Tide Swim School Staff
WHY WE'RE LAPS AHEAD OF THE REST

TIDE is very proud of our Swim School staff. Each instructor joins us with a unique ability connect with children and a core knowledge of our sport.
In addition to a background in competitive swimming, ALL of our instructors:
- Complete a rigorous certification process, including customary aquatic safety
- certifications and SafeSport training based on the U.S. Center for SafeSport curriculum
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Complete a minimum of 8 hours of in-water training before instructing independently
We teach students the right to swim from the very beginning while always adapting our methods to an individual's unique needs. We believe that this philosophy, coupled with the finest instructors, is what makes us the best choice for learning how to swim.
SWIM SCHOOL STAFF
Amanda Letterman-Kuller
Director
Amanda Letterman-Kuller
Director
Amanda joined the Tide Swimming staff as Swim School Director in October 2021. After completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Missouri in 2007, Amanda moved to the Virginia Beach area to join the YMCA of South Hampton Roads where she served in a variety of roles and positions for 13 years, most recently the Executive Director of the YMCA JT's Camp Grom.
Experience in marketing, program development, aquatic knowledge and a love of working with people are all skills she has brought to the TIDE organization. Amanda's love of the water started in her early years when she joined the Liberty Hills Gators swim team at the age of six, accepting her first coaching position at the age of sixteen. From teaching swim lessons, working swim meets, to providing safety around water or leading a team, Amanda is grateful her skills have allowed her to share this passion with others throughout her life.
Amanda enjoys working for an organization that practices achievement through hard work, consistency and diligence, as well as shows a strong commitment to its athletes, their families, and their staff team.
Brittany Warren
Program Coordinator
Brittany Warren
Program Coordinator
Brittany graduated from Ferrum College in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Studies. "My favorite part about being a swim coach is watching the transformation of swimmers as they build their confidence in swimming! When I'm not at Swim School I love to be home with my pets! I have 4 leopard geckos, a scorpion, and a chinchilla!”
Briana Mullan
Program Coordinator
Briana Mullan
Program Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon
Sarah Claesson
Lessons Coach
Sarah Claesson
Lessons Coach
Sarah's love for the water began with swimming and water polo. Growing up in La Grange, Illinois, she coached both sports for two years and has since taught countless private swim lessons. She enjoys helping swimmers of different ages and skill levels build confidence and develop their skills.
Sarah is currently a second-year Physical Therapist Assistant student at Tidewater Community College, where she has developed a strong background in exercise science, movement, and effective cuing techniques. During her clinical rotation and education, she gained hands-on experience in an aquatic therapy setting, further growing her passion for using the water to build strength, confidence, and mobility.
Sarah is excited to combine her love of the pool, fitness, and helping others as a Tide Swim School coach and to create a fun, safe, and encouraging environment for every swimmer.
Suzanne Jones
Novice Coach
Suzanne Jones
Novice Coach
Coach Suzanne is a third grade school teacher in Chesapeake and has been teaching elementary school for over 30 years. She grew up swimming year-round in Hampton. She started teaching swim lessons when she was 14 and has kept it up through the years. She has coached a summer league team and for her high school Alma mater. She has two daughters who swim/swam for TIDE and also coached for Tide Swim School.
Suzanne joined the Tide Swim Team and Tide Swim School staffs in June 2025. She enjoys staying connected to the sport of swimming and passing on her love of the sport to young swimmers!
Sophia Lyashenko
Lessons Coach
Sophia Lyashenko
Lessons Coach
Sophia is a sophomore at Hickory high school. She has been swimming for Tide swimming since 2018 and is in senior gold at the Princess Anne site. Outside of the pool she loves to spend time with friends and family, paint, and watch the sunset.
Avery Miller
Lessons Coach
Avery Miller
Lessons Coach
Avery is a rising sophomore at Cox High School. She has been swimming since she was 3 years old and has been swimming with Tide since she was in first grade. Swimming is one of her favorite things to do! She also enjoys writing, reading, and hanging out with her friends outside of swim team. Avery is excited to teach others the importance of swim this summer and to have so much fun along the way!
Ari Morrozoff
Novice Coach
Ari Morrozoff
Novice Coach
Bio coming soon!
Jason Rodriguez
Novice Lead Coach
Jason Rodriguez
Novice Lead Coach
Coach Jason joined TIDE swimming in January 2017. Beautiful Virginia Beach has been his home since graduating from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In addition to coaching ICS and Tide Masters, Jason is also an active US Masters competitive swimmer for TIDE, where he primarily specializes in middle and long-distance freestyle events, as well as long-distance open-water races. When not swimming, he loves to surf and spend time out on the water.
Erin Ryan
Lesson Coach
Erin Ryan
Lesson Coach
Erin is a former Division I collegiate swimmer with a lifelong passion for the sport and helping athletes grow both in and out of the pool. She competed as a varsity swimmer at Monmouth University, where she developed a strong foundation in competitive swimming, discipline, and leadership while balancing academics and athletics. During her time as a student-athlete, she was recognized with Monmouth’s Service Award for completing over 100 hours of community service.
With over 10 years of coaching experience, Erin has worked with swimmers of all ages and skill levels and is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, refine technique, and achieve their individual goals. She has coached with Marlins of Raleigh and New Wave Swim Team, where she focused on stroke development, race strategy, and fostering consistency in training.
Erin believes in creating a positive, encouraging environment where swimmers can challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the sport. Whether working with beginner swimmers learning foundational skills or competitive athletes striving for peak performance, she brings enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine passion for coaching to every practice.
Emily Salpeter
Novice Coach
Emily Salpeter
Novice Coach
Bio Coming Soon
SUMMER STAFF
Sophia Dozier
Summer Staff
Sophia Dozier
Summer Staff
Sophia is an upcoming sophomore at Deep Creek High School enrolled in the Science and Medicine Academy. In her free time, she loves listening to music, baking, and reading. When Sophia first started club swimming in the 5th grade, she immediately fell in love. She looks forward to helping the kids learn to swim and hopes they love it just as much as she does.
Tessa Hamilton
Summer Staff
Tessa Hamilton
Summer Staff
Tessa attends the Great Bridge High School. She has been swimming since she was 5 years old. She loves working with kids and helping others!
Kyrsten Jones
Summer Staff
Kyrsten Jones
Summer Staff
Bio coming soon!
Maddie Mireles
Summer Staff
Maddie Mireles
Summer Staff
Maddie has been swimming since she was 6 years old with summer swimming, club swimming, and being on the high school swim team. She loves this sport, competing and being part of a team. When she was 11 years old she helped out the little kids on her summer swim team and last summer she worked as a junior coach for Tide Swim School. It was such a fun experience helping younger swimmers feel more comfortable and confident in the water. She loves to see the swimmers overcome their fears and learn a life skill.
Silas Morrozoff
Summer Staff
Silas Morrozoff
Summer Staff
Silas has been swimming for 8 years and is looking forward to helping kids advance their skills and swimming abilities.
Jayden Proctor
Summer Staff
Jayden Proctor
Summer Staff
I've been involved in club swimming for the past nine years. Summer 2025 marks my second year with Tide Swimming and Tide Swim School. I currently train with the Pre-National group under Coach Danny at the Princess Anne YMCA. I enjoy sharing my passion for the sport with others and am excited to be working with Tide Swim School again this summer!
Avery Pulk
Summer Staff
Avery Pulk
Summer Staff
Avery has been swimming for Tide for 10 years, from novice to senior gold. She attends Deep Creek High School, where she also swims. Avery loves to paint, sing, and hang out with friends. She is super excited to get into coaching because it's something she has wanted to do for years.
Brody Salpeter
Summer Staff
Brody Salpeter
Summer Staff
Brody swam for Tide for 6 years and now swims and studies at Washington College.
Megan Schloss
Summer Staff
Megan Schloss
Summer Staff
Megan joined Tide Swim School in the summer of 2024. She has been a TIDE swimmer for three years and has been a member of the Little Neck Swim Team for ten years. She enjoys working with children and watching them grow as stronger swimmers who are more confident in the water.
In her free time, she likes to hangout with family and friends and go to the beach. She is looking forward to sharing her love of swimming this summer!
May Shean
Summer Staff
May Shean
Summer Staff
May is a rising sophomore at the Kempsville High School Entrepreneurship and Business Academy. She first started swimming on the Larkspur Lasers at the age of four. From there, she joined Tide Swimming at 7. Outside of the pool, Avery loves going to the beach, hiking, running, and reading. She is very excited to share her passion and love for swimming this summer.
Grace Simmons
Summer Staff
Grace Simmons
Summer Staff
Grade has been swimming year round at Tide for two years and will be moving to Senior Silver. She goes to First Colonial High School where she also swims. She loves to dance and have fund her friends. She is excited to get into coaching because it is something she really enjoys doing.
