Jolanta Tulikowska-Sobinek

Allow us to introduce one of our Managers, a dynamic and creative individual brimming with innovative ideas.

Jolanta boasts a diverse educational background, having earned a Master's degree from the Academy of Physical Education in Wroclaw. She is also a graduate of the State Higher Vocational School in Racibórz and the Medical School in Rybnik.

As the Founder and co-owner of the esteemed iSwim Academy swimming school, Jolanta holds multiple roles, including instructorship in swimming, infant swimming, corrective gymnastics, nordic walking, and wellness. Yet, above all, she takes immense pride in her role as a happy mum to two incredible boys.

In her capacity as Commander-in-Chief, Jolanta is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, including the meticulous organization of appointments, even within tight timeframes. She ensures that all scheduling and appointments run smoothly and seamlessly.

Beyond her managerial duties, Jolanta possesses a remarkable gift for patience, making her an exceptional instructor. She not only explains concepts meticulously but also inspires and motivates children to engage in daring physical activities within the swimming pool. Her infectious passion for swimming transforms even the youngest learners into confident aquatic enthusiasts.

Jolanta's diverse skill set extends to conducting a variety of activities, including lessons for infants to help them acclimate to water, swimming lessons for children aged 2-4 and 5+, adolescents, and adults.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Jolanta treasures quality time with her family. She has a profound passion for books, personal development, and travel. She possesses a creative outlook on life and delights in exploring the world from various angles and perspectives. What she enjoys most, however, is engaging in simple conversations about life itself.

Tobiasz Sobinek

Meet our Swim Manager, father to two wonderful boys. With an unwavering go-getter attitude, he approaches life with a perpetual smile and an unyielding optimism. His work with children not only brings him immense satisfaction but also infuses him with boundless energy for his responsibilities.

In addition to his sunny disposition, he possesses a remarkably calm demeanor and the patience of a saint, making him a remarkable educator and mentor.

While holding qualifications as a physical education teacher, he has chosen to specialize as a second-class swim instructor, swimming instructor, water rescuer, and wellness instructor. As a co-founder of the iSwim Academy School, he passionately dedicates himself to enhancing swimming techniques for individuals of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults.

His core belief is that it's never too late to embark on the journey of learning how to swim. According to him, the recipe for success consists of a dash of enthusiasm, unwavering consistency, and a passionate instructor to guide the way.

Among his many passions, ju-jitsu holds a special place, reflecting his diverse interests and commitment to personal growth.

Michał Wojtas

Our Assistant Manager brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Holding a Master's degree in Physical Education and Health from Lodz University, he has honed his skills over the years in various roles, including as a Physical Education teacher, swimming instructor, aqua fitness instructor, personal trainer, lifeguard, and leisure time animator.

With a perpetually cheerful demeanor and an ever-present smile, he radiates positivity in all aspects of life and interactions with people. His standout qualities include extraordinary patience, unwavering diligence, impeccable conscientiousness, and a punctual approach to his work. He has a special affinity for working with people, particularly children, and firmly believes that everyone, even those with a fear of water, can learn to swim.

His role brings him immense joy and satisfaction, particularly when he witnesses his students achieve milestones and make significant progress in their swimming techniques. He imparts his knowledge and refines swimming skills for individuals of all ages, from children to adolescents and adults.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he is an enthusiast of power sports and mountain tourism, further exemplifying his passion for physical fitness and adventure.

Alejandro Lopez Garcia

Alejandro's aquatic journey commenced at the tender age of 4, instilling in him a deep-seated passion for discipline and dedication that has endured through the years. His dedication propelled him to national-level swimming competitions in Mexico. Subsequently, he transitioned to Triathlon, becoming his primary sport for the last remarkable 22 years. Alejandro had the privilege of representing Mexico in international world championships on multiple occasions.

With a coaching degree from the International Triathlon Union and an Irish swim teacher qualification, Alejandro possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in both swimming and triathlon. His love for sports knows no bounds, as he boasts experience in teaching swimming, triathlon, cycling, fitness, and football, and a readiness to embrace new sports challenges.

As an educator, Alejandro finds boundless joy in working with children, who radiate inexhaustible energy and happiness. He derives immense satisfaction from witnessing his students' progress and skill development. Alejandro's teaching is characterized by his unparalleled patience, unwavering positive attitude, and unmatched determination. He firmly believes in the adage "sharing is caring" and is always eager to pass on his wealth of experience and knowledge to his students, fostering their growth and success in the world of sports.

Barbara Ruiz Velasquez

Barbara is an accomplished swimming instructor and diving specialist. Her lifelong passion for water began at an early age, leading her to pursue extensive experience as a swim coach and teacher across various age groups and skill levels. With a background that includes competing in national championships and recent exploration of cenotes in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico, Barbara brings a wealth of knowledge to her instruction.

Certified by the Mexican Swimming Federation as a skilled swimming teacher, Barbara offers personalized lessons tailored to individuals of all ages and abilities. Her adaptable teaching style is designed to meet the unique needs of each student, whether they are beginners or advanced swimmers. Safety, effective communication, and engaging lesson plans are her priorities, aimed at building self-confidence and proficiency in the water.

Embark on a journey with Barbara to discover the joys of swimming. Together, you will work towards achieving personal goals, mastering strong techniques, and fostering a lasting love for water sports.

Ciaran Magee

The supervisor’s bio is coming soon – stay tuned!

Dorin Ciorici

Dorin embarked on his aquatic journey at the tender age of 6. With a seasoned swimming teacher as his grandfather, boasting over 30 years of experience, Dorin's roots in the world of swimming run deep. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of students, both young and old, honing his teaching skills.

Dorin firmly believes that fundamental swimming skills are indispensable for everyone, and he considers himself fortunate to have found his passion in swimming, allowing him to pursue a fulfilling career in the field.

His primary objective is to instill confidence and motivation in his swimmers. Dorin is dedicated to providing constructive feedback and maintaining a positive atmosphere while instilling discipline in the pool.

His guiding mantra is simple yet profound: "Swimming is exceptionally beneficial for children, as it complements their boundless energy and innate happiness."

Dorin's unwavering commitment to personal growth ensures that he is continually striving to be the best version of himself. With each lesson, he shares the wealth of his experience to offer swimmers the finest and most enjoyable learning journey possible.

Jose Manuel Lopez Garcia

Manuel's journey with swimming began at a young age, and his passion for it has remained unwavering ever since. He fondly recalls the invaluable encouragement he received from his own swimming instructors, who instilled in him the confidence to navigate the water. Today, he pays this forward by imparting the same confidence to his students.

With qualifications as an Irish swimming instructor and a lifeguard certified by the Royal Lifesaving Society of the UK, Manuel has established a solid foundation in aquatic education. His sporting prowess extends beyond swimming, encompassing diverse disciplines such as triathlon, football, and basketball, all of which he has actively engaged in since his youth.

In his role as a swimming teacher, Manuel thrives when working with children of all ages. His remarkable patience and unwavering positive attitude are the cornerstones of his teaching philosophy. Manuel firmly believes that anyone can excel at swimming with dedication and confidence, and he recognizes the pivotal role a strong foundation plays in a swimmer's future success.

In his lessons, Manuel's primary focus is to ensure that children not only learn essential swimming skills but also have a blast while doing so. He understands that fostering a fun and engaging environment is key to helping young learners develop their aquatic abilities.

Carlos Antonio Solorio Ducoing

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Chanel Johnston

For Chanel, swimming isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. Growing up in a family of swimmers, the pool was her second home. With over 16 years of competitive experience representing her country on the global stage, Chanel brings a wealth of skill, dedication, and passion to every lesson she teaches.

But Chanel’s love for swimming goes far beyond competition. A natural mentor and teacher, she thrives on helping others grow, gain confidence, and reach their full potential — both in the water and in life. Her positive energy is contagious, and she’s known for creating an uplifting, motivating environment where children feel supported, seen, and inspired to succeed.

Chanel has experienced the sport from every angle — as an elite athlete, a coach, and even as the co-founder of a swim school in South Africa, which she started with her mom. That journey deepened her understanding of leadership, community, and the joy of passing on her knowledge to the next generation.

Whether your child is just getting started or dreaming of racing one day, Chanel brings the perfect mix of professional expertise, enthusiasm, and heart to help them along their journey.

Dener Eduardo Lins Cruz

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Donghwi Seo

With a childhood spent near the beach in a bustling port city, his affinity for swimming was cultivated from an early age. While pursuing studies in Marine Police at university and gaining practical experience as a trainee navigator, his path took a pivotal turn when he began assisting as an instructor at a children's swimming pool. This experience ignited his passion for teaching, prompting him to acquire both a sailor's license and a swimming instructor's certification.

His journey has been enriched by a diverse array of experiences, including serving as a beach lifeguard on weekends and imparting essential swimming techniques and survival skills to elementary school students on weekdays. Furthermore, boasting a 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, He has dedicated myself to volunteering as a Taekwondo instructor for students ranging from elementary to high school levels, both domestically and internationally.

Currently, he's privileged to serve as a swimming instructor at iSwim Academy. His commitment extends beyond imparting swimming proficiency; He is dedicated to nurturing happiness and fulfilment in children through the transformative power of swimming.

Errian Lynne Yap

Errian is a dedicated swimming coach with a lifelong passion for the water and a genuine love for working with children. Originally from the Philippines, she is a proud mother of one and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology, as well as a degree in Teacher Education.

Her journey with swimming began in childhood, spending summers at her grandparents’ home just steps from the beach. Coming from a family of athletes—including several national swimming champions—Errian grew up surrounded by the sport. In 2014, she and her sister, a Physical Education teacher, co-founded LearnToSwim Inc., a club designed to help children discover both the joy and importance of swimming. As an assistant coach, she has spent years nurturing young swimmers with patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

Cheerful and creative by nature, Errian also enjoys dancing, singing, and cooking—but swimming remains her greatest passion. She strongly believes that swimming is not only fun, but also a vital life skill that helps children stay safe, build confidence, and develop lifelong health benefits such as strength, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness.

Parents can trust that under Errian’s guidance, their children will not only learn how to swim but will also gain skills, confidence, and a love for the water that will last a lifetime.

Fernanda Moraes Oliveira

With a dynamic and enthusiastic personality, Fernanda's passion for water sports runs deep. While she can’t quite recall whether she learned to walk or swim first, one thing is certain: swimming is her true passion. Fernanda excels in working with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. She is skilled at effective communication, building strong relationships, and understanding each student's unique needs with care and professionalism.

Her mission is to inspire others to experience the joy of being in the water. After a successful career in advertising and technology, Fernanda made a bold transition into teaching swimming, eager to share her love for what she considers "one of the most rewarding experiences in life."

Fernanda is a certified swimming instructor in Europe, an RLSS National Pool Lifeguard, and a fitness instructor. In her classes, she emphasizes safety, fosters enthusiasm, and builds confidence in her students, ensuring they not only develop essential swimming skills but also enjoy the experience, embrace the water, and have fun.

Affectionately known as Nanda by her friends, Fernanda is also an avid sports enthusiast, constantly seeking new challenges. When she's not in the pool, she enjoys activities like surfing, football, skateboarding, callisthenics, jiu-jitsu, and rugby.

Fernando Muñoz

Meet our enthusiastic and vibrant instructor, hailing all the way from Madrid! With a natural affinity for working with people and a positive outlook on life, he is dedicated to creating engaging and fulfilling experiences for all.

Having been immersed in swimming academies since childhood, he developed a passion for sports early on. At the age of 18, he obtained a Sports Graduation Degree in Spain, marking the beginning of an exciting journey filled with travel, learning, and cultural exchange.

His diverse background includes working as a hotel entertainer and sports coordinator in Madrid, Andalucia, and the Canary Islands. Through these experiences, he honed his skills in fostering teamwork and ensuring memorable experiences for all.

Following the pandemic, he embarked on a new chapter in Dublin, eager to continue his journey as a swimming teacher in an international setting. With a blend of professionalism, expertise, and a warm personality, he looks forward to sharing his passion for swimming and fostering growth in students of all ages and backgrounds.

Francisco Rivera

Francisco Rivera, originally from Chile, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the iSwim Academy team. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Universidad Católica del Maule and is a certified Physical Education teacher, with specializations in sports training, health promotion, and aquatic coaching (certified by the Chilean Olympic Committee).

Francisco has taught swimming for over 10 years, working with children aged 3 to 18 in schools and sports clubs. He has also competed in open water swimming and triathlons, and offers lessons in open water for both youth and adults.

With his calm, motivating approach and strong international background, Francisco helps swimmers build confidence, skills, and a lifelong love for the water.

James Ackerman

James is a dedicated and highly skilled swimming instructor with a strong background in Dublin’s swimming community. Having competed in both pool and open-water swimming from a young age, James has spent much of his life in and around the water. His passion for the sport naturally led him to teach, where he finds great joy in helping others develop confidence and essential swimming skills.

As a qualified lifeguard, aqua aerobics teacher, and STA-certified swimming instructor, James has honed his expertise through years of experience, including working alongside former Olympic swimmers. His teaching approach focuses on creating a positive and engaging learning environment, tailored to each swimmer’s needs.

James is committed to helping children of all ages develop strong swimming techniques, water safety awareness, and a love for the water. Whether working with beginners or refining advanced skills, he takes pride in seeing his students grow and progress.

With experience competing for Tallaght Swim Team and the Dublin Lifesaving Team, James has participated in competitions across Ireland, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge to his instruction. His goal is to inspire and support every student, ensuring they build both confidence and ability in the water.

Jonan Ernesto

Since the age of 16, swimming has been more than just a sport for Jonan — it’s a true passion. Being in the water gives him a unique sense of focus and purpose, which is reflected in every lesson he teaches.

Jonan sees his role as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, helping students grow both in confidence and ability. He creates a safe, welcoming, and motivating environment where swimmers of all ages can feel supported as they develop their skills — and most importantly, their love for the water.

With his calm approach, positive energy, and deep dedication, Jonan brings both professionalism and heart to every session, making learning to swim a fun and empowering experience.

Juan Diego de Mota Sanchez

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Martina Eastman

Martina is a dedicated competitive swimmer who began her swimming journey at the age of three. With a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a deep understanding of the transformative benefits of swimming, Martina views the sport not only as a skill but as a lifelong asset. It instils confidence, promotes physical well-being, and fosters a profound sense of accomplishment.

Her passion for swimming is evident in her teaching approach, where she is committed to sharing her expertise and helping students unlock the many advantages the sport offers. Martina takes great satisfaction in guiding others on their journeys, supporting them through their challenges, and celebrating their progress in the water.

Each lesson is an opportunity to make a positive impact on her students' lives. Martina finds immense fulfilment in seeing her students' growth and joy, knowing that she has contributed to enriching their lives through the power of swimming.

Matheus Palmeira

Matheus is originally from Brazil and has been working as a teacher for over six years. He holds a degree in Physical Education and is certified in First Aid, always placing a strong emphasis on safety and well-being in every session.

With a true passion for working with children, Matheus believes that learning should be fun, active, and engaging. He teaches through games and playful activities, ensuring that each lesson is enjoyable while still focused on skill development and quality instruction.

Throughout his career, Matheus has taught a variety of children’s activities, including swimming, gymnastics, football, and physical training for young learners. His goal is to create a positive and supportive environment where children feel safe, motivated, and excited to participate.

Parents appreciate Matheus’s energy, creativity, and dedication to helping every child grow in confidence and ability — all while having a great time.

Piotr Data

Meet Piotr – Compassionate Swim Instructor with a Personal Touch.

With a Master’s degree in History from the University of Pedagogy in Kraków, Poland, and a deep dedication to child development, Piotr brings both heart and expertise to every swimming lesson. As a proud father of four — including a child with special needs — Piotr’s experience as a parent and carer shines through in his patient, encouraging, and understanding approach.

A fully qualified swim teacher (STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming) and certified Special Needs Assistant (QQI Level 5 & 6), Piotr creates a safe and welcoming space where children of all abilities can learn, grow, and thrive. Having once overcome a childhood fear of water himself, he brings unique empathy to his teaching, helping nervous swimmers gain confidence at their own pace.

With a lifelong love of swimming and regular experience in open water, Piotr blends technical skill with genuine care. His goal is simple: to make every child feel seen, supported, and empowered — both in the pool and beyond.

Whether your child is just starting out or needs extra support, Piotr’s inclusive and compassionate teaching style makes him a trusted guide on their swimming journey.

Rafael Pena Calzado 

Swimming has always been an essential part of Rafael’s life, shaping his discipline, consistency, and dedication. After completing his studies, he chose to specialise in the sport he is truly passionate about. Throughout his career, he has worked with babies, children, adults, individuals with diverse needs, and competitive swimmers, which has allowed him to develop a versatile, student-centred approach.

Rafael is committed to guiding every learner in building confidence, feeling safe, and enjoying their time in the water. With his calm attitude, professional expertise, and ability to tailor lessons to each swimmer’s needs, he creates an encouraging environment where every student can progress at their own pace and reach their full potential.

Stuart Royle

Raised in Malawi, located in central Africa, Stuart has always been actively engaged in a wide array of sports. The hot climate of his upbringing made swimming an integral part of his life, especially since his mother was a swim coach. Stuart swam competitively up to the age group level before redirecting his focus towards rugby.

In 2009, Stuart commenced his journey as a sports instructor, including teaching swimming, at the International School in Lusaka, Zambia. In 2012, he relocated to Galway, Ireland, and continued to nurture his passion for swimming by providing both group and private lessons with Swim Buddies. Concurrently, he served as an Assistant Head Coach at the Galway Swim Club. During this period, Stuart successfully pursued and completed his B.S.C in Exercise and Fitness in 2017 through the University of Limerick.

With nearly 15 years of coaching and teaching experience in diverse environments, Stuart firmly believes that swimming is an indispensable life skill. His foremost passion lies in equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to be safe in the water. Stuart is dedicated to imparting this essential skill to learners of all ages, ensuring they have the competence and confidence to navigate aquatic environments.

Tadeusz Łozinski

Tadeusz is a passionate and experienced swimming instructor with a Master’s degree from the Academy of Physical Education in Kraków. His deep love for water sports led him to become a certified lifeguard and a qualified diving enthusiast, adding valuable expertise to his coaching approach.

With years of experience teaching both children and adults across all age groups, Tadeusz is known for finding the right approach for each individual swimmer. He believes that understanding each student’s needs is key to achieving strong, lasting results in the pool.

Drawing from his own background as a dedicated swimmer, Tadeusz brings a wealth of personal experience into his lessons. His teaching is grounded in patience, consistency, and a genuine commitment to helping every swimmer gain confidence and improve their skills.

Parents value Tadeusz’s calm, professional attitude and his ability to create a positive, safe, and motivating learning environment for all swimmers — whether they’re just starting out or working toward advanced techniques.

Tadeusz Urbaniak

Graduating with a master's degree in Academy Physical Education, Tadeusz is a versatile professional. He holds roles as a Physical Education teacher, Corrective Gymnastics instructor, Swimming Instructor, Ski Instructor, and Personal Trainer.

However, Tadeusz finds his greatest fulfillment in teaching children how to swim. He believes that there's nothing more rewarding than witnessing a child's smile when they conquer a challenging task and overcome their weaknesses.

Tadeusz is known for his boundless energy, unwavering positivity, and a perpetual smile on his face. His primary focus lies in ensuring the satisfaction, progress, and overall contentment of his students.

Tetiana Magai

Swimming holds a central place in Tetiana's life, and her passion for it shines through her teaching.

She has a genuine affection for children and effortlessly establishes rapport with them. When faced with water-related fears, Tetiana employs playful methods to help conquer them. Her approach ensures both you and your child will enjoy learning to swim.

Tetiana firmly believes that swimming not only enhances mood and boosts immunity but also ranks among the best sports. She understands that success in sports, as in life, requires dedicated effort, and encourages taking gradual steps towards your goals while maintaining unwavering self-belief. She emphasizes that sports, whether it's running, swimming, yoga, or morning exercises, endow us with increased strength, endurance, and improved health. Tetiana firmly asserts that with strong motivation, anyone can attain their desired fitness objectives.

Valentina Rossi

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Zemfira Geran

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