My story, in the simplest terms

Where it started

I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. I started competitive swimming at six, and it quickly became the routine that organized everything else—school, weekends, summers, and eventually how I think as an adult.

One of my first teams, Nu-Finmen, meant early mornings at Cantiague Park: running laps before sunrise, then getting into a long-course pool when most people were still asleep. I didn’t love it in the moment—but I’m grateful for it now. It built structure, discipline, and respect for the process.

Being pushed (and learning to love the work)

In high school I joined LIAC, a well-known club on Long Island. The training was demanding—double practices, strength work, weekend mornings—and I was surrounded by serious athletes. I qualified for high-level meets and had experiences that expanded what I thought was possible in the sport.

At one point I even swam at a meet where Michael Phelps was present. I didn’t race against him, but being in the same meet is the kind of moment that stays with you—it reminds you how big the world is, and how high the ceiling can be.

I also took that mindset into my high school team, making state meets and earning recognition along the way.

College, and a clearer reason for swimming

I went on to swim Division 1 at Iona College (now Iona University). It was during college that I realized something important: I respected elite competition—but I didn’t need the Olympic path to love swimming.

Swimming became my peace. My mental reset. The one place that consistently made me feel grounded—then and now.

How teaching started (before it was “a business”)

Like most swimmers, I started lifeguarding. And like most instructors, I began by noticing little things—head position, breathing timing, the difference one small correction can make. I’d offer a quick tip here and there.

That turned into a few early clients, and some of us still keep in touch today. It wasn’t about money. It was just something I genuinely enjoyed: helping someone feel more capable in the water.

Luxury hospitality taught me how to show up

After graduating with a business degree (and keeping my real estate license as a backup plan), I unexpectedly moved into hospitality. I started lifeguarding at a hotel in Soho, built strong relationships with the front office team, and got curious about the work.

I went on to work in 4–5 star environments including Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards, The Greenwich Hotel, and Ink 48. That world teaches you how to stay calm, read a room, solve problems quickly, and keep a professional presence—especially when someone is upset.

Those skills translated directly into private instruction. Swimming is often an affluent sport, and many of my clients are successful people with high standards and very limited time. Knowing how to communicate clearly, respect privacy, and be consistent matters just as much as knowing the right drill.

The surprise chapter: adaptive instruction

I didn’t set out planning to teach swimmers with special needs—it happened organically. And once it did, it changed how I coach. You learn quickly that the plan has to flex. You learn patience at a deeper level. You learn to adapt—without making it feel like a “special” situation.

In a strange way, it reminded me of hospitality: sometimes a guest is upset because of something that wasn’t your intent—maybe a miscommunication or a system issue—but your job is still to calmly create a solution and keep the experience respectful.

That experience pushed me to learn more and apply to become a Special Olympics swim coach. It’s one of the most meaningful directions my work has taken.

Leaving corporate (and getting my time back)

I spent time in corporate America too—and I’ll be honest, it was hard to leave. New York City isn’t cheap. Having a steady paycheck while teaching on the side felt responsible… until it started feeling like I was losing myself.

Balancing clients, a full-time job, and a social life was draining. The biggest shift after leaving wasn’t just work—it was time. I got my life back. And I’m still learning how to manage it well, but now it’s mine to manage.

I still swim 3–4 times a week. Even after teaching all day, I’ll end up in the water again. It’s just who I am.

How I coach today

A quick timeline

• Long Island
  Competitive foundation, early discipline, strong club training
• Division 1
  Iona University—high-level competition, deeper love for the water
• Hospitality
  Luxury service environments—communication, calm, problem-solving
• Now
  Private instruction across NYC buildings + continued growth in adaptive coaching