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 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!”

Hi!! My name is Abi, and I’m a rising senior - swimming for Virginia Wesleyan University. I’ve spent my summers on the pool deck with Tide Swim School swimmers for the past few summers, and it’s one of my favorite places to be! I’m excited to be coming back this summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone!

When I'm not at the pool, I love to go to the beach, play with my puppy Atlantic, and visit new areas around Virginia Beach! I'm excited to meet and teach new swimmers this summer!!

Hi, I’m Bella! I’ve been swimming competitively for over 13 years, and the pool has always felt like my second home. I went to Coastal Carolina University, and now I get to share my love for the water by helping swimmers of all ages feel confident and have fun.

When I’m not in the pool, you can usually find me substitute teaching, walking my dogs, spending time at the beach, or working on my Jeep. I can’t wait to help you reach your goals in the water!

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! 

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.

Hi, my name is Kara Shiflett.  I was born and raised in Winchester Virginia, but I now live in Virginia Beach. I am currently studying business management with a minor in exercise science at Old Dominion University. I am excited to learn more about coaching and to meet the whole team!

Jackson started swimming in the summer league for Little Neck Swim & Racquet Club when he was in kindergarten. He swam year-round with Tide for 5 years. He is currently on the First Colonial High School swim team and lacrosse team.

Jackson will return again this summer for his second year as a Little Neck summer league coach. In his free time, Jackson enjoys fishing, being outdoors, and playing guitar.

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. 

Coach Ellie joined Tide in 2017 as a year-round swimmer and is in her first year as a member of the swim school instructor team. She currently trains at the Princess Anne YMCA with the Senior Gold practice group. She specializes in butterfly and IM and considers herself to be a well-rounded swimmer.

She attends Norfolk Academy where she swims on the Varsity team. When she is not in the pool, Ellie enjoys surfing, wakeboarding, and anything in the water. She is also a passionate supporter of Save The Bay programs. Ellie is the oldest of four siblings, so she loves kids! She can't wait to share her love of swimming with Tide's youngest and newest participants.

Hey! I’m Maddie and I’m 16 and a rising junior at Norfolk Collegiate! I started summer swim when I was 4 and joined my first club team at 5. I love being at the pool and swimming with my friends! When I’m not at the pool I like to hang out with my friends, listen to music, drive around, and sometimes practice a little lacrosse on my own. I also love collecting and growing plants - I have a huge collection of them! I love helping out with younger kids and teaching them what I know!

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!

Bio coming soon!

"I've been swimming since I was nine years old, and I joined Tide four years ago. I practice with the Senior Silver group at the Princess Anne YMCA. I'm best at backstroke and freestyle and I love to sprint. I like coffee and going to the beach. I'm very excited to be coaching younger kids this year and to share my love of swimming with them."

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. 

Kiana is excited to be a swim instructor! She brings two summers of professional lifeguarding experience, along with a lifelong love for the water. Growing up she spent a lot of time at the beach and in pools, which helped her develop a strong sense of comfort and respect for the water. 

Kiana also has experience babysitting and pet sitting, which has shaped her patient, calm, and supporting personality and teaching style. Safety is always her top priority, and she strives to create a fun and encouraging environment for every swimmer. 

When she is not at the pool, Kiana enjoys reading, digital art, and helping others however she can. 

Bio coming soon!

Silas has been swimming for 8 years and is looking forward to helping kids advance their skills and swimming abilities. 

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

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 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 swam for Tide for 6 years and now swims and studies at Washington College.

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 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. 

Bio coming soon!