Our Coaches

Jason swam competitively for over 16 years up to nationally for Pointe-Claire Swim Club, then for McGill and now competes in triathlons recreationally. His coaching is driven by his passion for helping others succeed in a meaningful way. It started during the summers in Montreal’s West Island in his teens and began again at the end of his undergrad. Upon graduating, he decided to pursue coaching full-time as a career. Since then, Jason has amassed over a decade of experience coaching adults at all levels, from brand-new swimmers to Olympic swimmers, both on the pool deck and in the gym. He has been the head swim coach at the McGill Masters club, the McGill Triathlon club, and his club (JBFS) on top of coaching varsity for eight years between McGill and uOttawa. He is senior coach certified (level 3) and received the chartered designation in 2019. Jason moved to Ottawa that same year to pursue a master’s degree in Human Kinetics with a concentration in Intervention and Consultation from uOttawa. Upon completion, he worked as a Mental Performance Consultant with various Team Canada teams supporting them in their Olympic pursuits. He stepped away from sport to pursue a start-up opportunity in the sport and tech spaces. While doing this, he is happy to continue his passion for coaching with the Rideau Speedeaus.

Maria-Lynne feels fortunate to have been involved in a myriad of aquatic activities and experiences. A former swim instructor and lifeguard, she has also coached artistic swimming, and is an NCCP level one swim coach. Her favourite stroke is the front crawl, as she is very keen on the flutter kick. She also really enjoys and appreciates all the different components of the stroke, and the methods in which the various constituents merge together for a seamless and fluid experience. In her estimation, swimming truly is poetry in motion.

Tarek swam competitively up to the international level starting with the Saint John Swim Club, then University of Toronto, Ottawa GO Kingfish and finishing with Carleton University. He held numerous NB age group records and medalled at National Championships. He taught swimming lessons as a teenager and after university coached the Carleton varsity team off and on for 13 years. He is a level 2 certified swim coach. Tarek worked for the federal government in information management at Statistics Canada, NRC and IDRC. He joined the Rideau Speedeaus 10 years ago to get back in a regular swimming routine and coaches on an "as needed" basis for the club. He enjoys helping people improve their technique, fitness and competitive skills.

My favorite stroke is breaststroke and distance 200. I like swim meets, because I learn from it: how to push myself harder and have fun with it no matter what. But I also like practices because I get to see my friends! With classes swimming is my main social time and I love it!

Dylan grew up swimming and completed all of the Aqua Quest, life saving, and instructing courses offered by the City of Brampton. He was introduced to competitive swimming through a pre-competitive program called Olympic Way offered at McMurchy and Balmoral pools. Dylan re-ignited his passion for swimming by joining the team at Mayfield Secondary School, followed by joining the provincial-level squad of the Cobra Swim Club where he additionally taught a pre-competitive program. After another ten year hiatus, Dylan joined the Rideau Speedeaus as a training athlete and coach of the Learn to Swim program. Dylan's favourite stroke is breaststroke, and he likes to focus on stroke technique during his practice.

Emily is passionate about helping swimmers thrive! A former provincial swimmer, swim coach, and mental performance consultant for swimming and artistic swimming, she brings a well-rounded, energetic approach to the pool. Say hi to her on the deck, she is always happy to chat and cheer you on!

Elisabeth grew up in Nova Scotia, where she first discovered her love for the water in summer swimming at the age of six. She soon transitioned into year-round training with the Halifax Trojan Aquatic Club, continuing to build her passion for the sport. With three years of coaching experience between the Waeg Waves and the Halifax Trojans, she has also supported Swim Nova Scotia as an assistant coach. Elisabeth loves working with swimmers of all ages and takes pride in helping them build confidence and strong technique in the pool. Elisabeth is currently a student at the University of Ottawa and is super excited to be back on deck!