

Hi there!
We are Marlin Swim Academy.
Formerly Kelly MacDonald Fitness, Marlin Swim Academy made a huge splash entering the aquatic realm in 2022! After operating for 10 years, it was time to make a change and establish a brand that accurately represented our passion.
Whether you're a parent of young children, a non-swimmer yourself, a new resident of Canada, or you just moved to a house with a pool, Marlin Swim Academy has instructors ready for you!
I take enormous pride in providing a life-saving service to the people in my community. As Canadians, we are privileged to have access to so much water and it is our responsibility to teach our children to have fun while respecting its dangers.
Being able to find a team of like-minded individuals with a passion for swimming and teaching was a blessing and I am thrilled to be expanding this team every year!
Not only does Marlin Swim Academy develop strong swimmers but we also develop strong instructors. I am so proud to be able to take on junior instructors and have them go through a mentorship program unlike any other in this industry!
-Kelly MacDonald
MEET THE TEAM

Kelly MacDonald
Founder & Owner, Marlin Swim Academy
Kelly is the founder and owner of Marlin Swim Academy and has been a dedicated professional in the aquatic industry since 2007. With a deep passion for promoting water safety, Kelly has made it her mission to educate children and families through high-quality swim instruction. She is also the developer of the academy’s specialized Infant Survival Program, designed to equip even the youngest swimmers with life-saving skills. Kelly also teaches the National Lifeguarding Program, helping train the next generation of certified lifeguards.
In addition to her role as a swim instructor, Kelly is a certified First Aid Trainer and holds a degree in Kinesiology, bringing a strong foundation in human movement and health to her teaching.
When she’s not in the water, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs. You’ll often find them out on a walk or relaxing with family—especially her niece Blake and nephew Boone, who hold a special place in her heart.

Kandice Simpson-Court
Manager of Instructor Engagement & Master Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Kandice is the Manager of Instructor Engagement at Marlin Swim Academy and a highly skilled Master Instructor with a deep-rooted passion for aquatic education. She has been active in the aquatic industry since 2007 and brings extensive experience and energy to every class she leads.
Kandice teaches a variety of essential programs, including Infant Survival, First Aid, National Lifeguard Program, Swim and Lifesaving Instructors, and Water Fitness. With a background in Child and Youth Work, she brings a unique and compassionate approach to teaching, ensuring that each swimmer feels supported and empowered in their learning journey.
Outside of the pool, Kandice enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their two children, creating a strong balance between her professional and family life.

Kerrie Y
Master Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Kerrie is a dedicated Master Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy with an impressive background in aquatics dating back to 2000. In addition to her extensive experience as a swim professional, Kerrie is also a certified Teacher, which fuels her passion for working with children and supporting their development both in and out of the water.
Known for her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with her swimmers, Kerrie creates a positive and encouraging learning environment. She is also a certified Water Fitness Instructor and plays a key role in training future Swim and Lifesaving Instructors.
When she's not at the pool, Kerrie enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, making the most of family time together.

Chloé M
Master Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Chloé is a passionate Master Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy who has been formally teaching swim lessons since 2024—but her connection to the water goes back a lifetime. Chloé actively competes in sprint distance triathlon and long distance open water swimming. She currently holds her National Lifeguard Waterfront and Level 1 Lifesaving Coaching certifications, and hopes to start competing at open water lifesaving competitions in 2026.
With extensive experience working with both youth and adults with developmental disabilities, Chloé brings a compassionate and patient approach to her instruction. Her natural ability to build trusting relationships makes her especially skilled at supporting swimmers who have experienced trauma or hold severe fears of the water.
Chloé is committed to creating a safe, empowering environment where every swimmer feels seen, supported, and capable.

Jillian D
Senior Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Jillian is a dedicated Senior Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy who officially began teaching in 2023. Her passion for swim instruction began well before her certification, with many years spent volunteering and supporting swim lessons in her community.
Jillian is known for her positive energy and commitment to helping swimmers of all ages feel confident and safe in the water. Her background as a volunteer reflects her deep-rooted dedication to making a difference through teaching.
Outside of the pool, Jillian enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, balancing her professional enthusiasm with a strong sense of community and connection.

Tracey
Senior Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Tracey is a Senior Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy who brings over a decade of experience in aquatic instruction, having taught swim lessons since 2011. While she may be newer to the Marlin team, she is certainly no stranger to the water.
With a strong background in swimming, Tracey spent many years as a competitive synchronized swimmer and coach, bringing a unique perspective and refined technique to her teaching. Her deep understanding of movement, rhythm, and water confidence adds depth to every lesson she leads.
Outside the pool, Tracey is a proud sports mom—cheering on her children in their athletic pursuits—or relaxing at home with family and friends.

Ana P
Senior Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Ana is a skilled Senior Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy with a teaching career that began in 2019. With years of experience working with a wide range of swimmers, Ana is known for her adaptable teaching style and her ability to connect with swimmers of all ages and abilities.
This fall, Ana will graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University with a Business degree, majoring in Human Resources—a reflection of her strong interpersonal skills and dedication to growth both in and out of the pool.
When she’s not teaching, Ana enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends, embracing a well-rounded and active lifestyle.

Sienna M
Intermediate Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Sienna is an enthusiastic Intermediate Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy who began teaching in 2023. With a natural passion for working with youth, she finds joy in watching children grow in confidence and ability throughout their swim journey.
Before becoming an instructor, Sienna was a competitive swimmer with the Ancaster Alligators, where she developed a strong foundation in technique and discipline—skills she now passes on to her students with care and enthusiasm.
When she’s not at the pool, Sienna enjoys spending time with friends and is currently preparing to attend the University of Guelph, where she will be majoring in Sociology and Arts.

Hallee N
Intermediate Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Hallee is a dedicated Intermediate Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy and has been teaching swim lessons since 2021. Originally from Northern Ontario, she brings a warm and grounded presence to her teaching, combining experience both in the water and on land working with children.
Hallee is currently attending Brock University, where she is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. Her academic background and passion for helping others allow her to bring focus, patience, and care to every lesson.
Outside the pool, Hallee enjoys connecting with others, learning, and making a positive impact wherever she goes.

Gabriella P
Junior Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Gabriella is a passionate Junior Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy who began her teaching journey with the academy in 2023. Since then, she has brought a warm, enthusiastic energy to every lesson, helping young swimmers build both skill and confidence in the water.
In addition to her swim instruction, Gabriella is certified in HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development, which supports her understanding of how to create positive, inclusive, and engaging experiences for children.
Outside the pool, Gabriella volunteers with her therapy dog at a local retirement home, sharing comfort and companionship a few days each week—a true reflection of her caring and community-minded spirit.
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Jordan S
Junior Instructor, Marlin Swim Academy
Jordan is a motivated Junior Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy who began teaching swim lessons in 2023. She brings strong leadership skills and a passion for working with youth, drawing on her extensive experience in community and school-based programs.
Jordan is a Youth Member and Junior Leader with the Girl Guides of Canada and serves on her high school’s student council, where she continues to develop her leadership and communication skills. She is also enrolled in the Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major Program, which supports her growing interest in health education and child development.
Jordan’s energy, responsibility, and dedication make her a valued part of the Marlin Swim Academy team.

Cameron G
Instructor – Mobile Team, Marlin Swim Academy
Cameron is a dedicated member of Marlin Swim Academy’s Mobile Team and has been teaching swim lessons since 2023. He brings a calm, confident approach to instruction, backed by his experience working with children both as a babysitter and a swim instructor.
Cameron is passionate about helping swimmers feel comfortable and capable in the water, and his friendly demeanor makes him a favorite among young learners and families alike.
Instructor Levels
Junior Instructor
A new instructor with recent certifications, best suited for confident swimmers who enjoy structured lessons based on our curriculum. Great for families looking for affordable, skill-focused sessions. Junior Instructors will be monitored by a more advanced instructor and will be undergoing company training throughout the course of the session.
Intermediate Instructor
An instructor who balances skill development with extra support. Ideal for swimmers who are working on our curriculum and are skill-focused, but may have trouble in specific areas or need the 1:1 attention to help with focus. These instructors work well within the curriculum but, if you or your child require more individualized support, a Senior or Master Instructor is recommended.These instructors work well within the curriculum but, if you or your child require more, individualized support, a Senior or Master Instructor is recommended.
Senior Instructor
More experienced instructors with some advanced training and problem solving in adaptive approaches. Best for swimmers who may have had a delayed start to swimming lessons, required more technical assistance, have existing fears or unique learning needs who require a thoughtful, individualized approach. Students who will be working on our individualized Swim to Thrive program, which is not curriculum-based, should be placed with a Senior or Master Instructor.
Master Instructor
Our most advanced and specialized instructors, trained in trauma-informed care, adaptive aquatics, and complex behavioural support. Best for swimmers overcoming trauma, developmental challenges, or those needing a highly customized and therapeutic approach.
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?
Marlin Swim Academy will always have our swimmers at the forefront of our business. All team members are aquatic professionals and all levels of our leadership team are also instructors!
We keep our class sizes exceptionally small. This allows us to ensure each swimmer gets adequate practice time and 1:1 feedback from the instructor.
3:1 for Preschool and Swimmer 1-3
5:1 for Swimmer 4-9
Our senior instructors and leadership team have an average of 20 years' experience teaching swimming lessons EACH! This is a grant total of over 116 years of experience.
We welcome all ages and all abilities!