Stephanie Higgins, Aquatics Director
Year started at WC:
2017
Philosophy:
Committed to providing an amazing aquatic experience across all ages and interest in our pools from our babies and children learning to swim, to our competitive swim team as well our members enjoying lap swimming, aquatic exercise, rehabilitation, and families looking for aquatic fun!
Education/Experience:
B.S. Fashion Marketing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Certifications:
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, USA Swimming Coach, American Swim Coaches Association Level 1, Certified Pool Operator.
Fun fact:
Stephanie is an avid lover of all things water, a passion that was born through summers sailing the South Shore waters. Her favorite quote is “You cant control the wind, but you can adjust the sails.”
Eugune Karabanov: Assistant Aquatics Director
Philosophy
“We live in a complex world. There are many variations of “reality.” Perspective and perception rule our minds. The best way to traverse our existence is to be flexible and attempt to put yourself in ‘other people’s shoes.’ We aren’t mind readers so opening up to people is the best way to find a common ground.”
Started at WC:
2018
Years Experience:
10+ Years of competitive swimming, 8 years of teaching swimming, 5+ years of coaching swimming, 7 years of management experience, 4+ years of pool operation
Certifications:
Lifeguard/CPR/FA/AED, Water Safety Instructor, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, Certified Pool Operator, Lifeguard Management, USA Swim Coach.
Fun Fact:
My wife and I spend a lot of time with my dog, Leo. He’s a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier that is a bundle of energy and he loves everyone and everything. A large portion of our free daylight time is spent taking him to dog parks so he can make new friends!
Debra Quigley, Aquatic Personal Trainer
Year started at WC:
2006, with 18 years of total experience.
Philosophy:
The only true disability in life is a bad attitude.
Education/Experience:
Arthritis Foundation, AEA, SCW Fitness, ATRI, USWFA, Arthritis Exercise Specialist for Aquatics and land, Aquatic Rehab Therapy Institute Member, Active Aging Coach
Certifications:
Arthritis Exercise Leader, Master Aquatic Instructor, National Instructor Trainer of Water FItness, Aqua Stretch, Hydro Pilates, Personal Training
Accomplishments/Fun Fact:
Pioneered the Arthritis Aquatic/YMCA program at the SSYMCA, designed and developed “Hydro Challenge” exclusively for the Weymouth Club, developed Hydro HIIT and Tabata Aqua for the Weymouth Club.
Michael Brooks: Weymouth Waves Head Coach
Philosophy
striving for excellence; always learning
Started at WC:
2018
Years Experience:
4
Education:
B.A. Carleton College (English),
B.A. Univ. of Utah (History),
M.A. Univ. of Notre Dame (History)
Accomplishments:
USA National Team coaching staff many times; one of my York swimmers, Hali Flickinger, made the USA Olympic team in Rio 2016; many swimmers have made the USA National Team and USA National Junior Team.
Lexi Glaser: Director of Senior Programming
Philosophy
“Exercise is the key to living a longer, happier, healthier life. My job is to teach you how to be confident, motivated, and successful every time you work out. I aim for us to have fun and the results will speak for themselves.”
Started at WC:
2019
Years Experience:
15
Education:
Studied Psychology & Exercise Science at University of Pittsburgh. Has been working as a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor for over 15 years.
Certifications:
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Trainer, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Primary Group Exercise Instructor, Yogafit Instructor, Prenatal and Post Partum Client Training certified, specialization in Senior Exercise and Post Rehabilitation Training.
Funfact:
In addition to a love of fitness, Lexi loves animals. She and her husband have 3 cats and a dog, and she volunteers at a local animal shelter.
