-Kelly MacDonald

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 and co-developer of Marlin Swim Academy's Guppy 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.

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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.

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Kelly's teaching style is a child-led, explorative approach where she allows children to learn their boundaries and abilities through trial and error. Kelly specializes in early starts in the Infant Survival program and works with children until they age out and continue with the Guppy program.

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. 

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Kandice teaches a variety of essential programs, including Infant Survival, First Aid, National Lifeguard Program, Swim and Lifesaving Instructors, and Water Fitness. Kandice also co-developed Marlin Swim Academy's Guppy Program. 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.

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Kandice's teaching style is guided, child-led, discovery style, and a great match for all swimmers. Kandice is a great choice for children and adults working outside the skill-based curriculum at their own pace, but need a more structured and  guided approach to meet their goals.

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.

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Known for her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with her swimmers, Kerrie creates a positive and encouraging learning environment. Kerrie has played a role in development of Marlin Swim Academy programs as well as staff training. She is also a certified Water Fitness Instructor and plays a key role in training future Swim and Lifesaving Instructors as an Instructor Trainer.

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Kerrie's teaching style is fun and supportive with the little push new swimmers often need to overcome a new environment that only a highly experienced instructor can provide. If you have a young, nervous swimmer, Kerrie is an excellent choice!

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, long distance open water swimming and Lifesaving Sport. 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.

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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.

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Chloé's teaching style is explorative and swimmer-led. Whether her swimmers are working on the curriculum or their own goals, Chloé ensures a supportive environment where willing swimmers of all ages can feel seen. If you are an adult taking steps to overcome fear or have a swimmer with higher needs (emotional, behavioural or physical), Chloé is an excellent choice!

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.

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Ana's teaching style is structured and progressive. For new swimmers who are learning the ropes on how to work with an instructor, to those swimmers who are making their way through our skill-based curriculums, Ana's approach is great for swimmers who thrive on routine and measurable outcomes. 

Tracey is a Senior Instructor at Marlin Swim Academy who brings over a decade and a half 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.

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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.

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Tracey's teaching style is swimmer-led and supportive. For swimmers who are working on their own goals and may not necessarily be in a skill-based program, Tracey's guidance will have swimmers working through their own milestones. If you are an adult beginner or have a swimmer stuck on a skill or level, Tracey is an excellent choice!

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.

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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.

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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.

Jordan is a motivated 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.

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Jordan's teaching style is upbeat and structured. She focuses on our curriculum with a step-by-step approach for swimmers who are in one of our skill-based programs. Jordan thrives on measurable outcomes and works great with swimmers who have specific, skill-based goals.

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.

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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.

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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.

Sophie is a new member of the Marlin Team, bringing with her a lifelong passion for swimming. She began teaching in 2024, after spending several years as a competitive swimmer herself. Each summer, she also coaches a swim team, an experience that has allowed her to work with swimmers of all ages and skill levels—something she finds incredibly rewarding.

Sophie's teaching style is technically-focused with an energetic, friendly approach. If you have a swimmer who is in need of some guidance with technique, or a little extra push to get their kicking down, Sophie is a great choice! With a soft touch but a lot of focus, Sophie has great success getting technical stroke correction down.