The Charles River Aquatics Staff

Andrew Meade

Director of Aquatics - Programming

Jacqui began working for CRA in the summer of 2013. She graduated from Curry College in 2014 with a BS in Biology. Growing up, Jacqui swam on a club swim team for 10 years and for Medford High School for all 4 years, becoming Team Captain as a Senior. Swimming has always been central in Jacqui’s life and she shares this passion with children and adults at CRA. Outside of the pool, Jacqui enjoys spending time with her family and friends and running the occasional marathon.

Marin Allen

Associate Director of Aquatics - Administration

Andrew began swimming at age 3. Throughout his childhood he loved to swim and, as soon as he was old enough, became a lifeguard and started to teach and coach swimming. Since then, Andrew’s passion for swimming and helping others to develop their skills has only grown stronger. When he is not at CRA, Andrew enjoys calisthenics, skateboarding, photography/videography, traveling and eating healthy food.

Alex Rosado

Director of Facility

Alex began swimming competitively at the age of 8 for the West Roxbury YMCA Gators. In high school, he swam for the BLA Dragons and captained the team in his junior and senior years. During college, Alex rowed crew and played water polo at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he studied Environmental Science and Policy. He taught lessons part time for several years before becoming a full time staff member at CRA in 2012. When not at the pool, Alex loves to work on small engineering projects of all kinds at home.

Jon Castaldo

Chief Operating Officer

Marin graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2023 where she completed a BS in Marine and Environmental Science and swam for the UMass club team. Previously, she swam for the club and middle/high school competitive teams in her hometown – Ithaca, NY. Marin has been working as a swim instructor and lifeguard since 2016 and started at CRA in the fall of 2023. Outside of work, Marin is an avid scuba diver and reader, who loves spending time with her friends and family.

Alessandro Eramo

Dragons Head Senior Coach

Jon attended Fordham University, where he swam for all 4 years, graduating with a dual degree in Marketing and Management. He began his career with CRA in 2015. Jon started coaching in 2012 working primarily with 14 and under athletes, focused on technical improvement. His early coaching days were with Phoenix Swimming where his athletes competed in championship meets both in New England and nationally. Jon brings his energy and passion for swimming to his role at CRA. Jon lives with his wife Megan and their dog Max. They enjoy vacationing together and spending time at the beach.

Jason began working for CRA in 2011 as a Summer Camp Instructor. Born in Belmont, Massachusetts, Jason took to swimming at a young age. His passion for the sport developed further when he began swimming competitively in high school at the varsity level. After high school, he attended Suffolk University in Boston, where he studied creative writing and political science. Outside of the pool, Jason enjoys taking walks, playing pinball, and solving crossword puzzles.

Ryan Pitcairn

Dragons Head Age Group Head Coach

Jacqueline Nolan

Hiring and Team Administrator

Ryan began competitively swimming at the age of 8 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. After swimming throughout high school at St. John’s Prep, Ryan swam competitively at Bates College. When he graduated, Ryan went to Arizona State and received a M.Ed. in Secondary Education. He then moved back east to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire where he taught English and coached swimming at Kingswood Regional High School. Ryan joined CRA in 2018 and became the Head Age Group coach in 2021. He enjoys working with each athlete to become not only the best swimmer they can be, but also to help them learn valuable life skills.

Jen Scalise

Head Coach – CRA Masters Swim Team

Alessandro has been part of the New England Swimming community for many years. He grew up swimming for the YMCA of the Northshore (YNS) and Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. In 2015, after several years as an Assistant Coach, Alessandro started coaching YNS full-time. He quickly grew into the role of Associate Head Coach. In 2020, Alessandro became Head Coach of Boston YMCA Bluefins (BYB) where he expanded the program--developing athletes from age group to Futures qualifiers. Alessandro joined the CRA coaching staff in 2023 bringing his passion and experience to the Dragons.

Alessandro attended Merrimack College, and graduated in 2016 with a BA in Human Development. He continues to swim masters and enjoys staying active. When he is not swimming, Alessandro and his wife Caitlin enjoy spending time with family, friends, and their cat, Lucy.

Andreas began swimming at age 14 with Executive Swim Club in Manchester, NH. He quickly grew to love the sport and began teaching swimming lessons at age 16. Andreas attended the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology. After graduating in 2017, he began his coaching career with his childhood club-- working with athletes of all ages. He began working for CRA in the Fall of 2021. Andreas brings passion for the sport and enthusiasm for developing young athletes both in and out of the water. When not at the pool, Andreas enjoys a variety of outdoor activities with friends including hiking, skiing, kayaking and disc golf.

Kristin grew up swimming in upstate New York and competed at the D1collegiate level at University of New Hampshire. Before joining CRA, Kristin was the Head Coach of the Andover/North Andover YMCA Hurricanes. She has been coaching for over 20 years at all levels. Kristin’s coaching philosophy is built around helping athletes to develop into the best versions of themselves—both in and out of the pool.

Kristin lives on the North Shore with her husband (also a former swimmer). They have two amazing sons. When she is not at the pool, Kristin enjoys jogging and the occasional swim.