Our Team

Running AquaMissions takes a village. Our team is made up of our founder, our support staff, our board, and an incredible group of volunteers.

Dr. Lynne Nagy is the Founder and Executive Director of AquaMissions.

With a PhD in Learning and Development from Cleveland State University and a background that spans from early childhood classrooms to graduate-level instruction, Lynne has dedicated her career to empowering individuals through education, adventure, and self-discovery.

Lynne is also the founder of UltraMissions, a for-profit organization that encourages children, teens, and adults to view life’s obstacles as opportunities for growth. That same spirit fuels her work at AquaMissions, where she leads efforts to teach Greater Cleveland’s youth essential swimming skills and water safety, building strong, confident, and capable swimmers.

An experienced waterwoman, Lynne has been paddling since 2008 and holds ASI Level 1 and 2 SUP Trainer accreditation, along with American Red Cross certifications as a lifeguard instructor and CPR and first aid trainer. Her background includes leadership roles in alternative education, curriculum development, and instructor training. She brings a lifelong passion for experiential learning and youth development.

At AquaMissions, Lynne’s goal is simple but powerful: to save and improve lives by making sure every child has the skills and confidence to be safe in and around water.

Meet our founder:

Dr. Lynne Nagy

Meet Our Support Staff

Carolyn Billick | Aquatics Director

As a lifelong swimmer and Ironman triathlete, Carolyn has competed in many aquatic environments (pool and open water) and has coached athletes of all ages and abilities, ranging from infants to adults. A USMS Level 2 coach with over a decade of experience, Carolyn has a passion for teaching young students, as well as a passion for the AquaMissions curriculum. She holds undergraduate and masters degrees from The University of Notre Dame and lives in the Cleveland area with her husband and two children.

Alice McGinty | Public Relations Lead

At over 95-years-old, Alice McGinty brings a lifetime of wisdom and purpose to her role as Public Relations Lead. A gifted storyteller with deep roots in community outreach, Alice helps amplify our mission to teach CMSD scholars how to swim.
Though she never learned to swim due to segregation-era barriers, Alice now works to ensure today’s children don’t face the same exclusion. Her passion for justice, safety, and education drives her advocacy and reminds us all of the power of perseverance and giving back.

Devyn Etling | Intern

A current Cleveland State student, Devyn is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy with a minor in Dance. Trained at the professional level, Devyn performed with Cleveland Ballet for several years in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. With a passion for movement and teaching, she now teaches dance classes and works as a GYROTONIC® instructor. Growing up with a love of water, Devyn is beyond excited to share her joy of safe swimming with Cleveland-area youth through the efforts of AquaMissions.

Meet our board

With diverse experiential backgrounds and skill-sets, our board serves as the driving force in fulfilling our mission of saving lives and changing lives in Greater Cleveland through introductory water experiences, swim lessons, and water safety instruction.

Desiree Monique Powell

Joanne Hull

Stephanie Brooks

Al Grimes

Josh Cowling

Bios:

Dr. Stephanie Brooks brings over 25 years of academic leadership from Drexel University, where she served as senior associate dean and professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Her career spans clinical, academic, and advisory roles, with a focus on health equity, interdisciplinary education, and family therapy. She holds a PhD in Couples and Family Therapy from Drexel University, an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, and a psychology degree from William Paterson University. Dr. Brooks is a licensed clinician and an active leader in national mental health and therapy organizations.
Josh is an experienced staff accountant with years of bookkeeping and accounting experience. He holds an associate degree in applied business and accounting and is pursuing his bachelor's in accounting and financial management with a minor in management at Hiram College.
Josh has worked with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, specializing in financial statement preparation, budget forecasting, and grant revenue recognition.
Outside of work, Josh is a lifelong swimmer who also enjoys skimboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Al leads the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative, a nationally recognized program he developed and has managed since its launch. Under his leadership, the initiative has secured millions in funding and built strong partnerships across local, state, and national levels.
Previously, he held management roles at BP America and General Motors. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Ohio Northern University and completed executive training at Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School of Management.
A proud father of two daughters, Mr. Grimes remains active in the community through organizations like United Way and the United Negro College Fund.
Joanne Montagner Hull is a CPA with more than 40 years of experience helping organizations improve profitability and operational effectiveness. She works across sectors, from Fortune 500 companies to community nonprofits, combining financial expertise with communication and team development.
Since 1996, she has operated her own consulting firm in Ohio, providing training in financial management, strategic planning, board governance, and staff development. Joanne is a certified Executive Coach, a Jubilee Fellow, and a trainer for BoardSource. Her clients include the Cleveland Housing Network, Disney, Motown Records, and the Cleveland Foundation.
Desiree leads the combined department of Athletics, Student Activities, Health, and Physical Education for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, overseeing programs that span K–12 health curriculum, high school athletics, middle school sports, and extracurriculars like Esports and chess.
She began her career in recreation and youth development with the City of Cleveland, later serving in leadership roles at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District and Cleveland Heights High School. Since joining CMSD in 2006, she has advanced through several roles, becoming Executive Director in 2018.