Owen Long
Co-Founder and President of Operations of Sertified., LLC
Owen, a recent graduate of McDaniel College and resident of Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, has been serving as a Lifeguard in many different settings (pool, oceanfront, waterfront, waterpark, etc.) since age 15, and has been teaching for the American Red Cross since December of 2015. After years of watching people get pushed through certification classes, Owen decided that it was time to get involved and start a company where people could get high-quality, American Red Cross training and be proud of their certification — hence the inception of Sertified., LLC! Currently, Owen is only further developing his impressive certification resume, as he in pursuit of his Maryland EMT and EMS Instructor certifications with the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. Owen currently possesses the following American Red Cross certifications: Emergency Medical Response Instructor Trainer, Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer, Basic Life Support Instructor Trainer, CPR/FA/AED Instructor Trainer, Wilderness and Remote First Aid/CPR Instructor Trainer, Comprehensive First Aid and CPR and CPR for the Professional Rescuer Instructor Trainer, Water Safety Instructor, Babysitting Instructor, Bloodborne Pathogens and Emergency Oxygen Instructor, Swim Coach Safety Training Instructor, Aquatic Attractions Safety Course Instructor, Waterpark, and Waterfront Lifeguarding Instructor, and Lifeguard Management Instructor. Although it is rare, when Owen is not teaching one of these many different classes, he enjoys swimming, serving as a first responder, and spending time with his family, friends, and Golden Retriever, Bandit and Basset Hound/Black Lab, Lola! Owen’s extensive teaching experience is nothing less than impressive, and his well-established rapport with the American Red Cross speaks for itself. He looks forward to working with you, and is ready for you to #StaySertified.
Justin Arter
Co-Founder and President of Human Resources of Sertified., LLC
Justin is an undergraduate at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, pursing a Bachelor’s of Art’s in Economics with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Justin was first certified as a lifeguard at age 15, and has since lifeguarded at pools across Maryland. After discovering his passion for first response, Justin pursued his Lifeguarding Instructor certification in December 2016. Additionally, Justin is a Certified Pool Operator, Certified Water Safety Instructor, CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor, Bloodborne Pathogens and Emergency Oxygen Instructor, Comprehensive First Aid and CPR and CPR for the Professional Rescuer Instructor. Most recently, Justin has received his Instructor Trainer certification in Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Basic Life Support. Justin enjoys playing tennis, spending time with friends, and tutoring high school students in SAT prep materials. You will not be let down by Justin’s extensive knowledge of the first-response curriculums and his miraculous teaching abilities! He is excited to help you #StaySertifed., and looks forward to seeing you in his classes!
Kathy Long
Sertified. Registration Coordinator
Kathy has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University. She has also earned a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College). Kathy is currently a 4th grade teacher in the Conewago Valley School District, in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, and has been teaching for 28 years. She is married to her husband, Chris and has three children – Owen, Kaelyn and Brayden. Kathy very much enjoys spending time with her family (and Golden Retriever, Bandit), running, landscaping and doing Pinterest crafts. She looks forward to coordinating your registration with Sertified. LLC, to help you: “Stay Safe, Stay Smart, #StaySertified.!””
Emma Perdue
Sertified. Instructor
Emma Perdue is currently a graduate student studying Physician Assistant Studies at High Point University in North Carolina. Emma has been a certified lifeguard for 4 years and has been teaching lifeguarding for just over 2 years. In addition to her lifeguarding experience, she is also a Certified Pool Operator and Certified CPR Instructor. Emma has written the swim lesson instructor curriculum, used by Sertified., LLC, while also teaching swim lesson instructors how to best implement the curriculum for highest quality swim instruction. Emma enjoys swimming, as well as coaching, and is excited to return to aquatics after pursuing a career in medicine.
Austin Newby
Sertified. Instructor
Austin is currently in his third year of studying Environmental Science at McDaniel College, in Westminster, Maryland. Prior to teaching, Austin worked as a lifeguard for Lighthouse Pools Inc., in Cecil County, Maryland, and Aberdeen Proofing Grounds, in Harford County, MD. As a Sertified., LLC Lifeguarding Instructor, Austin teaches many of our aquatic certification classes, while simultaneously striving to further his range of instructor certifications. As Austin enters into his third year of training lifeguards, he wants to remind his students to be ready for a fun and intensive class, from the second that they walk through the door. When you leave Austin’s classes, you are sure to help yourself and others stay safe, stay smart, and, most importantly, #StaySertified.
Alison Smith
Sertified. Instructor
Alison has earned a Bachelor’s of Art’s degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and a Nursing degree from Frederick Community College. Alison previously worked as a Veterinary Technician, but since moving to Ocean City, Maryland, she has pursued ocean lifeguarding. She is currently Assistant Beach Manger and officer on the Beach Patrol at Assateague State Park, in Berlin, Maryland, during the summers and a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor at Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool for the winter months. In addition to being a certified lifeguard she has recently completed her Lifeguard Instructor certification. Alison is also a Certified Emergency Medical Responder, Certified Lifeguard Manager, and CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. Alison enjoys swimming, spending time with her family and caring for her many pets! She looks forward to helping you get #Sertified.!
Jennifer Kitzmiller
Sertified. Instructor
Jennifer is American Red Cross Instructor for Sertified., LLC. She graduated from Penn State University, and is a school-based occupational therapist. Jennifer has spent her entire life around the water, and plans to continue to do so! She was taught to swim at an early age because of her proximity to the Conewago Creek, just outside of York, Pennsylvania. Her daughter, Morgan, naturally learned to swim at an early age, as well, due to her mom’s lifelong career in aquatics! Jennifer has been a lifeguard for over 25 years and a Lifeguard Instructor since 2015. She looks forward to sharing her 25 years of lifeguarding experience with you in a #Sertified. class!
Jeremy Simon
Sertified. Instructor and Head Lifeguard
Jeremy Simon is the Sertified., LLC Head Lifeguard, as well as a land-based Sertified. Instructor. In addition to being a certified lifeguard, Jeremy is also a certified Maryland pool operator, waterfront lifeguard, and lifeguard Manager. Jeremy is a career lifeguard in Cambridge, Maryland, as he works full-time at The Robbins Family YMCA. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from McDaniel College and was a collegiate swimmer for four years, as well! He is excited to help you #StaySertifed., as he watches over in-class water sessions!
Nichole Batiz
Sertified. Instructor
Meet Nichole! She has three loving children. Nichole has been coaching swimming and teaching lifeguarding since 2005, when she started at the Hanover YMCA, in Hanover, Pennsylvania! As someone who has been around the water since she was 18-months old, she knew that this was her calling! Nichole’s passion for teaching is evident, as she has certified hundreds of guards in her time! After a few years of lifeguarding, Nichole returned to graduate school and obtained her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Upon entering the full-time workforce, in 2011, she began working with children with disabilities as a behavior specialist. Nichole is excited to return to the world of #Sertifications, and looks forward to seeing you in her classes!
Christopher Long
Sertified. Instructor
Chris has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from West Chester University in Health and Physical Education. Additionally, he has also earned a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College). Chris is currently a Health and Physical Education teacher in the Conewago Valley School District. He has been teaching for over 27 years. Chris has been a certified CPR, AED, and First-Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross for 15 years. He is also a certified instructor for the American Heart Association in CPR, AED, and First-Aid. Chris enjoys spending time with his family and watching a variety of sporting events. Let’s get you #Sertified., in one of Chris’s classes!
Anthony Aguilar
Sertified. Instructor
Anthony is a recent graduate of Liberty University, in Lynchburg, VA, where he has earned bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a focus on International Business. Anthony has been an American Red Cross Lifeguard since he was a student at Easton High School — guarding both pools and waterfronts. In the summer months, Anthony is a member of the Beach Patrol at Assateague State Park, in Berlin, MD. Anthony is a certified American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard and Lifeguarding Instructor and also holds a variety of SCUBA dive certifications. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys surfing, scuba diving, and doing CrossFit! Anthony looks forward to helping you #StaySertified. in a variety of American Red Cross classes.
Darlene Union
Sertified. Instructor
Like Owen and Justin, Darlene is also a small business owner! Darlene is a co-owner of Superfood Café & Market in Mount Airy, MD. In addition to being a Sertified., LLC Instructor, she is a Raw Food Chef. She studied Nutrition at Baltimore County Community College in Catonsville, MD and trained at the Graff Academy of Raw Food Education and Health Science. Darlene has previously worked in sales, death care industry, and home improvement and is very excited to begin her instructing career! Currently, she is married to Robert, has four amazing daughters, and three adorable grandchildren. In her spare time, Darlene enjoys preparing and creating Raw vegan recipes. Sign up for her classes now, so she can help you become #Sertified. in CPR and/or BLS!
Chloe Goddard
Sertified. Instructor
Chloe is a dual-enrolled high school junior at Snow Hill High School and Wor-Wic Community College. For as long as she can remember, she has always loved the water. Chloe began her career in aquatics as a volunteer swim lesson instructor aid, before she was old enough to work as an instructor. When she turned 15, she earned her lifeguarding certification and has worked for the Maryland State Parks Service, as a pool and beach lifeguard, for the past four summers. Chloe is now a certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, BLS Instructor, and EMR Instructor. Chloe has also recently earned her nationally-registered EMT certification, and works part-time for Ocean Pines Fire Department, in Berlin, MD. In addition to being a Sertified. Instructor and EMS provider, Chloe is a recipient of the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award — the most highly esteemed recognition that American Red Cross presents. As an instructor, Chloe is passionate about giving more people the opportunity to also #StaySertified. in an area that they, too, can be passionate about!
Ann Kress
Sertified. Instructor
Ann, a long-time American Red Cross Lifeguard and Lifeguarding Instructor, is currently employed by Homewood at Plum Creek, as their Wellness Center Director. In addition to her American Red Cross certifications, Ann is a certified Aquatic Instructor, a certified Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist, and a Pre- and Post- Natal Yoga Instructor. As if Ann’s certification resume was not impressive enough, she also holds a Master’s of Education Degree in Exercise Physiology. Ann joins the Sertified. team with many years of instruction experience and will be teaching in the greater York, and Hanover, Pennsylvania area! In her free time, Ann enjoys spending time with her husband and her two children! Come learn how you can #StaySertified. with Ann!
Ken Mihalyov
Sertified. Instructor
Ken Mihalyov is currently a 6th grade science teacher in Westminster, MD, and resides in York, PA. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College. Ken first became a lifeguard and swim instructor at age 15, and he remained certified until circumstances led him to away from his local pool. Ken is now married with three water-loving sons. He loves hiking, all team sports, swimming, kayaking, skiing, seeing the world, and playing the ukulele while relaxing in a hammock. In 2019, Ken took a Sertified. Lifeguarding course, hoping to land a summer job as a lifeguard, and it awoke his passion for aquatic instruction, again. He received his Lifeguard Instructor certification (with Owen as his Instructor Trainer), in March of 2019, and is looking forward to continuing to train future lifeguards to be proactive and help local pools #StaySertified.!
Christine Gordon
Sertified. Instructor
Christine is currently an undergraduate student at Shippensburg University, in Shippensburg, PA, studying Psychology. Christine first became a lifeguard when she was 15 and, has just recently found her passion for lifeguarding again. In 2019, Christine decided to extend her passion for lifeguarding by becoming a #Sertified. Lifeguarding Instructor. She has always enjoyed being in and around water and desires to share that love and knowledge with others. She is always enthusiastic about teaching her lifeguarding candidates, but, most importantly, she is excited to help them #StaySertified.
Nick Budzynski
Sertified. Instructor
Nick is currently an Aeronautical Science student at Averett University, in Danville, Virginia. Nick is working towards accomplishing his life-long dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. In addition to being a lifeguard, Nick also loves to go to the beach and go on as many adventures as humanly possible! Nick has been lifeguarding since 2015, and became an Assistant Manager at the Westminster Riding Club Pool, in Westminster, MD, in 2017. Most recently, Nick has accepted a lifeguarding job at the Danville YMCA, in Danville, VA, just so he can keep up his skills in the off season. After years of Owen begging him to come on-board as an instructor, Nick finally decided to do so, and now loves helping lifeguards #StaySertified.
Adelaide Fischer
Sertified. Instructor
Adelaide Fischer is a graduate of McDaniel College, who has earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Cinema. She has a love for the water and has been lifeguarding rivers and pools, throughout Virginia and Maryland, since 2016. In addition to being a certified lifeguard, she is also certified as a Pool Operator and, most recently, a Lifeguarding Instructor! When not around the water, Adelaide enjoys watching movies, rock climbing and playing with her dog. You will not be disappointed with Adelaide as your instructor, as she is an “old pro” around the water! She is excited to see you in one of her #Sertified. Lifeguarding classes!
Zack Callis
Sertified. Instructor
Zack is currently an undergraduate student, studying theatre arts, at McDaniel College. Zack has been a lifeguard since the summer of 2015 and a pool manager since the summer of 2017. Zack has a long history in aquatics, as prior to his lifeguarding and instruction days, he was a competitive swimmer for more than thirteen years. In addition to his time on the swim and dive team, he has been a swim coach for two years and also established the current swim lesson curriculum at his pool. Zack current possesses First Aid/CPR/AED and Lifeguarding certifications, a Lifeguarding Instructor certification and his Maryland pool operator's license. He looks forward to seeing you in one of his classes, so he can help you #StaySertified.!
Hayley Lynch
Sertified. Instructor
Hayley is currently a student at the Community College of Baltimore County, and in the fall she will transferring to Towson University, where she will be studying Sports Management and Business. She has been an American Red Cross Lifeguard since 2017, lifeguarding at both pools and waterfronts. Currently, Hayley is the Head Lifeguard at Hammerman Beach, at Gunpowder Falls State Park, in Middle River, MD. Hayley’s lifeguarding experiences have motivated her to become an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and join the Sertified. team! When she is not in the water, Hayley enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and spending time with her friends. She looks forward to seeing you in class, so she can help you #StaySertified.!
Hannah Miller
Sertified. Lifeguard
Hannah is a graduate of Spring Grove High School, in Spring Grove, PA. Currently, she is enrolled in the Nursing program at The Harrisburg Community College — Gettysburg Campus. Hannah started her lifeguarding career at Drummer Boy Campground after completing the lifeguarding course through Sertifed., LLC, in 2019. Because of her extreme commitment to keeping aquatic communities safe, Hannah has decided to lifeguard the classes for Sertified., LLC, in the Pennsylvania region. When she is not around the water, Hannah enjoys painting, trying new things, and helping others however she can! Without Hannah, there is no way that you could #StaySertified.!
Hannah McMillen
Sertified. Instructor
She is currently a sophomore studying Forensic Chemistry, with a minor in Criminology at West Virginia University. At WVU, she is a Resident Assistant, the current secretary of the club swim team, and a part of various other organizations on campus. She started lifeguarding because she has been a swimmer all my life, so it was the perfect job for me. She was certified at 15, and works for a company known as SoMD Pool Management. In addition to receiving her lifeguard certification, she a certified Pool Operator, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard Instructor. She is passionate about teaching, and providing the best possible training! She is ready to help you get #Sertified.!
Noah Reed
Sertified. Instructor
Noah is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland (UMD), in College Park, Maryland, where he is studying to receive a Bachelor of Science in Economics, as well as planning on commissioning into the United States Air Force through AFROTC. Noah received his certification to be an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor after being a Safety Officer on both the sailing team and in ROTC at UMD. Outside of school, Noah enjoys working out, hiking and trying all different kinds of food. Noah is excited to begin teaching and get you the instruction you need to #StaySertified.
Dawn DeCicco
Sertified. Instructor
Dawn is a former Registered Nurse, who has been turned into a stay-at-home mom. After earning her nursing degree from the University of Michigan, she spent 7 years in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, stationed in San Diego, CA and Sicily, Italy. She then married a Navy doctor and spent the next few years in California, North Carolina and Virginia before settling in the Annapolis, MD area, in 2014. She now spends much of her time as a chauffeur to her teenage son and tween twin daughters. Dawn hold certifications as a First Aid/CPR/AED and BLS Instructor, and is ready to help you #StaySertified.!