At The Swim Advantage, we know that a great swim lesson starts with a phenomenal instructor. Across our Orland Park and Joliet pools, our staff is made up of certified lifeguards, competitive athletes, and dedicated water safety experts. We carefully select our team not just for their impressive technical resumes, but for their ability to connect with students and create a supportive, encouraging environment. From your baby’s first splash to advanced stroke refinement, read on to meet the dedicated professionals who will be guiding your swim journey.
I’m the Aquatics Director here at The Swim Advantage – Joliet. I lead our swim programming with a strong focus on safety, skill development, and creating genuinely positive experiences in the water. Over the last eight years in aquatics, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with swimmers of all ages and abilities, helping each one grow and learn at their own pace.
I am a lifelong swimmer myself. I spent more than 15 years as a competitive athlete, which gave me a deep appreciation for both the discipline and the joy that swimming offers. For the past five years, I’ve also served as a certified coach with USA Swimming, guiding athletes not just in their technique, but in building their confidence and resilience.
I believe that learning to swim should always feel safe and encouraging. I’m committed to creating an environment where children feel supported, parents feel completely confident, and every swimmer—whether brand new to the water or refining advanced skills—can succeed. My goal at The Swim Advantage is simple: to help every swimmer leave the pool stronger, more confident, and excited to jump back in.
Off the pool deck, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Cellular Developmental Biology from the University of Vermont. When I’m not in the water, you can usually find me practicing the violin or conducting biological research at Lewis University!
Oscar Rodriguez brings nearly a decade of dedicated leadership and aquatics expertise to his role as Aquatics Director. With a deep background in swim instruction, program development, and comprehensive water safety, Oscar is passionate about transforming hesitant beginners into confident, lifelong swimmers.
He firmly believes that a successful swim program starts with an empowered staff. Because of this, Oscar is deeply invested in developing strong, well-trained instructors and fostering a fiercely positive team culture on the deck. Currently at the helm of operations for The Swim Advantage in Orland Park, his primary focus is creating a safe, structured, and incredibly welcoming environment where every family feels right at home in the water.
When he isn’t managing the pool, you can usually find him talking football. Oscar is a massive fan of the Oregon Ducks and a dedicated supporter of the Chicago Bears, meaning he knows a thing or two about loyalty and resilience!
I am Coach Carly, the Lead Swim Instructor for The Swim Advantage in Orland Park! I have been teaching swim instruction since 2022, have been Red Cross Certified since 2024, and plan to be here for a verylong time!
I love kids and want to spend my life sharing my passion for swimming with people of all ages and abilities. I have taught individuals on the spectrum with various needs as well as individuals who are blind and deaf. I believe anyone can swim regardless of your experience (or lack of), your disability, or fear! It’s never to late to start!
I’m so excited to share the water with you and to show you the gift of swimming!
We are currently trying to get Paityn out of the water long enough to give us her bio. Wait, I think I see her…nope…she’s back in the pool.
I have always had a love for the water. I have been on a competitive swim team since the first grade, and I began playing club water polo in the fourth grade. I am a certified Lifeguard and a Water Safety Instructor (WSI). I have previously worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and I’ve also volunteered my time to coach 10-and-under water polo teams. I hope to pass my passion and love for aquatic sports on to younger kids, while making a positive impact by keeping them safe around the water.
Fun fact: I played water polo at the Junior Olympics!
Heading into my second summer as a swim instructor, I have a strong passion for helping new swimmers feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn. I love creating a positive, supportive space where every student can safely build their skills and truly have fun in the water
Hi, I’m Eliza Potocki, and I’m so excited to be a swim instructor here at The Swim Advantage! I absolutely love helping swimmers build confidence, improve their skills, and have fun in the water. I can’t wait to create a positive, encouraging environment for every student and share my love of the pool with each of you!”
