Bay Area Public Pool Operators Association
About the Bay Area Public Pool Operators Association
Over the years, the Bay Area Public Pool Operators Association (BAPPOA) has grown from a small group of pool operators meeting every other month to a much larger group that continues to meet on the original schedule. In January 2009, BAPPOA adopted by-laws and is on it’s way to becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. BAPPOA continues to meet six times each year, and hosts social events, educational trainings and competitions. Monitoring changing legislation and guidelines, and conducting up to four surveys each year are other valuable services BAPPOA provides to it’s membership.
​
The Steering Committee was formed in the late 80’s to assist in guiding the operations of the Bay Area Public Pool Operators Association. With the formal organization of BAPPOA, the Steering Committee became a Board of Directors. There are 7 Board Members, all members of BAPPOA. Each Board Member currently serves a term of two years on the board and then rotates off. The nomination process allows for the election of three to four new members to the Board each year. Board Members may run for consecutive terms.
The Board of Directors meets a minimum of 4 times a year.
Meet Your 2024 Board Members
President - Tara Deffley
City of Napa
tdeffley@cityofpetaluma.org or president@bappoa.org
​
With 20 years of experience in aquatics management, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my role as President of BAPPOA. Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to enhancing community engagement and providing exceptional recreational experiences.
As the 2025 President of BAPPOA, I am excited to support and uplift our profession. Together, we can continue shaping the future of our field, promoting innovation, and fostering lasting connections.
I’d love to hear from fellow professionals—what can BAPPOA do to better serve you? How can we work together to ensure that we not only meet but exceed industry standards? Let’s collaborate, share best practices, and strengthen the aquatics community.
Together, we have the power to make a lasting impact and elevate the future of aquatics.
Vice President - Mike Mastroni
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
masm@haywardrec.org or vicepresident@bappoa.org
Responsible for: Lifeguard Games, BAPPOMA Chair, Elections, and bylaws.
Hi BAPPOA members! My name is Mike Mastroni and I am currently the Recreation Manager at Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. I am excited to serve as your 2025 Vice President.
My career in Aquatics started off when I joined my local neighborhood pool as a Lifeguard when I was 15. Working with the community and instructing children how to swim helped shape my passion for aquatics and water safety. I have worked with several organizations in Colorado, Washington and now California, in both the public and private worlds. This experience includes operating recreation facilities, pools and large-scale indoor water parks with multiple pools, rides and attractions. I have held instructor certifications with Ellis and Associates and the American Red Cross, as well as CPO.
When I am not by the pool, I am usually enjoying time with my four dogs!
I joined BAPPOA in 2022 and have enjoyed the collaboration, knowledge, and shared experiences of the members. I look forward to working with all of you and continuing to build connections across our agencies and delivering an awesome 2025 Lifeguard Games!
​
Secretary & Treasurer - Amanda Tugwell
City of San Ramon
atugwell@sanramon.ca.gov or treasurer@bappoa.org
Responsible for: Membership, Registration Payment, Annual Budget
​
Hi Everyone! I am Amanda Tugwell, Aquatics Coordinator with the City of San Ramon. I have been in the Aquatic world for the past 3.5 years and have loved every moment of it. I am excited to serve as the Treasurer and Secretary for the BAPPOA Board!
Prior to Aquatics, I have over 10 years’ experience with Recreation and Parks which began with the City & County of San Francisco as a Recreation Leader with the Girls in Sports Programs. I also previously worked in the Sports & Entertainment industry alongside the Bay Area Sports Teams, the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Golden State Warriors, and the Oakland Athletics with event management, game day services, behind-the-scene public tours, & security. In addition to working with the sports teams, I also had the opportunity to work with several special events like Disney on Ice, Monster Jam & Supercross, along with dozens of concerts including some of my favorites, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, & Paul McCartney.
In my current role as the Aquatics Coordinator, my true passion is developing and mentoring the lifeguard staff as well as promoting water safety. I have the following certifications: California Pool Operator, Water Safety Instructor Trainer, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor, & Lifeguarding.
When I’m not at work, you can find me in the garage rebuilding a 1968 Ford Mustang, outside hiking, or visiting one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area, Monterey or Half Moon Bay.
​
​
Affiliations, Training, Staff Development and Legislative Liaison - Sunshine Reece
City of Berkeley
sreece@berkeleyca.gov or training@bappoa.org
Responsible for: Updates from CPRS, Red Cross, and other affiliations as well as trainings and classes.
​
My name is Sunshine Reece, and I am the Assistant Aquatics Coordinator for the City of Berkeley and Pool Manager for the City of San Ramon. With great enthusiasm, I step into the role of Chief Training Officer for BAPPOA.
My journey in aquatics spans over seven years, encompassing experiences in both the public and private sectors. Beginning as a Junior Lifeguard, I progressed through the ranks to the role of Pool Manager. Throughout this adventure, I found belonging on the pool deck and empowerment as an advocate for water safety. I am currently certified as a Lifeguard, LGI/LGIT, WSI/WSIT, and CPO.
Off the pool deck, you’ll find me spending time with my two cats, Noche and Gracie, as well as my dog, Sam. I also enjoy outdoor activities, including archery and roller skating, although not simultaneously, of course.
As your Chief Training Officer, I am excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm for training to the forefront. I am eager to collaborate with our membership to elevate our training programs, foster professional development opportunities, and strengthen the bonds within our aquatic community.
Web Master - Katelyn Digiosaffatte
City of Pleasanton
kdigiosaffatte@cityofpleasantonca.gov or technology@bappoa.org
​
Responsible for: BAPPOA website updates, social media, and e-mail blasts.
​​
Hello!​ My name is Katelyn DiGiosaffatte and I'm the Recreation Specialist for the City of Pleasanton.​ I've been with the City, and in aquatics, since 2022. Prior to that, I ran youth programs, including before/after school care and summer camps, for almost 10 years. This isn't my only experience in the aquatics world, though, as I spent all my childhood summers part of Oakland Rec swimming starting at 5 years old. I still currently enjoy getting in the water to swim, non-competitively.
​
I've really enjoyed being part of Recreation and specifically Aquatics (thanks to all of you!). I am certified as a Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, and Certified Pool Operator. I'm also currently working towards getting my Masters in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism through Cal State East Bay.
​
When I'm not working, you can find me somewhere with my dog.
Scholarships and Awards - Alyssa Smith
Livermore Area Recreation and Park District
asmith@larpd.org or events@bappoa.org
​
Responsible for: Scholarship Information & Applications, Award Nominees, Awards Banquet
​
Hello BAPPOA members! My name is Alyssa Smith, and I am the Aquatics Coordinator for the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District. I began working in aquatics in 2018 with the City of Brentwood. I started my aquatics career by teaching swim lessons as a Water Safety Instructor. In this position, I gained a love for the aquatics field and discovered my passion for delivering quality swim lessons and water safety education to the community. Along the way, I have earned my Lifeguarding Instructor certification, Aquatics Facility Operator certification, and Water Safety Instructor Trainer certification. I graduated from CSU East Bay in December 2021 with a bachelor's degree in human development with a concentration in Early Childhood Development. In addition, in May 2024 I finished a master’s program at CSU East Bay in Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism.
I look forward to serving on the BAPPOA board and am excited to meet many more aquatics professionals and friends along the way!
Sponsorships and “Friends of BAPPOA” Liaison & Surveys - Tiffany Porter
City of Novato
tporter@novato.org or legislation@bappoa.org
​​
Responsible for: Liason with Non-Profit Organizations and for Profit Organizations, Handles Survey Questions
Hello BAPPOA members!! My name is Tiffany Porter, and I am a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Novato. I have been around a pool deck my entire life; I started swimming competitively at the young age of 4.
I began working in aquatics in 2008 as a cashier and swim instructor with the City of San Rafael. I had moved up from being a lifeguard, head guard, pool manager before accepting a full-time position as a Program Coordinator. In December 2023, I was fortunate to receive a promotional opportunity with Novato and become a Recreation Supervisor. I have the following certifications: Lifeguarding, Lifeguard Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, Water Safety Instructor. I currently serve on the CPRS District 1 board, and I look forward to serving on the BAPPOA this next year and can’t wait to meet more aquatic professions.
When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with family and friends, watching sports with my husband, and trying new restaurants.
​