I have been coaching swimming for more than 36 years, at the summer league, high school, adult masters, and club levels. I started CAA (formerly LCA) in 2000 with just five swimmers. I don't want to bore you with all of the great stuff that my swimmers have achieved. That is important to them, and theirs to share. So, let's skip that and let me share with you how I coach. I coach every swimmer on our team. I coach swimmers at every level, with every ability, and with every desire. I don't coach for the awards to put on my shelf, but rather, for every athlete to be the best version of themselves. The process is long, there are no shortcuts, and I believe that #workworks. See you on the pool deck!

My name is Charissa and I have spent the last ten years falling in love with all things swim. My path to coaching was a long and winding one: a swim parent and volunteer, a summer league board member, a step into USA swim as an official, and an apprenticeship with Steve that offered me an opportunity of a lifetime to bring my love of swimming to our swimmers here at CAA. This path has allowed me to see all parts of the swim experience and that knowledge has shaped my personal coaching philosophy of “one size fits one”. I am passionate about collaborating with swimmers on an individual level, meeting them where they are, and finding creative ways to support their goals and help build their life long love of our sport. It’s an honor to spend time doing the work I love leading our swimmers through challenges and growth, development and disappointment, big goals and big wins.