In her professional life, Sammi is a Manager of Operations and Senior Accountant. Sammi will be bringing her organizational skills to Trident  in a supporting administrative role, hoping to contribute behind the scenes to smooth operations. Sammi is also USA Swimming National Level 2 official (Stroke and Turn, Starter) with NCAA and NFHS certifications, currently pursuing Deck Referee status. Her experience includes event organization, meet management, learn-to-swim programs, and parent coordination. At Trident Aquatics, she is committed to supporting the team while spreading the love of swimming in our community. She aims to use her professional skills, officiating experience, and passion for the sport to inspire others and contribute to the growth of the swimming family.

Recommended for age range of 1 + & Special Needs Individuals 

Areas of Experience: Special Needs Children & Adults / Baby lessons / Intro & Development of Basic Strokes / Pool confidence and comfort



Elise Johnson  has been swimming competitively for 10 years and is from upstate New York currently studying at Wagner College. Elise is part of the division 1 swimming and diving team here at Wagner College and has loved the water since childhood. She is an experienced swim instructor working with all age groups and groups with special needs. Elise is excited to be joining the Trident Team and is looking forward to help aid all kinds of swimmers.

Private Lessons with Instructors Yasmin Zayed and Elise Johnson are open only to swimmers with special needs and/or disabilities, and babies 18 months or younger to ensure availability for those in need of accommodations.

Recommended for age range of 1 + & Special Needs Individuals 

Areas of Experience: Special Needs Children & Adults / Baby lessons / Intro & Development of Basic Strokes / Pool confidence and comfort

Yasmin Zayed is Swim Whisperers® Program, with expertise in special needs, adult, and baby lessons. With four years of experience, Yasmin actively addresses student sensory and motor challenges through visual and communicative methods. Her methods apply to all ages, abilities, and needs with a focus on personal growth and development, and a heavy emphasis on comfort and safety in the water. Overall, she fosters an inclusive setting for individual and group swimmers.

Private Lessons with Instructors Yasmin Zayed and Elise Johnson are open only to swimmers with special needs and/or disabilities, and babies 18 months or younger to ensure availability for those in need of accommodations.

Recommended for age range of 2+

 Areas of Experience: Starfish & Nemo Swimmers / Intro & Development of Basic Strokes / Pool confidence and comfort

 Yasmin Ladraa is a very passionate swim coach with experience in coaching swimmers from beginners to semi-advanced. Yasmin also coaches our Special Needs Exploratory swim team. With a strong background in competitive swimming, Yasmin has helped athletes improve their technique, endurance, and speed in the water. Yasmin is dedicated to creating a fun and safe environment for swimmers to learn and grow, and am committed

Recommended for age range of 2+

Areas of Experience: Starfish & Nemo Swimmers / Intro to Basic Strokes / Pool confidence and comfort

Rebecca is a highly passionate swim coach with just over a year of experience guiding swimmers from novice to semi-advanced levels. With a solid foundation in competitive swimming, Rebecca has successfully aided athletes in enhancing their technique, endurance, and speed in the water. Committed to fostering an enjoyable and secure atmosphere for swimmers to develop, Rebecca is devoted to assisting each individual in reaching their maximum potential.

Recommended for age range of 6+

Areas of Experience: Dolphin & Sharks Swimmers / Refining stroke technique / Starts & Turns

This will be Emily’s second year coaching at Trident Aquatic Club. Emily has been a dedicated swim instructor for 3 years and in the last two years, she’s moved on to coaching competitive novice group. Emily loves working with children of all ages and helping them master new skills while learning how to be safe in the water. Emily finds it super important for children to learn the basics of swimming and she loves seeing their skills progress beyond that. Guiding beginners through their first strokes and helping swimmers refine their techniques has been a rewarding experience. She loves to focus on technique and proper mechanics of each stroke. She looks forward to helping swimmers improve in the sport and reach their goals.

Recommended for age range of 6+

Areas of Experience: Dolphin & Sharks Swimmers / Refining stroke technique / Starts & Turns

Ruben is a competitive swimmer and captain of the Wagner College Swim team. He has been swimming since he was a kid and has been national podium in his home country, Spain, and champion on his D1 conference in the 500 and 1650 free. He will transmit his expertise to the swimmers, helping them with their stroke technique and endurance.

Recommended for age range of 8+

Areas of Experience: Dolphin & Sharks Swimmers / Refining stroke technique / Starts & Turns

Simona Elsayed is an experienced swimming coach with four years of experience training swimmers with Trident Aquatics. She has also spent five years instructing swim lessons to people ranging in age from four to forty, making her a versatile and skilled instructor. With her expertise, Simona is sure to help swimmers of all levels improve their skills and reach their goals.

Recommended for age range of 8+

Areas of Experience: Dolphin & Sharks Swimmers / Refining stroke technique / Starts & Turns

Manuel is a competitive swimmer of the Wagner College Swim team. He has been swimming since he was a kid and has been national podium in his home country, Mexico, multiple times. Manuel got 2nd place in the 200 fly, and 1st place in the 4x200 free relay at the D1 conference. He will transmit his expertise to the swimmers, helping them with their stroke technique and endurance.

Recommended for age range of 6+

Areas of Experience: Dolphin & Sharks Swimmers / Refining stroke technique / Starts & Turns

William Kwan has been swimming since he was 6 years old and he has made multiple sectionals cuts. He swims for the CSI swim team and holds multiple school records for relays and pool records in the 200 breast and 400 IM. He also was awarded rookie of the year. In high school he was named captain his senior year and placed top 3 in both his events while breaking a school record in the 200 medley relay in City Championships. He taught the “learn to swim” program for 2 years and was an assistant coach for 1 year teaching all levels of swimmers. He is excited to bring his experience honing his swimmers techniques this year.

Recommended for age range of 6+

Areas of Experience: Dolphin & Sharks Swimmers / Refining stroke technique 

Deniz has been swimming and volunteering with Trident Aquatic Club for several years, as a successful swimmer himself he focuses on stroke technique and endurance. Deniz works with independent swimmers in reaching their goals of fitness and/or our Trident swim team.

Recommended for age range of 6+

Areas of Experience: Dolphin & Sharks Swimmers / Refining stroke technique / Starts & Turns

James Curran is a highly distinguished swimmer who will be joining us this year as a coach. He has been swimming for 7 years and will be joining College of Staten Island‘s swim team in the fall. He has been a swim instructor for 3 years and excels in teaching techniques and helping swimmers with stamina. He was the captain of St. Peter’s Boys swim team where he led the team to winning championship and placing at city championship.