Advisory Board
Let’s Get to Know the Movers & Shakers
Julie Twynham
Grand Master Trainer & Educational Director
Julie has a strong academic background from the University of Waterloo, in Human Kinetics, combined with her dance and coaching background provide her with strong technical and creative skills. She has co-authored 25 Instructor Certification manuals created 378 Educational videos for both land and water modalities. She has developed two Apps. In the day, she facilitated the Speedo Aquatic Fitness System in Canada (1993-2000) and has had the privilege to work throughout the world helping enthusiasts and professionals understand exercise design. She has worked in promotion for Speedo, Hydropool swim in place pools, Rockport walking shoes, and the Original Pool Noodle company (to name a few)Julie looks forward to helping everyone learn more about exercise design and the differences between land and water exercise.
Drusilla Leitch
Grand Master Trainer and Certification Director
Drusilla is a past recipient of the Ontario Fitness Council Leadership Award and a former presenter for the Elder Hostel Association teaching Active Living programs. She has collaborated on many WaterART training programs and manuals including WaterART Land and Water Arthritis programs, Mind Body/Tai Chi for the Water, Specialized and Senior Populations; Walking, Shape Up and Water Trainer, Kidz, and Rehabilitation Specialist Manuals. She has been teaching fitness since 1977 and specializes in senior programming. Her main focus is using functional fitness to stay healthy and independent herself. She does many virtual assessments to help the new generation along. Drusilla attends regular programs at Alderwood Pool in Burlington and helps test and groom the new generation of instructors.
Certified Master Trainers
Anita Beauchamp
Cincinnati, OH
Anita resides in Cincinnati, Ohio where she provides H2O Rehabilitation, Personal Training, CPR/BLS & First Aid Certifications. She is a High School Health Teacher for Cincinnati Public Schools. She has been affiliated with the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati teaching Group Exercise, Rehabilitation, Aquatic Personal Training and Swim Lessons. She continues to be a strong advocate for water based exercise programs for everyone as an addition to land based exercise programs to provide a well rounded daily routine
Christie Becker
Sylvan Lake AB
Christie has been involved in Recreation for over 20 years in various capacities. Whether its teaching land or water fitness, she is passionate about maintaining an active lifestyle and understands the importance of a healthy wellbeing. Certified as a Kidz H2O Instructor, Parent & Tot H2O Instructor, Land Instructor, Pre & Post Natal H2O Instructor, Arthritis H2O Instructor, and Shallow and Deep H20 Instructor.
Diana Brakel
Waterford, MI
Diana received a Master of Science degree in Parks and Recreation Resources from Michigan State University. She teaches water fitness and swimming classes at the Waterford Pool and Fitness Centers, and is also the Swim Lesson Coordinator. In addition to being a WaterART Master Trainer, Diana is a Red Cross Instructor Trainer for Water Safety and Lifeguarding for basic and instructor level classes.
Charlene Ann Caiano
Burlington, VT
MA, LCMHC, BC-DMT, NCC, brings over 30 years of experience in fitness and wellness and 20 years in mental health. A licensed clinical mental health counselor and board-certified dance/movement therapist, she integrates evidence-based counseling with movement, mindfulness, and resilience training. A former fitness club owner, Charlene has several WaterART Fitness certifications, specializing in personal training, group exercise, and mind-body conditioning to support lifelong health and balance. She also holds certifications through the ACE and the NASM.
Kris Cassell
Greenville SC
Kris Cassell is a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Shallow & Deep Water and Arthritis InstructorInstructor and teaches classes at the YMCA Caine Halter in Greenville, South Carolina. In addition to her instructor training, Kris is a Livestrong Coach with Livestrong at the YMCA (an exercise program for Cancer Survivors) and a PWR! Moves Certified Instructor (an exercise program for individuals with Parkinson's). She has degrees in both Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management. Kris enjoys hiking, golfing, cooking, and being involved in the community!
Cindy Cook
Charlotte NC
Cindy has been teaching land and aqua classes for over 30 years and is passionate about seeing people become their best selves. She loves developing specialty classes for members/facilities. When not in the liquid gym, she enjoys music (which she also teaches), playing in bands, riding motorcycles, living on a farm with her husband and 2 dogs, and being very involved in church ministry.
Judy Conley
Napa, California
Judy is a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Physical Education where she competed on the swim team. She has been involved in both land and water fitness for over 30 years. She is the Author of two books on Water Exercise and has created, taught and hosted many CEC courses for AEA and ACE as well as being instrumental in developing the Michigan Aquatic Network.
Christina De Souza
Toronto, ON
Christina de Souza has been actively involved in both land and H2O fitness for the last 20 years. Christina has coached a youth swim team, participated in lifeguard competitions and swim instruction, worked for YMCA, and she continues her fitness career working for the Private clubs through in Toronto as well as for private organizations. She manages her own fitness business as well with private training sessions both in the water and in the gym
Leigh De Groot
St Catharines, ON
Leigh de Groot, Registered Physiotherapist (RPT) B.Sc, licensed in Ontario. She has been involved in aquatics in varying capacities since 2002 years including Lifeguarding, teaching swimming lessons and teaching Red Cross First Aid and CPR courses. She has been a WaterART Instructor since 2007 and is certified in Arthritis, Seniors, Pre/Post Natal and is an Aquatic Rehabilitation Specialist.
Dr. Lucia Cordell Getsi
McCormick, SC
Dr. Lucia Cordell Getsi, Ph.D. is University Distinguished Professor Emerita, of English and Comparative Literature at Illinois State University. Her professional fields are Cognitive Poetics, Comparative Literature, Poetry and Poetics. She is a nationally known poet, scholar, literary translator, and twenty year editor of the acclaimed Spoon River Poetry Review.
Sandy DuSomme
Athabasca, AB
As a graduate from Seneca College (on the Dean’s list in Recreation Facility Management). She is qualified and Certified in synchro, swim team, spring-board diving and Instructor Trainer for Red Cross and Life Saving Society. She has taught several programs in Ontario & Alberta for WaterART Fitness. She holds a Gold Level Certification in WaterART for Personal Trainer, Senior's & Special Populations, Arthritis, Rehabilitation, Sports Conditioning & TaeKwonDo Certifications.
ALEXANDRA FAICHNEY
Scarborough, ON
has been Certified WaterART Instructor for 15+ years, teaching both shallow and in deep for various classes across the city of Toronto. She currently works as a guidance High School Teacher. in her early years she was a lifeguard and swim instructor. She loves the industry and looks forward to staying involved many more years.
Rikki Gross
Ancaster, ON
Rikki's background includes 4 year Bachelor of Physical Education, 1 year toward a Master of Exercise Physiology, Aqua fitness certifications (group, personal training, Corrective Exercise certification, Orthopaedic Spinning Instructor as well as over 10 000 hours of continuing education credits and hands on experience. Rikki has endless energy and passion to help new instructors. Her strength is her attention to detail with technique and research. She grew up in South Africa and has lived in Boston and Toronto.
Joanne Hannan
Richmond Hill, ON
Joanne is a Gold Certified Aquatic Fitness Instructor and Master Trainer. She teaches aquatic fitness full time via a variety classes and small group sessions for City of Toronto and West Park Rehabilitation Centre. Her background includes a Medical Laboratory Technologist. She is Certified as a Shallow & Deep H20 Instructor, Arthritis H2O Instructor, Sports Conditioning H2O Specialist, Mind Body H2O Instructor & Personal Trainer H2O Specialist as well as Rehabilitation Specialist. Joanne provides fun and function to her water programs.
Debbie Kirk
Parry Sound, ON
Deborah Kirk holds a degree in Psychology and Business and is an active swimming teacher for the Royal Life Society in Muskoka and Parry Sound, Ontario. Over the years Deborah has held many aquatic certifications including being a lifeguard, swim instructor, head instructor, examiner, NAUI scuba diver, Area Chairman for RLSS, Swim Canada official for Competitive Swimming and most recently a Master Trainer with WaterART International. She is very passionate about exercising with a purpose and having fun at the same time.
Liu Chuen Kei
Hong Kong
Mr K, speaks fluent English and Chinese and has developed successful programs in Hong Kong. His passion, knowledge and incredible willingness to learn provides a special personality that is contagious. His goal is to expand programs throughout Asia and teach safe, effective and enjoyable exercise.
Diane Kabakoff
Cincinnati OH
Diane lives in Northern Kentucky and has been teaching Aquatic Fitness for over 25 years. She works with Power Wellness at Mercy Health Plex in Fairfield Ohio where she delivers medically based Aquatic Fitness. Diane has taught both land and aquatic Fitness Classes Cincinnati State and University of Cincinnati. Additionally, she is a Certified Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor.
Susan Kisilevich
Edmonton, AB
Susan Kisilevich is a Certified WaterART Master Trainer with specialties in: Senior’s Instruction, Mind & Body, Parent & Tot/Toddler, Aquatic Personal Training, Aquatic Rehabilitation, Arthritis and Common Movement Disorders Instructor, Aquatic Running Instructor as well as Sports Conditioning Specialist. Susan’s motto is “Wellness through Water”®, using the water to train clients for healthy living on land and she is the owner and operator of Catch the Wave Water Fitness® in Edmonton. She is a registered and practicing Occupational Therapist and has achieved a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy as well as Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Alberta.
Leah Leadbeater
High River, AB
Leah has proudly spent the last 17 years in Aquatics. She is a National Trainer for the Lifesaving Society and currently serves as a Senior Lifeguard and Trainer at the Okotoks Recreation Centre as well as a Spin Instructor. Teaching Aquafit, and training lifeguards are where Leah finds her greatest joy! She holds certifications in Shallow/Deep, Boot Camp, Senior Fitness, and Kidz H20. With a background in Special Education, gymnastics and cheerleading, Leah brings a unique blend of athleticism, creativity and instructional expertise to her programs. Passionate about the aquatics industry, Leah is dedicated to supporting and mentoring new instructors as they begin their career.
CATHERINE LYONS BOZZO
Toronto, ON
Catherine has a Political Science Degree from Carleton University and over 30 years experience in Corporate Management and Mentoring experience. Catherine has been around water her whole life. She has been a Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Swim Team Coach, Figure Skating Coach, and Gymnastics Coach. While recently reinventing her career, Catherine has embarked on an Aquafit journey with the City of Toronto in multiple locations and disciplines.
cathy Novick
Grand Blanc, Mi
Cathy Novick is a Master Trainer for WaterART Fitness. She currently works as a Water Fitness Coordinator, an Aquatic Personal Trainer, and an Aquatic Rehabilitation Specialist at Ascension Genesys Health Club in Grand Blanc. She has been teaching water fitness for 12 years. Cathy holds Bachelor Degrees in Physical Education from Albion College and Elementary Education from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. She also holds a Masters degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Leadership from Oakland University. Cathy earned varsity letters in 4 sports both in high school and college. She was a public school teacher for 25 years before moving her teaching skills entirely into the water.
Marianne Paciocco
Hamilton, ON
Marianne has spent most of her life around the water: She has been on the WaterART Team since the beginning. Her background is extensive: she has competed and coached Synchronized Swimming for many years, is currently a Full-Time Lifeguard and was with the City of Hamilton for 32+ years where she now teaches Water Fitness Classes part time. Combining her love for Aquatics & knowledge of Fitness with her energy & enthusiasm, Marianne won World Karate & Kickboxing Championships in 2009 & 2010. What a strong woman!
Giancarlo Rea
Toronto ON
has been Certified WaterART Instructor for 15+ years, teaching both shallow and in deep for various classes across the city of Toronto. He completed his program with the Toronto Sports Leadership Training program and continues to mentor the youth of tomorrow. He is certified with Boot Camp, Shallow & Deep, Aquatic Running and Arthritis program and is the CEO and founder of the Good Union Film & TV mentorship program as well as manages promotion with WaterART Fitness.
Julie Scratch
Anacortes, WA
Has a Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of Windsor. She is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor, Yogafit Instructor, Certified Red Cross Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructor and WaterART Master Trainer. She currently resides in Anacortes, Washington. She works full time at United Fitness Center in Sedro Woolley as well as freelances at Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center. Julie has over 30 years of experience helping various populations achieve their health and wellness goals. She has a passion for guiding those with injuries or limitations to become more functional in their daily lives. She has facilitated Instructor Training in both the USA and Canada.
Amanda Sommer
Burlington, NC
Amanda currently is the Wellness Director for Twin Lakes Community in NC. She has been actively involved in the fitness and wellness Industry since completing her degree in PE / Exercise Science at UNC- Chapel Hill. Amanda a completed licensure as a Massage Therapist in 2011 and uses the knowledge of how our bodies work to design safe and effective programs for all ages. She has been a Master Trainer for WaterART since 2005! She is Cancer Exercise Specialist at the Cancer Exercise Training Institute.
Fay Tyrrell
Keswick, ON
Fay Tyrrell continues to service her communities with safe and effective fitness programs. An active Master Trainer supporting WaterART Fitness International for 25+ years with experiences ranging from Rehabilitation, to Mind/Body, and all the way to Athletic training. Fay enjoys skiing, the outdoors, lakeside, travelling, and spending time with her growing family. Her passion is collaborating with colleagues to create sustainable and effective lifestyle improvement programs for our communities and fellow Fitpreneurs.
Caterina Valenino
Toronto /Fredericton NB
Caterina Valentino (she/her) PhD, MBA, MPA. You can add RT (registered technologist), CHE (Certified Health Executive (Canada) and FACHE (Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives) is a Gold Certified Instructor. She blends her knowledge as a registered x-ray technologist with her management experience and educational instruction to design aquafit classes that are effective, efficient and fun. As a continuous learner, she brings a wealth of diverse skills that make for inclusive classes.
Anne Marie Waterhouse
Wilmington, Delaware
Anne Marie Waterhouse is the mermaid trainer! A Certified WaterART Master Trainer & Instructor since 2006 with Gold Level Certification. She is an International Professional Fitness Instructor, a guest presenter & trainer at Spas in the northeast USA, an instructor at YMCA's & private clubs, and a 500 hour certified Yoga instructor. Anne Marie's background is in Figure Skating, Dance, Yoga, Kinesiology, & Choreography. Combining these skills with over 3 decades in the fitness industry she is now thrilled to be able to train other people who love the water to become Certified WaterART Instructors.
Jarilyn 'Jari' Weaver
Lac la Biche, AB
Jarilyn "Jari" is an Aquatic Fitness Mentor with decades of experience in recreation and aquatics. Holding 10 WaterART training modules and Trainer certifications through the Lifesaving Society, she is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and supporting instructor development. She works part-time in the industry while dedicating her time to volunteer work and her growing family.
Claire Prudhomme Whetstone
Champaign, IL
Claire Prudhomme MCP, LMT, CMT, BCTMB,HTCP Restorative Touch Therapies Massage, Aquatic and Healing Touch Therapy Champaign, She Claire has been working in the fitness industry for over 35 years, teaching and serving as both a water instructor and a personal trainer .
In loving memory Aneta Kuzma
Aneta was a graduate of University of Lodz in Poland with B.A.General Arts and M.A Library and Science Information and Teaching.
She was a WaterART Certified Gold Master Trainer for Fundamentals, Specialized Populations, Arthritis, Kidz Fitness and Personal Training. as well as Lifesaving Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, National Life Guard, Pool, Aquatic Supervisor, CPR by Lifesaving Society.
She was involved in both land and water fitness. Her people skills and enthusiastic approach result in recent highest achiever mark in her work place in Milton Leisure Centre. She loved to teach water fitness classes and run several successful aquatic programs.
WaterART Family and Friends remember Aneta for her enthusiasm, professionalism and warm spirit as well as her drive for achievement.
