betting industry for Bet 365.   I recently passed the Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course. I am also a Job Coach for the Black Horse Pike Regional School District.  I have over 10 years experience working with students with disabilities teaching them how to navigate the working world.  My love and respect for the water started when I was very young and vacationing in Ocean City NJ where I am now a year round resident.  I swam competitively in my youth until basketball took over (I was better at it).  I attended Rider University on a basketball scholarship but continued to swim for fun and fitness.  My early working years were spent in the brokerage industry but after my kids were born, I left to be a full time mom.  When I returned to work, it was education that caught my interest and I always say it's the best job I ever had until now.  Teaching swimming takes into account my love of teaching and of being in the water.

In my spare time, I will do anything in, around or on the water.  I especially love going to the beach and spending time on our boat.  I also enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking.  I  am also an avid Philly sports fan and a parrot head!

What most people will say about me now, is that I’m a devoted grandma to Sutton.  She is my miracle born at a mere 2 lbs 2 oz.  She is now 2 years old and an active toddler.  

I look forward to working with your children and teaching them my love and respect for the water.