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!
LLOYE ESOLA
Lead B-Instructor
My name is Lloyd Esola, I have been with the Avila Beach Junior Guard Program for 10 years (8 years as a Junior Lifeguard and 2 as an ABJG Instructor). I have been a beach Lifeguard at Morro Bay for the past 2 years. I am excited to bring the stoke this summer and make it just as awesome as I remember it from my years.
MICAYLA RENNICK
Lead B-Instructor
This is Kae's second year as an Avila Beach Lifeguard and an instructor for the Avila Beach Junior Guards ohana, but her journey with the ocean began when she herself was an athlete for Avila's renowned program! Her love of the ocean never left through her years as a D1 college athlete, and that passion for the salt came full circle the summer of 2024. Kae plans to dedicate every summer she can to cultivating a community of love, support, passion, and drive within the ABJGs while also guiding young minds through their uncertainties. She hopes that through decorum, dedication, and a little bit of ocean coffee, each JG ends their summer having evolved into not just better physical athletes, but mentally-stronger young individuals as well.
SAM CUSICK
Menehune Instructor
HellooooHa! My name is Sam Cusick
and I CANNOT wait for another summer at Avila Beach! I have been a part of Junior Guards for about 8 years now, earning my position as a beach guard at Morro Bay. This year will be my third year as a Menehune Instructor. I absolutely love seeing the curiosity and excitement in the minis eyes as they learn life skills and navigate new experiences, radiating positivity and laughter every day. The best part about it is that I get to share my love for the ocean to new generations of superstar lifeguards! When I’m not in the water, you can find me in my cowboy boots, making friends with the cows! I am a second year Agricultural Science student at Cal Poly and will also be working at their very own Dairy Unit!
MAX COLLINS
C-Instructor
Hello! I’m Max Collins. This is my third year here as an instructor for the Avila Beach Junior Guard program. On top of being an instructor, I am a lifeguard at Morro Bay. In my free time, I enjoy work outs here at the beach and at the gym, and I also enjoy watching media such as Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. I am hoping to eventually become a paramedic firefighter, which I am currently in school for. I’m looking forward to making this 2025 JG season absolutely amazing!