Management Staff
We have a passion to instill the three Cs (comfort, confidence, and competence) of swimming that will translate into a lifetime of fun and exercise.
Kelly Gaines – Owner and Big Fish
Kelly is a licensed Physical Therapist and has a degree in
Nutritional Sciences. She is a passionate advocate for children
and avid promoter of water safety and drowning prevention.
Kelly is thrilled and proud of the quality instruction and valuable
skills that her team at Charlotte Aquatics provides.
Stephanie Tomalis – Program Director
She is the smiling face of Charlotte Aquatics and can name almost every one of the 700-800 children that walk through our door every week. Stephanie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology which she puts to good use with our students. She is married and has a three year old daughter, who “swims like a fish”. Stephanie is a volunteer with the children’s ministry at Christ Covenant Church. She loves running, hiking, reading, and of course anything that involves water.
Cara Sicilia – Assistant Program Director
Ms. Cara is a senior at Winthrop University majoring in Human Nutrition & Dietetics. She joined the Charlotte Aquatics team in 2007 as a Teaching Assistant. Since then, Cara has completed her Water Safety Instructor (WSI) training and has been an instructor. Cara has moved into the “Fish Bowl” as our Assistant Program Director. Her dedication and fun personality make everyone feel welcomed. Cara hopes one day to take her organizational skills, her compassion, and her degree in Dietetics and help families in Africa. We hope that won’t be for a very long time.
Tara Neltner – Birthday Party Coordinator
Ms. Tara joined the Charlotte Aquatics team in February 2007 bringing 18 years of teaching and aquatics experience. In addition to being one of our star instructors, Ms Tara has recently joined the management team as the Birthday Party Coordinator. Tara’s organizational skills, creativity, and fun attitude make her a natural for this role. Being the mom of two, she knows the frustration that can sometime occur when trying to pull off the perfect party. No fear – Tara will make sure everything runs smoothly. Tara is also our resident Lifeguard instructor.