Swim Neptune Coaching Staff

Joseph Zemaitis | Head Coach / Owner

Email: [email protected]

Joe Zemaitis started Swim Neptune in 2002. In that time Swim Neptune has grown to one of the largest and most successful swim teams in Arizona. From the Olympian and NCAA National Champion to the beginner we have trained a generation of all levels of swimmers to reach their goals.

Joe swam competitively starting at the age of seven. He swam high school, college NCAA Division III, and currently competes in open water swimming and ice swimming around the world. He is the most prolific American Open Water swimmer in history, with nearly 150 documented marathon swims completed in all 50 States, 6 Continents, and 13 countries. Holds record for World's Longest Lake Swim (muti leg) with a distance of 112K (70 Miles) in 47hrs 32 min

Outside of the pool, Joe loves spending time with wife Megan and daughter Kennedy. Joe is also involved in swimming governance as General Chair of Arizona Swimming, Open Water Chair of Western Zone, Chair of International Ice Swimming USA. Has run at least 20 minutes for each of the last 3,500+ days without anyone chasing him.

Patrick Tolson | Director of Operations

Email: [email protected]

Patrick Tolson, born and raised in the East Valley, has been passionate about swimming since starting recreational leagues at the age five. He swam for ATAC under Brad Herring in the mid 90s and competed for Red Mountain High School. After earning his degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, he taught 1st grade for more than a decade.

Patrick spent summers coaching in the City of Mesa Rec Leagues and coached with the Flagstaff Snow Sharks while attending college. He coached HS in AZ for 14 years. The last 15 years he spent time as the National Team Sprint Coach, a Head Coach and Director of Operations for Rio Swim Club.

Patrick is married and is the proud father of three children who are active in swimming. His dedication to the sport is matched only by his love for family and the joy he finds in helping swimmers reach their potential. Away from the pool, Patrick enjoys playing board games with his family and friends.

Helen Zemaitis | Team Administrator

Email: [email protected]

Married, w/three adult children, and three grandchildren. Lived coast to coast--CA, VA, IL and in Arizona since 1990. Didn't learn to swim until I was 12. That convinced me that my kids would take swim lessons from the time they were babies. Never dreamed that all three would be involved in swimming for the rest of their lives!  Have been a swim instructor, Neptune swim coach and lifeguard. Currently do Swim Neptune Administration.

Joseph Johnson | Head Coach - Moon Valley

Email: [email protected]

Joe began his swimming career at age 6 in the Country Club League for Moon Valley Country Club. Joe swam for the Glendale Guachos and Moon Valley Aquatics and was a 4 year letterman and state finals qualifier for Thunderbird High School. Joe began coaching at the age of 19 for Moon Valley Aquatic Club, eventually rising to the position of Head Coach. Joe then moved to Swim Neptune and has spent over 12 years as Senior / Age Group Coach.  During that time, Joe has coached more than a dozen Arizona State Champions, 2 dozen future NCAA Athletes (including a future NCAA champion) and a future Olympian. Joe spent 11 years as the associate head coach for Thunderbird High School, winning multiple boys & girls region titles and 2 Boys 4A State Runners-up titles. Joe is also the Aquatic Director for Moon Valley Country Club, the head administrator for the Arizona Country Club Swim League and the Design Director and a contributing writer for Swimming World Magazine.

Joe is an accomplished guitarist having played in many bands in the Phoenix Area. Joe is also an avid hiker, having hiked the Grand Canyon 24 times and counting, with a goal of reaching 50 hikes. Joe is married to his lovely wife Brittany and has 2 hellion cats that destroy all of his furniture. 

Justin Richardson | Head Senior Coach - Chandler

Email: [email protected]

Justin Has  been coaching in the valley since 2010. His degree is in Sports Psychology. Bringing energy and passion to the deck everyday is key to helping swimmers perform at their best. Focusing on culture, and building a program that is for every swimmer, and each swimmer feels supported are getting individual attention.

Justin has worked with all ages of swimmers, from 8 & Unders, all the way up through Olympic Trial qualifiers and Junior National Team members. He places a huge emphasis on technique and building a program where it is very individualized and each swimmer is getting what they need, to be successful in their individual events.

He is constantly reading, studying technique, and watching film. Figuring out how to help athletes grow not only as swimmers, but as people as well.

Cullen McIntyre | Head Age Group Coach - Chandler

Email: [email protected]

Cullen is the lead age group coach for the East Valley. He grew up competing in Arizona Swimming until transitioning into coaching. "It's great to be coaching alongside the coaches that mentored me growing up!"  Cullen has been coaching for over 15 years in USA swimming and with Swim Neptune for 12 years now!

Outside the pool he enjoys exploring our National Parks with hiking and camping. I also enjoy spending time on the beach or at the lake kayaking and paddle boarding.

Jeevan Philip | Head Coach - Glendale

Email: [email protected]

Jeevan grew up in WA specializing in 400 IM, 100/200 Butterfly, 100/200 Breaststroke, and Open Water Swimming. Received 12 Varsity Letters in High School for Cross Country, Swimming, and Track&Field. Won 2 National Championship races and a World Championship Bronze Medal for Multisport (Triathlon).

He is a Biomechanical Cycling Engineer by day, Swim Coach by night, focusing on technical correction and development. Former Pro Triathlete. Current Pro Cyclist. Still managing to squeeze in time to train and race at the pro level.

Teri Rose | Head Coach - Kingman

Email: [email protected]

I have been in, and around, the water since birth, growing up in Southern California, my best years having sand as my yard! I began surfing in elementary school and teaching kids how to swim in the ocean by age 12. To the chagrin of my parents, I was always jumping off our boat! I participated in Jr Lifeguard in Laguna Beach and am currently a Red Cross WSI and LGI. I swam (briefly) in Mission Viejo while in middle school, but my love is the ocean! I participated on the ground floor of ocean rescue from personal watercraft.

My hobby outside of the pool is going to another pool! I am a coach and official of USA Swimming, US Masters and AIA. I love traveling and sports of all kinds. Best is when travel and sports merge! I am a huge hockey fan and attend as many NHL, AHL, College and PWHL games as possible.

MOON VALLEY / NORTH VALLEY

Helen Casseday | Age Group Coach - Moon Valley

Email: [email protected]

Swimming has always been a huge part of my life and I have been coaching in Arizona for nearly 20 years and with Swim Neptune for 14 years. I started swimming as and 8 and Under and finished my swimming career as a collegiate swimmer at Skidmore College. Outside of working and coaching I enjoy hiking, skiing, kayaking, reading, canine agility training and of course swimming!

Nancy McCoy | Trident - Moon Valley

Email: [email protected]

Hello my name is Nan McCoy and am excited to coach swimming with Swim Neptune! My goal is to help swimmers of all levels build confidence in the water, develop strong fundamentals, and reach their personal best. I believe in creating a supportive, challenging, and fun environment where athletes can grow both in and out of the pool.

I began swimming competitively at age 8! My parents were very supportive with all of the demands of a swim life and I’m so grateful for them. I swam through high school, college and then Masters Swim. My pool workouts continue to be a part of my daily lifestyle and keeps me sane!

When I’m not consulting with nonprofits, you’ll most likely find me outdoors-hiking mountain trails, exploring new adventures, or enjoying a good book. At home, I’m happily kept on my toes by my two lively Australian Shepherds, whose boundless energy makes every day an adventure in itself.

Kim McFall | Trident/White - Moon Valley

Email: [email protected]

Braxton Bilbrey | Coach - Aviano / Moon Valley

Email: [email protected]

Hello, I am Braxton!  In my free time I am a board member and co-founder of the 501 (c) (3) F.A.S.T. Foundation, more recently known as the Swim Neptune Foundation.  This nonprofit group works to promote/spread awareness surrounding drowning prevention and water safety tactics/techniques associated with avoiding drownings.  I also work part time as a swim coach for Swim Neptune.  I coach swimmers ranging from 4-18 years old at all levels, but my primary focus is coaching competitive swim groups for swimmers from 10-18 years of age. In the remaining time that I have during the week, I work under a Nurse Practitioner. Where we provide individualized care to our patients.

Charli Proto | Coach - Brophy / Moon Valley

Email: [email protected]

I’ve been coaching swimming on and off for 15 years, from private lessons to club and high school teams. With a B.A. in Psychology, a Master’s in Forensic and Clinical Counseling, and over a decade in behavioral health, I love helping swimmers build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for the sport.

I’ve been in the water for as long as I can remember—swimming competitively from age 5 through 18, and continuing to stay connected to the sport through masters teams. Swimming has been a lifelong passion that shaped my discipline, perseverance, and love for coaching today.

Outside the pool, I enjoy practicing yoga, spending time with my two dogs, Piper and Dexter, and making memories with family and friends- especially over good food. I also love working on my clothing and candle company and finding balance between creativity and connection.

CHANDLER / EAST VALLEY

Jens Nielsen | Senior - Chandler

Email: [email protected]

Christine Sugihara | Age Group - Chandler

Email: [email protected]

I grew up in Taiwan speaking four languages and have always loved connecting with people from different backgrounds. My husband, Rick, and I have three wonderful kids—two grown kids. Son who now lives in Chicago and daughter lives in Seattle, and our youngest, Jason, who is a high school senior. Swimming has been a big part of our family life, and I’m excited to share my passion for the sport with our team.

Swimming has been a lifelong journey. I began training at the National Training Center at age 12 and went on to represent my country at the Pan Pacific Championships, World Championships, and the Olympics.

I enjoy expressing my creativity through drawing and painting. I also love spending quiet time reading, which lets me relax and explore new ideas beyond the world of swimming.

Haley Mueller | Age Group - Chandler 

Email: [email protected]

My name is Haley Mueller and I swam for 10 years competitively including one year collegiately at the University of Utah. I graduated from Perry High School in 2024 and I currently attend Arizona State University, working toward a degree in Business Marketing.

In my club and high school career I achieved multiple state championship and runner up titles. I began coaching at Swim Neptune in April of 2025 and recently began my first season coaching for ACP High School.

Off deck I enjoy going to the gym, playing a round of golf, and baking! On the weekends I enjoy spending time with my friends and family!

Kathryn Keller | Age Group - Chandler

Email: [email protected]

Hi, my name is Katie Keller and I’m excited to be returning for my second official season coaching with Neptune. Both of my daughters, Lily and Maddie Swim on the team so Neptune has become a special part of our family life. When I’m not at the pool, I am a teacher at camp of Verde high school I’m passionate about helping young people grow whether it’s in the classroom or in the water and I’m looking forward to another great season with our amazing swimmers

I grew up swimming summer league in Tucson, Arizona with SAAA on eastern Hills team and it’s been a lifelong passion ever since. After taking a break, I recently found my way back into the sport things to my daughters and I couldn’t be more grateful these days. I especially enjoy open water swimming, and love the challenge and piece it brings coaching has been a rewarding way for me to stay connected to the swimming community and I’m excited to share that passion with the next generation of swimmers.

When I’m not in the pool, I stay involved in the same community by officiating that meets in chaperoning for my daughter’s travel competitions both experiences I truly enjoy outside, assuming I love spending weekends boating in wakeboarding at Canyon Lake. when the weather cools down, you’ll often find me out on the trails hiking. Staying active and connected with my family in the same community is a big part of what I love.

Alexandra Farlow  | Coach - Ocotillo Village

Email: [email protected]

Coach Alex Farlow brings over 20 years of coaching experience and has successfully guided swimmers from the developmental level to Junior Nationals. She is passionate about helping each swimmer reach their full potential while finding joy and satisfaction in the sport. At Ocotillo Village, swimming is more than just competition — it’s a way to have fun, build friendships, improve fitness, and achieve success in a safe, supportive environment. Coach Alex is deeply committed to that mission.

Currently, Coach Alex serves as Secretary of the Arizona Swimming Board of Directors, the state governing body under USA Swimming. She has also held leadership roles as Arizona Age Group Chair and Operational Risk Chair. Her coaching credentials include serving as Head Coach of the Arizona Swimming Zone Team, Team Manager for the U.S. National Junior Team Camp, and Assistant Coach for the Western Zone Camp. In recognition of her dedication to the sport, she was voted the 2022 Arizona Swimming Volunteer of the Year.

Outside the pool, Coach Alex is a proud mother of three children who participate in a wide range of sports and activities. She also embraces endurance challenges, having competed in Ironman-distance triathlons, ultra-swimming, and ultra-cycling events. She has completed the F.A.S.T. Foundation’s Alcatraz and Golden Gate swims multiple times — a tradition her 10-year-old son joined this year by completing the swims alongside her.

Taylor Guelich | Coach - Ocotillo Village

Email: [email protected]

My name is Taylor, and I am deeply passionate about helping others achieve their full potential. I began swimming at a very young age, quickly developing a love for the sport. This passion naturally led me to coaching, where I started as a club swim coach and soon expanded my experience by coaching high school swim team.

I discovered my passion for swimming at an early age and have been dedicated to the sport ever since. I competed for Hamilton High School and was also actively involved in club swimming, gaining valuable experience in both team and competitive environments.

I come from a family of three brothers, including my twin brother. I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors, and I enjoy activities like boating and going to the sand dunes

GLENDALE / WEST VALLEY

Zachary Cram | Age Group - Glendale

Email: [email protected]

My name is Zach Cram, I moved to Phoenix two years ago and love helping kids learn to swim. I particularly enjoy working with the Trident groups and seeing swimmers progress from lessons through trident 3 and into the USA teams.

I grew up swimming in Richmond, Virginia. I started with summer league, but transitioned to year round swimming when I was 10. I swam through college at NC State where I was part of a 3 time ACC championship team and top 5 NCAA team.

I work as en engineer at PING and enjoy following all sports, bust especially hockey, football, and golf. I also have started to learn about working on cars and really enjoy solving problems in my garage.

Hanah Angel | Age Group - Glendale

Email: [email protected]

Hi! My name is Hanah, and I’m a USA Certified Swim Coach from California and a collegiate swimmer at Arizona Christian University. I love coaching competitive swimmers to help them push past their limits and achieve their goals. As a coach, I focus on building strong fundamentals, refining technique, and creating a motivating team culture where swimmers feel supported, challenged, and inspired to give their best every day.

I love exploring the outdoors and being surrounded by nature, especially the beautiful landscapes of California. In my free time, you can often find me hiking scenic trails, diving into a captivating mystery novel, or enjoying quality time with my friends and family.

Lily Cozens | Coach - Glendale

Email: [email protected]

My name is Lily Cozens. I am a college athlete for Arizona Christian University going into my senior year. I am one of the assistant coaches with Neptune.

I have been swimming competitively since middle school, and spent a few years swimming for Scottsdale Aquatics Club. I am currently entering my senior year of swimming for Arizona Christian University. I have been a swim instructor and coach for 6 years and I am super excited to be coaching for Neptune now!

Outside of the pool I love visiting with friends and family. I enjoy being outdoors, camping, hiking, and taking road trips. I also spend a lot of time thrifting, antiquing, and trying new coffee shops.

Paige Whialder | Coach - Arrowhead Country Club

Email: 

Hi there! I’m Paige Whialder and I’m so excited to work with swimmers of all ages grow in their love of swimming!

I swam for my varsity high school swim team for all 4 years of high school while also participating in club swimming. I then had an opportunity to swim for a D3 college in New York State. I have been coaching competitively since 2014 and have been teaching students the basics of skills since I was a teenager.

Abbey Lair | Trident - Glendale

Email: [email protected]

Hi I’m Abbey Lair! I ‘m a current graduate student at Arizona Christian University studying secondary education and leadership.

Swimming for 15 years, I am entering my final year of competition at Arizona Christian University. This year, I had the chance to compete at NAIA Nationals in Elkhart, Indiana, where my relay team placed seventh overall, earning us All-American honors. Beyond competing, I’ve also coached the North State Narwhals in California for two years and Swim Neptune for one year.

Outside of the water I enjoy staying active by backpacking, hiking, and traveling to new places, always making it a point to find a new waterfall. I also love spending my time fishing and landscaping. I get to combine my passions for staying active and helping others as an athletic trainer and also enjoy expressing my creative side through art.

Mark Conte | Dive Neptune - Glendale

Email: [email protected]

Traci Hering | Coach - DC Ranch Village

Email: [email protected]

Holden Linke | Coach - Florence

Email: [email protected]

Hello my name is Holden and I am a swim coach from Coolidge Arizona. I was an assistant coach for 3 years and I've been head coach for 3 years.

I started swimming when I was 11 years old and I just fell in love with it. I really excelled my senior year when I made it to state.

I also like to do woodworking I graduated from Southwest School of woodworking. I like to play board games and video games with friends and I love to read books.