MEET THE COACHES
Mike Livings
Developing athletes through skills, fun, and knowledge.
Mike has been part of the Brantford Aquatic Club coaching staff since 2009, though his connection to BAC began much earlier as a competitive swimmer in the 1990s. He started his coaching career with the Preps group and, over time, advanced to his current role while also coaching Masters swimmers.
With more than 25 years of coaching experience, Mike has helped guide over 40 provincial qualifiers, 10+ provincial medalists, 15+ TAG Top 50 athletes, and more than 30 club record holders. He is especially proud of having coached an athlete who earned a place on the Canadian Development ID Team.
Mike’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that youth sports help build strong adult leaders. He emphasizes that success looks different for every swimmer and works to develop athletes through skills, fun, and knowledge. His goal is to prepare swimmers for success in the pool while also equipping them with confidence and life skills beyond the sport.
Joni Maerten-Sanders
Inspiring athletes to grow through challenge, teamwork, and community.
Joni brings more than 38 years of coaching experience to the Brantford Aquatic Club. She began her career as a teenager with the Delhi summer swim team and discovered her passion for coaching while working with the Tillsonburg Aquatic Torpedoes in 1987. Since then, she has held leadership roles across several Western Region clubs, including head coach positions with the Piranhas of Woodstock and Wilmot Aquatic Aces, before joining BAC.
Her athletes have competed at the highest levels, representing Canada at the Paralympic Games, Canada Games, and international competitions. She has also served as a Coach of Record at Swim Ontario and Swim Canada development camps.
Joni’s contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including Swim Ontario’s Power of Community Award (2022) and the Friend of Swimming Award (2024). Beyond the pool, she has completed long-distance lake swims to raise funds for causes such as Juvenile Arthritis, cancer research, MS, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Joni is committed to fostering a safe, challenging, and supportive environment where swimmers can reach their full potential.
Meghan McDonnell
Building confidence, strength, and healthy habits in every swimmer.
Meghan’s journey in swimming began at age 10 with the Mississauga Aquatic Club. She progressed from a junior competitive swimmer to a national-level age group and masters athlete, earning recognition as both a club and Ontario record holder while competing across Canada. Her passion for the sport eventually led her to transition into coaching and mentorship.
With a strong background in health, fitness, and Dryland training, Meghan brings valuable expertise to her role on deck. She has worked with swimmers of all ages and skill levels, helping them build strength, confidence, and healthy habits that extend beyond the pool.
Meghan believes swimming promotes lifelong wellness, teaches essential time management skills, and develops the confidence athletes need to succeed in and out of sport. She is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive, and fun environment where swimmers can thrive.
Tina Chisholm
Creating a safe, fun, and positive environment where athletes can grow and excel.
Tina began swimming at age 11 with the Ingersoll Summer Swim Team and went on to compete with the Kingston Blue Marlins in Eastern Ontario. A dedicated distance swimmer, she qualified for both Provincial and Junior National competitions and later swam at the university level with Laurentian University.
After pursuing her first career in dentistry, Tina returned to the pool in 2015 with the Ingersoll Speed Sharks. There, she became a certified coach, working with athletes at all levels—including Para swimmers—and coaching at Regional, Provincial, and National (Eastern Canadian Championships) meets. She also served as the team’s President and Meet Manager, further demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the sport.
Tina joined the Brantford Aquatic Club coaching staff in 2021 as an assistant to Coach Mike with the AGP group, and since 2022 has been Head Coach of the SD group. She has also supported Intro, CD, AG, Senior, and Masters groups during her time with BAC. Tina has completed Level 2 Age Group coaching training and is in the process of finalizing her portfolio and evaluations.
Her philosophy is to deliver a high-quality program in a safe, fun, and positive environment that allows athletes to grow, develop, and excel both personally and competitively.
