Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
or Esc

Laurie Adler

In 2009, Laurie Adler began her journey as a summer swim team coach, coaching over 150 swimmers aged 2-18 annually for three years. Although Laurie’s full-time career is in marine biology, she could not abandon her passion, and upon relocating to Atlanta for a job at the Georgia Aquarium, she discovered the MJCCA community. Joining the MJCCA in 2022 as a part-time swim instructor, Laurie has cherished the opportunity to build relationships with students and empower them to achieve their aquatic goals.

Jonny Booth

Originally from the metro Chicago area, Jonny Booth is completing his psychology major and entrepreneurship minor at Georgia State University. A former competitive swimmer for eight years, he became a swim instructor following high school. Over the last seven years, Jonny has coached, lifeguarded, and helped certify new lifeguards. As a certified personal trainer, he works with adult clients both in and out of the pool. Jonny finds joy in working with a diverse range of individuals, including teaching NFL running back Ito Smith how to swim.

Irene Bottini

Swimming competitively for 12 years, Irene Bottini obtained her lifeguard certification and worked as a lifeguard over the summer. Along with her work as a lifeguard, she assisted with swim lessons at summer camp. Currently a senior in high school, Irene has been a member of the Varsity Swim Team for three years and varsity dive team for two years.

Demitri Knowles

With a background in both track and field and football at Virginia Tech, Demitri Knowles achieved recognition as a Bahamas National Champion and one-time runner-up during his junior year. Along with his other athletic achievements, he had the privilege of being part of the Bahamas National Swim team for two years. Over the last four years, Demitri has been dedicated to instructing swimming and enjoying the diverse interactions with clients ranging from 0 to 99 years old.

Korey Lowrey

Proudly serving as an instructor at the MJCCA for nine years, Korey Lowrey oversees pool operations, swim team coaching, and lifeguarding. This has allowed her to not only instruct, but actively contribute to the overall excellence of aquatic programs and services at the MJCCA.

Carissa Mindt

Carissa Mindt transformed her childhood love for recreation into a rewarding profession as a Youth & Aquatics Director and Swim Teacher. Certified in water safety, lifeguarding, pool management, personal training, and water aerobics, her coaching philosophy revolves around creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable learning environment. Carissa has taught swim lessons since 2021, and previously was the Assistant Games Director for the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games.

Laura Porto

Laura Porto has been teaching swimming for more than 20 years and has experience with all ages, levels, and abilities. Laura loves working with beginners to overcome fear and acclimate to the water. As a former competitive swimmer, she has coached swim teams and enjoyed working with younger and newer competitors. Additionally, Laura is a certified Water Safety Instructor and a Lifeguard Training Instructor.

Sarell Tutt

Immersed in swimming since the age of three, Sarell Tutt holds records at both Georgia Tech and the MJCCA. Sarell began swimming at three years old at her local pool, and has since engaged in various swimming activities, including being a member of the MJCCA Zaban Sharks Swim Team. His aquatics career began in 2021 and has had various roles including lifeguarding, coaching, and instructing.

Rachel Urbach

Starting as a member of the MJCCA Zaban swim team, Rachel Urbach embraced a sense of community and a passion for swimming. Additionally, Rachel worked as a lifeguard at a summer camp, ensuring safety and fostering a positive aquatic experience for campers. During her time as a lifeguard, she had the privilege of forming connections with families, leading her to teaching private swimming lessons. Rachel has come full circle, returning to the MJCCA as a swim instructor, continuing to share her passion for swimming with others.

How much do lessons cost?

Private lessons are $45 per lesson. Semi-private lessons are $34 per lesson per swimmer. Swim lessons run on a semester basis: Spring (Jan-May), Summer 1 (Jun-Jul), Summer 2 (July-Aug), and Fall (Aug-Dec) and are purchased in a package of about 10-16 lessons. The number of lessons varies depending on the instructor’s availability, and on any holidays the MJCCA may be closed.

To participate in swim lessons, do you have to be an MJCCA member?

You must have either an MJCCA or swim lesson membership.

Can I make changes to my swim lesson package?

You can make changes to your private or semi-private swim lesson package prior to the completion of 4 lessons.

Can I cancel my swim lesson package and get a refund/credit for unused lessons?

No refund or credits will be issued for swim lesson packages including unused lessons. Purchasing a package is a commitment for the entire semester in order to foster a consistent learning experience.

Frequently Asked Questions: Basic Information

What is the difference between private and semi-private lessons?

Private lessons are a 1:1 ratio (one swimmer and one instructor). Semi-private lessons are a 2:1 ratio (two swimmers and one instructor). Participants in semi-private lessons must be close to the same ability level to keep lessons fluent and help all participants improve together. You will need to schedule with another family if you choose semi-private lessons.

How long is a swim lesson session? And how often?

Swim lessons are 30-minutes long, once a week. It’s the ideal time for students to remain engaged and attentive while having fun and remaining consistent.

Can adults take private swim lessons?

Of course! We welcome adults who want to improve their swimming ability, from basic water safety to perfecting stroke technique. Regular swim lesson fees and policies apply.

How old does my child need to be to take swim lessons?

Children typically begin individual lessons when they are 6 months old.

Do I have to be in the water during my child’s swim lesson?

Instructors handle all supervision and instruction during scheduled lessons; parents are welcome to stay and observe if they choose but do not need to be in the water.

How do swim lessons work if my child is currently attending The Weinstein School/Club J/School’s Out Camp?

We provide transportation for swim lesson students enrolled in these programs.

What is the difference between private and semi-private lessons?

Private lessons are a 1:1 ratio (one swimmer and one instructor). Semi-private lessons are a 2:1 ratio (two swimmers and one instructor). Participants in semi-private lessons must be close to the same ability level to keep lessons fluent and help all participants improve together. You will need to schedule with another family if you choose semi-private lessons.

How long is a swim lesson session? And how often?

Swim lessons are 30-minutes long, once a week. It’s the ideal time for students to remain engaged and attentive while having fun and remaining consistent.

Can adults take private swim lessons?

Of course! We welcome adults who want to improve their swimming ability, from basic water safety to perfecting stroke technique. Regular swim lesson fees and policies apply.

How old does my child need to be to take swim lessons?

Children typically begin individual lessons when they are 6 months old.

Do I have to be in the water during my child’s swim lesson?

Instructors handle all supervision and instruction during scheduled lessons; parents are welcome to stay and observe if they choose but do not need to be in the water.

How do swim lessons work if my child is currently attending The Weinstein School/Club J/School’s Out Camp?

We provide transportation for swim lesson students enrolled in these programs.

What if I need to cancel a swim lesson?

You must give 24-hour notice for any cancellation to not be charged for that lesson. Please cancel your swim lesson on your Pike13 app, giving the instructor as much as possible. Notices received within 24 hours before the lesson or lack of notice of an absence will result in being charged for the lesson.

What happens if I’m part of a semi-private lesson and one participant cancels?

You may attend your swim lesson or cancel and arrange a makeup lesson with your partner if they cancel before 24-hours.

Can I make up a lesson?

Only lessons that were cancelled before 24-hours qualify for a makeup lesson. Please view the Pike13 app to schedule a makeup lesson with any of our instructors. Additionally, we will have a makeup period after the semester is over.

The MJCCA’s Inclusion Program strives to provide the necessary accommodations and flexibility for youth who require additional support so they may access the transformative opportunities available at the MJCCA. Our Inclusion Team collaborates with parents, educators, and staff to determine if successful program placement is possible. These youth and their families are then supported by our Inclusion Team through program accommodations and may also receive individualized assistance. Click here for more information.

Have program or scheduling questions?