ABJG INSTRUCTOR OHANA
PHILLIP TORIELLO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and Lead C-Instructor
Phillip is a passionate teacher/coach/role model who has lived on the Central Coast since 1998. Following his adventures in Hawai’i (biathlons and surfing), he relocated to San Luis Obispo & swam competitively for Cuesta College. In 1999, Phillip joined the Port San Luis Harbor District Lifeguarding Team. In 2001, he assisted former ABJG director/founder Russ Edwards with his vision of creating the Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program. Since graduating from Cal Poly, Phillip has dedicated himself to continuing the Positive Leadership, ALOHA, and STOKE the ABJG Program was founded on. When Phillip isn't busy leading the ABJG Program, he enjoys surfing, racing with the Cal-State Surf Racing Team (Regionally and Nationally), and seeking amazing adventures and food with his son.
If it sounds like Phillip has been with the Avila Beach Junior Guard program and charging with the C-Group for 25 years, and he is 100 years old - it's ALL true.
JON HARMSE
DIRECTOR of JG AIDE DEVELOPMENT and Lead A-Instructor
Jon is an endurance racing enthusiast. Growing up swimming and playing water polo, in 2008, while attending Cal Poly, he was talked into racing the triathlon at Wildflower and never stopped. He raced collegiately for a couple of years and post college went on to get his USAT coaching certification. He coached the Cal Poly Triathlon team for four years, culminating in a collegiate conference championship in 2018. He has raced all distances from sprint to full Ironman and has raced and podiumed in a lot of the local races, including Scott Tinley’s, SLO Tri and the Morro Bay Tri. In 2015 he joined the Port San Luis Harbor District Lifeguarding team and in 2018 started working as an instructor with the Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program.
When not on the beach or coaching young aspiring triathletes, he can usually be found with his wife riding their horses, camping with their dogs, or just enjoying the amazing food and wine we have here on the central coast.
ALEX NEWLAND
DIRECTOR of QUALITY ASSURANCE and Lead Menehune Instructor
Hi ABJG Families!
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My name is Alex Newland, some know me as Mrs. Newland from my years teaching at CL Smith or others may know me as Coach Newland from the sand! I am so happy to be continuing with the ABJG lifeguard team! My adventures on the sand and in the sea started really young. I grew up in Huntington Beach participating in the State Junior Lifeguarding program from 8-15. I knew the Ocean was calling me from a very young age. Learning to navigate its complexities came easy to me. When I turned 16 it was a natural fit for me to transition from a Junior Water Woman, Water Polo Player and Swimmer to a Lifeguard. Through both trials and tribulations I earned a spot in the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Academy and succeeded in certifying as an official Ocean Lifeguard. I spent many more years learning about the tendencies of the Ocean in addition to joining the Junior Lifeguard team as an instructor returning full circle. After 10 summers as a senior instructor, lifeguarding and coaching swim/water polo, I decided to take a step away, move to the central coast and start a family with my husband. In more recent days, you will find me in both momming to my 3 active and beautiful kiddos in addition to leading my classroom and teams of teachers in San Luis Coastal School District. Some of my favorite things to do are swimming or ocean recreation, cooking, camping, and reading. I can’t wait for all the fun times we will have this summer!