Owen Long
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
Owen, a graduate of McDaniel College and resident of Kent Island, Maryland, has been serving as a Lifeguard in many different settings (pool, oceanfront, waterfront, waterpark, etc.) since age 15, and has been teaching for the American Red Cross since 2015. After years of watching people get pushed through certification classes, Owen decided that it was time to get involved and start a company where people could get high-quality, American Red Cross training and be proud of their certification — hence the inception of Sertified., LLC! Owen currently possesses the following American Red Cross certifications: Emergency Medical Response Instructor Trainer, Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer, Advanced Life Support Instructor Trainer, Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor Trainer, Basic Life Support Instructor Trainer, CPR/FA/AED Instructor Trainer, Wilderness and Remote First Aid/CPR Instructor Trainer, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Instructor Trainer, Water Safety Instructor, Babysitting Instructor, Bloodborne Pathogens and Emergency Oxygen Instructor, Swim Coach Safety Training Instructor, Waterpark Lifeguarding Instructor, Waterfront Lifeguarding Instructor, and Lifeguard Management Instructor. In addition to his role as an instructor, Owen is also a member of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross — Delmarva. Although it is rare, when Owen is not teaching or working with the American Red Cross, he enjoys swimming, serving as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, and spending time with his family, friends, and Golden Retriever, Bandit, and Basset Hound/Black Lab, Lola, at the beach (where he still works as a Beach Patrol Lieutenant)! Owen’s extensive teaching experience is nothing less than impressive, and his well-established rapport with the American Red Cross speaks for itself. He looks forward to working with you and is ready for you to #StaySertified.
Dawn DeCicco
Operations Manager
Dawn is a Registered Nurse, who has been turned into a stay-at-home mom. After earning her nursing degree from the University of Michigan, she spent 7 years in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, stationed in San Diego, CA and Sicily, Italy. She then married a Navy doctor and spent the next few years in California, North Carolina and Virginia before settling in the Annapolis, MD area, in 2014. She now spends much of her time as a chauffeur to her teenage son and tween twin daughters. When not chauffeuring her daughters, Dawn serves as the company’s Administrative Operations Coordinator — making sure that all classes are scheduled, posted for enrollment, monitored for quality, and ultimately she makes sure they run smoothly from start to finish! In addition to her administrative duties, you may see Dawn teaching one of your land-based or instructor classes, as she also holds American Red Cross certifications as a First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Trainer, Basic Life Support Instructor Trainer, Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor Trainer, Advanced Life Support Instructor Trainer, and Emergency Medical Response Instructor. Whether from behind the computer screen or in the classroom, Dawn is ready to help you #StaySertified.!
Kathy Long
Registration and Payroll Coordinator
Kathy has earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University and a Master’s of Science Degree in Guidance Counseling from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College). Kathy currently works for the Conewago Valley School District as a 4th grade teacher. This is her 30th year of teaching! She loves to run, bike and be active with husband, children and Golden Retriever, Bandit. She looks forward to registering you for your classes, so you can #StaySertified.!
Ken Mihalyov
Aquatic Training Manger
Ken is a 6th grade science teacher in Westminster, MD, and resides in York, PA. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College. Ken first became a lifeguard and swim instructor at age 15, and he remained certified until circumstances led him to away from his local pool. Ken is now married with three water-loving sons. He loves sports, traveling and all outdoor activities. In 2019, Ken took a Sertified. Lifeguarding course, hoping to land a summer job as a lifeguard, and it awoke his passion for aquatic instruction, again. He received his Lifeguard Instructor certification (with Owen as his Instructor Trainer), in March of 2019, and is now Sertified.’s Aquatic Training Manager, overseeing all aquatic training operations. Ken aims to help lifeguards learn to be proactive, while simultaneously helping local pools #StaySertified.!
Nick Budzynski
Head Sertified. Lifeguarding Instructor
Nick is currently an Aeronautical Science student at Averett University, in Danville, Virginia. Nick is working towards accomplishing his life-long dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. In addition to being a lifeguard, Nick also loves to go to the beach and go on as many adventures as humanly possible! Nick has been lifeguarding since 2015, and became an Assistant Manager at the Westminster Riding Club Pool, in Westminster, MD, in 2017. Most recently, Nick has accepted a lifeguarding job at the Danville YMCA, in Danville, VA, just so he can keep up his skills in the off season. After years of Owen begging him to come on-board as an instructor, Nick finally decided to do so, and now loves helping lifeguards #StaySertified.
Dallas Kane
Equipment Coordinator and Sertified. Instructor
Dallas is a recent graduate of Harford Christian High School and a student at Harford Community College in Bel Air, MD. Dallas is a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and Lifeguarding Instructor. Dallas has been a lifeguard at Gunpowder Falls State Park, in White Marsh, Maryland, for two years, and has been recently promoted to their Head Lifeguard. When not teaching or lifeguarding, he enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and partaking in any competitive activity! Dallas looks forward to helping you learn how to keep people safe in and out of the water by making sure you can #StaySertified. in his American Red Cross Lifeguarding classes!
Nichole Batiz
Sertified. Instructor
Meet Nichole! She has three loving children. Nichole has been coaching swimming and teaching lifeguarding since 2005, when she started at the Hanover YMCA, in Hanover, Pennsylvania! As someone who has been around the water since she was 18-months old, she knew that this was her calling! Nichole’s passion for teaching is evident, as she has certified hundreds of guards in her time! After a few years of lifeguarding, Nichole returned to graduate school and obtained her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Upon entering the full-time workforce, in 2011, she began working with children with disabilities as a behavior specialist. Nichole is excited to return to the world of #Sertifications, and looks forward to seeing you in her classes!
Darlene Union
Sertified. Instructor
Like Owen, Darlene is also a small business owner! Darlene is a co-owner of Superfood Café & Market in Mount Airy, MD. In addition to being a Sertified., LLC Instructor, she is a Raw Food Chef. She studied Nutrition at Baltimore County Community College in Catonsville, MD and trained at the Graff Academy of Raw Food Education and Health Science. Darlene has previously worked in sales, death care industry, and home improvement and is very excited to begin her instructing career! Currently, she is married to Robert, has four amazing daughters, and three adorable grandchildren. In her spare time, Darlene enjoys preparing and creating Raw vegan recipes. Sign up for her classes now, so she can help you #Sertified. in CPR and/or BLS!
Christopher Long
Sertified. Instructor
Chris has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from West Chester University in Health and Physical Education. Additionally, he has also earned a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College). Chris is currently a Health and Physical Education teacher in the Conewago Valley School District. He has been teaching for over 27 years. Chris has been a certified CPR, AED, and First-Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross for 15 years. He is also a certified instructor for the American Heart Association in CPR, AED, and First-Aid. Chris enjoys spending time with his family and watching a variety of sporting events. Let’s get you #Sertified., in one of Chris’s classes!
Chloe Goddard
Sertified. Instructor
Chloe is currently attending the University of Maryland Baltimore County and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Health Services — Paramedic track. Chloe is an Emergency Medical Technician and Fire Fighter and works part-time for several fire departments on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and is a full-time EMT/Fire-Fighter volunteer, live-in at White Marsh Vol. Fire Company in Baltimore County. At the age of eleven, Chloe began assisting with a county swimming lessons program. She discovered her love for teaching and the water and became a lifeguard at the age of 15. After pool guarding for two years, Chloe began training and was able to earn a position at Assateague State Park as a beach lifeguard, and has worked there for the past two summers. This is where Chloe found her love for emergency response and for teaching others. Chloe is a certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, BLS Instructor, and EMR Instructor. In addition to being a Sertified. Instructor and EMS provider, Chloe is a recipient of the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award — the most highly esteemed recognition that American Red Cross presents. As an instructor, Chloe is passionate about giving more people the opportunity to also #StaySertified. in an area that they, too, can be passionate about!
Ann Kress
Sertified. Instructor
Ann, a long-time American Red Cross Lifeguard and Lifeguarding Instructor, is currently employed by Homewood at Plum Creek, as their Wellness Center Director. In addition to her American Red Cross certifications, Ann is a certified Aquatic Instructor, a certified Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist, and a Pre- and Post- Natal Yoga Instructor. As if Ann’s certification resume was not impressive enough, she also holds a Master’s of Education degree in Sport and Recreation Administration from Temple University. Ann joins the Sertified. team with many years of instruction experience and will be teaching in the greater York, and Hanover, Pennsylvania area! In her free time, Ann enjoys spending time with her husband and her two children! Come learn how you can #StaySertified. with Ann!
Jeremy Simon
Sertified. Instructor and Head Lifeguard
Jeremy Simon is the Sertified., LLC Head Lifeguard, as well as a land-based Sertified. Instructor. In addition to being a certified lifeguard, Jeremy is also a certified Maryland pool operator, waterfront lifeguard, and lifeguard Manager. Jeremy is a career lifeguard in Cambridge, Maryland, as he works full-time at The Robbins Family YMCA. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from McDaniel College and was a collegiate swimmer for four years, as well! He is excited to help you #StaySertifed., as he watches over in-class water sessions!
Jennifer Kitzmiller
Sertified. Instructor
Jennifer is American Red Cross Instructor for Sertified., LLC. She graduated from Penn State University, and is a school-based occupational therapist. Jennifer has spent her entire life around the water, and plans to continue to do so! She was taught to swim at an early age because of her proximity to the Conewago Creek, just outside of York, Pennsylvania. Her daughter, Morgan, naturally learned to swim at an early age, as well, due to her mom’s lifelong career in aquatics! Jennifer has been a lifeguard for over 25 years and a Lifeguard Instructor since 2015. She looks forward to sharing her 25 years of lifeguarding experience with you in a #Sertified. class!
Jacob Kuney
Sertified. Instructor
Jacob is currently a sophomore at the University of Maryland College Park (UMD), majoring in Mathematics-Statistics. At UMD, Jacob is a proud member of the Club Swim Team. Jacob begun his aquatics career in 2016 when he first became certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard, and he has served as a lifeguard every summer since then. In 2019, Jacob also obtained his Pool Operator certification. In December of 2020, Jacob took his lifeguarding recertification with Sertified., LLC, and he decided that he wanted to become a member of the Instructor Team. Jacob loved how Sertified. managed their classes, so he decided to take his Lifeguarding Instructor course! In February of 2021, Jacob received his LGI certification and is now excited to help you #StaySertified. in American Red Cross Lifeguarding!
Hayley Lynch
Sertified. Instructor
Hayley is pursuing her degree in Physical Education from the Community College of Baltimore County. She has been an American Red Cross lifeguard since 2017 — lifeguarding at both pools and waterfronts. Currently, Hayley is the head lifeguard at Hammerman Beach, Gunpowder Falls State Park in Middle River, Maryland. Hayley is currently certified as an American Red Cross lifeguard, Lifeguarding Instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED instructor, Administering Emergency Oxygen Instructor and Waterfront Lifeguarding Instructor. Hayley is a recipient of the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award. Her lifeguarding experiences have motivated her to become an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor and to ultimately join the Sertified. team! When not in the water, Hayley enjoys traveling, going to the beach, hiking and spending time with friends. She looks forward to seeing you in class so she can help you #StaySertified.!
Zack Callis
Sertified. Instructor
Zack is a recent graduate of McDaniel College, who has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Zack has been a lifeguard since the summer of 2015 and a pool manager since the summer of 2017. He now works in a year-round position with Georgetown Aquatics as an Aquatic Supervisor. Zack has a long history in aquatics, as prior to his lifeguarding and instruction days, he was a competitive swimmer for more than thirteen years. In addition to his time on the swim and dive team, he has been a swim coach for two years and also established the current swim lesson curriculum at his pool. Zack currently possesses First Aid/CPR/AED and Lifeguarding certifications, a Lifeguarding Instructor certification and his Maryland pool operator's license. He looks forward to seeing you in one of his classes, so he can help you #StaySertified.!
Hannah McMillen
Sertified. Instructor
She is currently a sophomore studying Forensic Chemistry, with a minor in Criminology at West Virginia University. At WVU, she is a Resident Assistant, the current secretary of the club swim team, and a part of various other organizations on campus. She started lifeguarding because she has been a swimmer all my life, so it was the perfect job for me. She was certified at 15, and works for a company known as SoMD Pool Management. In addition to receiving her lifeguard certification, she a certified Pool Operator, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard Instructor. She is passionate about teaching, and providing the best possible training! She is ready to help you get #Sertified.!
Joe DeMario
Sertified. Instructor
Joe is a recent graduate from Manchester Valley High School who is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in computer science at Drexel University. Joe has been drawn to the water his entire life. He spent the majority of his childhood summers on the swim team. For the past few summers he has been a Manager at the Lineboro- Manchester Community pool. Joe is a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and Lifeguarding Instructor and he is looking forward to help you #StaySertified.!
Dave Hardy
Sertified. Instructor
Dave was born and raised in the Washington, DC area where he was a lifelong swimmer. Dave started swimming at a very young age and continued all the way through being a 4-year letter winner at the University of Delaware. Dave graduated from UD in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He has been in aquatic management and worked as a swim coach for over 20 years and looks forward to bringing his management and teaching abilities to the Sertified team. Dave is the General Manager of the Darnestown Swim and Racquet Club in Germantown, MD, where he has been since 2004. Dave is a certified Lifeguard and Lifeguarding Instructor and will be teaching Lifeguarding courses for Sertified. Dave lives in Baltimore City with his wife, Linn, and two daughters (Lucy (6) and Willa (4)) and, of course, their dog, Bobby. Dave enjoys being outside — whether riding his bike, hiking or just enjoying nature. Dave is sure to help you stay safe, stay smart, and #StaySertified.
Alison Smith
Sertified. Instructor
Alison has earned a Bachelor’s of Art’s degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and a Nursing degree from Frederick Community College. Alison previously worked as a Veterinary Technician, but since moving to Ocean City, Maryland, she has pursued ocean lifeguarding. She is currently Assistant Beach Manger and officer on the Beach Patrol at Assateague State Park, in Berlin, Maryland, during the summers and a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor at Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool for the winter months. In addition to being a certified lifeguard she has recently completed her Lifeguard Instructor certification. Alison is also a Certified Emergency Medical Responder, Certified Lifeguard Manager, and CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. Alison enjoys swimming, spending time with her family and caring for her many pets! She looks forward to helping you get #Sertified.!
Brooke Bartko
Sertified. Instructor
Brooke has earned two Bachelor’s of Arts degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Brooke is currently a professional Park Ranger at Gunpowder Falls State Park in Middle River, Maryland where she also serves as the Aquatics Manager. She has maintained her certification as an American Red Cross lifeguard since 2014 and has protected both pools and open water beaches. To best prepare her team for the unique demands and challenges of the open water environment, Brooke became a Lifeguard Instructor in 2018. She enjoys hiking with her pup, Bailey, while off duty and can’t wait to share her passion of lifeguarding while helping you #StaySertified.!
Adam Bendinsky
Sertified. Instructor
Adam graduated from Temple University, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Sport Science. Immediately upon graduation, he began working in a wellness center in a retirement community near his home town in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His day is usually split between positively influencing the health of residents and employees and assisting in daily operations of aquatic facilities, acting as a Lifeguard Manager. He has always been confident in his lifeguarding skills, but earning his Lifeguarding Instructor certification has allowed him to gain even more confidence in his own abilities, while also being able to assist others develop a similar skill set. When Adam is not working, you can usually chase him down on the road while he rides one of bicycles, every time the weather permits. On any rainy day, he'll be behind a computer screen finding something new to learn! Using his experience in coaching and passion for positive influence, Adam is eager to help you #StaySertified.
Savannah Black
Sertified. Instructor
Savannah is a graduate of St. John's Catholic Prep and is now attending James Madison University, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She is working towards receiving her Bachelor's degree in International Business. Savannah has been a Lifeguard at the Dancel Y in Ellicott City and Pasadena for two years, and a certified pool operator for one year. When she is not guarding or pool managing at the Y, Savannah loves traveling, hiking, being outside, and spending time with friends and family! Savannah looks forward to helping you #StaySertified. in her Lifeguarding classes!
Michael Rashad
Sertified. Lifeguard
Michael Rashad is currently a junior at Dulaney High School. He first earned his lifeguarding certification in May of 2019 and has since actively lifeguarded for Sertified., Valley Swim and Tennis Club, and The Y of Randallstown. Michael is currently pursuing his Lifeguarding Instructor certification. Recently, he has added to his certification resume by obtaining his pool operator certification. Michael’s love for aquatics began with swim team, many years ago, which led into his now career with Sertified. After taking his first Sertified. training, Michael knew that this is what he wanted to do! When He isn’t at school or lifeguarding, Michael can most likely be found anywhere near the water, or pursuing his love for music. #StaySertified.
Ashley David
Sertified. Instructor
Ashley is currently a Senior Swim Director at the Y in Central Maryland. She has been with the Y since 2016. Ashley is a graduate of Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, PA. She holds a bachelor's degree in Leadership in Physical Activity with a specialty areas in Aquatics and Adapted. She has been in the “aquatics world” since 2014, and she still loves it. Ashley is an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor and a YMCA Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer. When she is not training or working, she enjoys anything outdoors: traveling, backpacking, hiking, kayaking, training for triathlons, and reading. She looks forward to helping you #StaySertified.!
Adam Kristick
Sertified. Instructor
Adam has earned a Bachelor’s of Art’s degree in communications from the University of Maryland. Adam was previously a lifeguard and lifeguarding instructor with Ocean Pines Community Association, in Berlin, MD, but he is now a lifeguard, lifeguard manger, and instructor with Univeristy of Maryland at Eppley Recreation Center. Adam is also a certified Emergency Medical Responder, CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross. In his free time, Adam is a volunteer EMT and Firefighter. Currently, he is working towards obtaining his paramedic. He looks forward to helping you #StaySertified. both on land and in the pool!
Amira Washington
Sertified. Instructor
Amira recently has graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor’s degree in MDST (multidisciplinary studies concentrating in education & human services). She has been involved in aquatics for a long time, starting in swim lessons and swim team, which ultimately led into her becoming a certified lifeguard. Later in her career, Amira became a Water Safety Instructor. As she continued to develop her love for aquatics and water safety, Amira furthered her certifications by becoming a certified Lifeguarding Instructor. Amira enjoys teaching both in and out of the water, playing music, and spending time with family and friends. Amira looks forward to helping you #StaySertified. as a lifeguard, so you can help keep your community safe around the water!
Mark Fye
Sertified. Instructor
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from The Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He currently works as a U.S. Park Ranger for Assateague Island National Seashore, where he has been for the past five years. Mark has also worked at Yosemite, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon, and Petrified Forest National Parks; as well as Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Canyon de Chelly National Monument. He has been a Nationally Registered EMT since 2012. Mark enjoys archery hunting, downhill skiing, and watching Penn State Football. He lives in Greenbackville, VA, with his house panther (cat) “Nittany Lioness". Mark reminds you to stay classy and #StaySertified. all around Central Maryland!
Kerrigan McMillen
Sertified. Lifeguard
Kerrigan is currently a sophomore studying Accounting at West Virginia University (WVU), with a minor in Data Analytics and Political Science. She has been competitively swimming since she was 4-years-old and continues to swim with WVU's club swim team. She is a certified Pool Operator, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard. She has been lifeguarding and managing with Southern Maryland Pool MGMT for 5 years and is excited to continue her lifeguarding career for Sertified. She hopes to serve as a good example for how a lifeguard should act while on duty. Kerrigan will make sure that you #StaySertified.
Harrison Curnutte
Sertified. Instructor
Harrison has earned a Bachelor’s of Art’s degree in Biology from McDaniel College. He is currently a Research Technician at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland. As part of his “side gig”, Harrison is a certified CPR, First Aid, and AED Instructor in the greater-Annapolis area! When not researching or teaching, Harrison enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his friends and family. As for what’s next, he plans to continue his education in a PhD program, in the Fall of 2021! He looks forward to helping you #StaySertified.! in Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED!
Ayden Batiz
Sertified. Lifeguard
Ayden started swimming competitively when he was very young, and has yet to stop. He obtained his Lifeguarding certification with Sertified., LLC, in the Spring of 2019. When not working as a Sertified. Lifeguard, Ayden works as a Cashier/Customer Lead at Food Lion, in Hanover, PA. As if being a cashier and a lifeguard was not enough, in his "spare" time he also details cars! Ayden enjoys spending time with with family and friends. Upon graduation, he plans to join the United States Military. Ayden looks forward to helping you #StaySertified. when coming to class!
Krysia Rieker
Sertified. Instructor Trainer
Krysia moved to Maryland from Utah, after attending Utah State University and studying Criminal Justice, and Recreation Management. Although growing up Krysia stuck with her land sports, such as soccer and dance, she was always drawn to the water from a young age. Krysia began lifeguarding in 2013, at the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. She gained her Lifeguard Instructor certification while in college, and fell more in love with aquatics. She went on to receive her Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) certification. She is also a certified Water Safety Instructor. She has been a team lead, as well as a head guard. She was also the Aquatic Manager of Operations while attending college. Krysia loves teaching courses and swim lessons. She loves to be in the water, and helping others develop a love for aquatics. Krysia got involved with Sertified. at her LGIT Review course where she met Owen, who offered her to come aboard the team. Krysia is beyond excited to help lifeguards and others become and #StaySertified. in American Red Cross Lifeguarding!
Hannahlore Debenham
Sertified. Instructor
Hannahlore is currently a senior at Manchester Valley High School. She has been involved in aquatics for most of her life, whether it be swim team or... wait for it... scuba diving! Hannahlore has been a lifeguard for three years, and just recently earned her Pool Operator certification, all in addition to her Lifeguarding Instructor certification. When she is not around the water, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Strawberry, hanging out with friends, and reading a good book. Hannahlore looks forward to helping you #StaySertified. in one of her Lifeguarding classes!
Tayler Thorne
Sertified. Instructor
Tayler is an American Red Cross Lifeguard and Lifeguarding Instructor. Tayler's background includes a degree in Secondary Education from Penn State University. She currently teaches 7th-grade science at Steelton-Highspire School District, located just outside of Harrisburg, PA. Tayler is also currently working on a Master's degree in Education from James Madison University, in Instructional Design and Technology. Before leaving the pool deck for a her role in the classroom, Tayler spent countless hours in the water. She was a 2013 PA Water Polo State champion. Water polo has been a huge part of Tayler's life for over eight years! She grew up going to the pool, boating, kayaking, etc. If it is in the water, Tayler is "about it". Tayler earned her initial lifeguarding certification at age 16 and immediately went to work at her local outdoor pool. She has spent the last decade working in a variety of different roles in aquatics including head lifeguard, swim lesson instructor, and assistant pool manager. Now, as a member of the instructor team, Tayler looks forward to helping you #StaySertified.
Luke Myers
Sertified. Instructor
Luke is currently working as a lifeguard at the Orokawa YMCA in Towson, MD. He has been a lifeguard for over two years, initially certified in May of 2019. During the summers he has been a returning lifeguard at Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hammerman Beach Area, with the summer of 2021 being his third season at the Park. Other than lifeguarding, Luke enjoys indoor and outdoor rock climbing, hiking, and camping. He has worked as a classroom assistant and teacher at his church’s nursery for many years and continues to enjoy helping take care of young children! Luke looks forward to combining his passions of working with youth, teaching, and lifeguarding to help you #StaySertified.
Austin Nye
Sertified. Instructor
Austin fell in love with lifeguarding after working as a lifeguard at Gunpowder Falls State Park, in Middle River, MD for 2 years. He gained his certification as an American Red Cross Lifeguard through Sertified. in 2020, and is now an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor. Austin is currently studying to gain his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification at The Community College of Baltimore County, in Essex, MD. In his free time, Austin enjoys playing soccer, spending time with friends and family, and traveling internationally! He is beyond excited to show his passion for lifeguarding while also making sure you #StaySertified.
Houston Howell
Sertified. Instructor
Houston is a recent graduate of Harford Christian School and is currently earning his bachelor's degree in, environmental science, from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. He started lifeguarding when he was 16 at Gunpowder Falls State Park and has recently moved to North Bethany Beach Patrol. Houston is in his fourth year lifeguarding and does not plan on slowing down. Currently, Houston rows for the St. Mary’s crew team and holds the record for fastest 5k time in school history!! He also enjoys hiking, fishing, and playing guitar. Houston is excited to get to know you and help you #StaySertified.
Jeremy
Sertified. Instructor
Jeremy has been in the role of Recreation Program Specialist/Pool Manager with Hampden Township (PA) since 2009. In this position, he works full-time for the Parks and Recreation Department year-round; however, aquatics is always at the forefront of whatever he may be doing. At the start of his employment with Hampden Township, Jeremy was certified as both a Lifeguard and Lifeguard Instructor. After letting both of those certifications expire (10/10, would NOT recommend) Jeremy decided to get his lifeguard certification again. He took a class with Sertified. In June of 2021. Jeremy was blown away with how thorough the class was. Taking this class reminded Jeremy how demanding, both physically and mentally, the lifeguard class is. After taking that class, Jeremy decided to attain his LGI too. Jeremy is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) and is the President of the Aquatics Branch for the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society. With three small children, there isn’t much time for hobbies, but Jeremy enjoys being outside, watching football and baseball, and is a Los Angeles Chargers fan. Jeremy looks forward to helping you #StaySertified.
Douglas Deane
Sertified. Instructor
Douglas is a graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education-Social Studies. Doug has been a Lifeguard for six years and a Lifeguarding Instructor since 2018. He is currently a history teacher in Howard County, after moving to Maryland in 2019. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, taking his dog, Maisy, for long walks, and tinkering with computers. Doug is very excited to work with any students who are willing to put in the time and hard work to become a lifeguard. Doug is excited to help you #StaySertified.
Brian Bonn
Sertified. Instructor
Brian is the upper school PE teacher at Glenelg Country School, in Howard county, MD. He also coaches cross country and track and field at GCS. He has worked in the sports performance/ athletics coaching industry since graduating from Frostburg State University in 2006. An All American track and field athlete in college, Brian was also at home in the water, since he has swam competitively since age 5. After a hiatus from the world of aquatics, Brian renewed his lifeguard certification in 2017 and went on to get his instructor certification the following year. Brian manages the pool at GCS in the summer months. Brian loves the outdoors and is an avid kayaker and backpacker. An item on his bucket list is to complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Brian lives in New Market, MD with his wife, Liz, and son, Indiana!! Brian is excited to be a part of the Sertified. team and is looking forward to helping everyone stay safe and #StaySertified in the pool!!
Riley Moyer
Sertified. Instructor
Riley started lifeguarding as an ocean lifeguard on the Assateague State Park Beach Patrol in 2021. He discovered his passion for responding to emergencies and that there is no better way to spend a summer. Riley is studying to gain his EMT certification at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, MD and also works as a lifeguard at a local pool facility during the winter. He enjoys surfing and traveling in his free time. Riley is looking forward to helping you gain the skills needed to #StaySertified in and around the water!