Meet the JCC Aquatics Staff

Andy Wade, Director of Aquatics

Interests: Swimming, skateboarding, snowboarding, mountain biking, anything outdoors, drawing and painting, Hip Hop music
Strengths: Extensive knowledge of swimming, particularly competitive training and preparedness. Dedication, commitment, customer service
Certifications: Certified Pool Operator (CPO), lifeguard and first aid, CPR, Certified Fairfield County Swim League Coach (FCSL), Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
(Dickinson College ‘11)

Mikhail Iogman, Head Swim Instructor  

Interests: Year-round kayaking, camping tour guide, yoga, cross-country skiing
Strengths: Mikhail has taught swimming for 18 years to more than 3,500 swimmers, children and adults. He is goal-oriented, results driven, and uses his knowledge of psychology to encourage pride and self-trust in new and/or developing swimmers.

Sharon Colucci, Swim Instructor 

Interests: Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, who share her passion for swimming.
Strengths: Sharon has been involved in aquatics for over 50 years, 20 of which have been spent at our JCC. She offers a gentle, fun and educational environment to teach swimmers of all abilities and comfort levels.

Gabi Field, Swim Instructor

Interests: Running, swimming, spending time with her kids
Strengths: As a mother and long-time JCC member who has taken advantage of our aquatics programs, she believes in building strong ties between babies/children and the water. By sharing the benefits of an early introduction to swimming, Gabi is able to help children foster a love for swimming from an early age.

Harry Khachatryan, Swim Instructor  

Interests: Dancing (Hip Hop), yoga, soccer
Strengths: Harry’s “big kid” personality is reflected in his teaching methods, and the great affinity his swimmers develop for him during their time together is apparent. He understands that a child having fun learns at a more rapid rate, and Harry loves finding the balance to make learning both fun and productive.

Alex Tkachuk, Swim Instructor

Interests: Triathlons, healthy living (both physically and mentally)
Strengths: Alex prides himself on his ability to tailor lessons to individual personalities and ability levels, in an effort to ensure results in a timely manner. His personal interests transfer to his teaching methods by focusing on physical endurance inside and outside of the water.
Certifications: Alex is an AAAI/ISMA, AFFA certified personal trainer and ASCA and USA Swimming coach. He also has his certification as a TRX and BODYPUMP instructor and is a JCC group fitness instructor.