JEM: Tell us how you got started in aquatics.
Taylor: Growing up, like many in the Midwest, I spent every summer trying to get to any of the Great Lakes’ many beautiful beaches, the numerous lakes and rivers in Michigan, and of course, any pool or waterpark I could visit—which was always extra special. Being around water was a fundamental part of my childhood experience.
Entering the workforce, aquatics was not something I had even considered—until I moved back to Illinois in the fall of 2018. After searching for something I was passionate about throughout college and trying many different career paths, I found a leadership opportunity with JEM at Coral Cove Water Park. The intensity and passion that Isela Juarez brought to teaching immediately caught my attention from the very first minute of my first-ever lifeguard class. Day two reinforced that aquatics was something that truly excited me, and I was ready to learn more about this thrilling new career.
My first summer was incredible—learning new skills, making great friends who would become lifelong connections, and, most importantly, beginning to truly feel like I had found a career path that made me passionate about being my best and finding fulfillment in keeping guests and staff educated and safe.
My jump to maintenance occurred in the middle of that first summer. Coral Cove’s splash pad had two large pipe unions come loose, forcing its closure. I received a call from staff about the issue and didn’t hesitate—heading straight there. Upon arrival, I walked with the manager to the problem area. Even though I had never done something like this before, I felt calm and quickly came up with a solution. I closed down the area, turned off the features, lifted and reassembled the burst pipe unions, then tested the repair with the manager and confirmed with leadership that the repair was complete.
When my quick response and eagerness to learn were evaluated, I was asked the very next day by the state maintenance leader to take over facility maintenance for the rest of the season. That was all it took—just one taste of maintenance—and I was hooked. I spent the remainder of the season learning everything I could about aquatic maintenance. Each time I learned something new, made a repair, or even just cleaned out the vacuums and strainer baskets, my interest and love for the field deepened.
Each year, each season, each day, maintenance teaches you something new. It challenges you to grow, and there’s no end to how much you can learn or improve across so many areas. I used to never really understand the phrase “If you love your work, you won’t work a day in your life,” until I found maintenance.
JEM has continued to support and invest in my learning and growth in aquatic maintenance, and I cannot express my gratitude enough for the opportunities JEM has provided. I’m truly grateful to have found a career and passion I can dive into every day.
JEM: What is one of your favorite accomplishments?
Taylor: My favorite accomplishment is difficult to choose—it’s like picking a favorite child. I’ve found so much joy in every new certification and every new role I’ve had the opportunity to experience within the company. However, I feel that two accomplishments stand just a bit above the others in the way they confirmed not only that I’m doing a good job, but that I’m doing it in the right ways.
The first client I ever met was Ron from the Carol Stream Park District. He just entered retirement this past winter. As his last day approached, he took the time to find me at the facility and pulled me aside to tell me how grateful he was for all the work I had done, and for my growth in both job knowledge and professionalism.
The only thing that rivals this experience was receiving a private message from Jeremy Stiles following his visit to Cotino. He had a chance to speak with the staff and shared that many of them had spoken highly of me. I poured so much energy, effort, and emotion into Cotino and into each person who worked there during my time. To know that it made a difference—and that I impacted those people—brings a level of fulfillment and joy I have yet to find elsewhere.
To me, there is no personal achievement, accomplishment, or recognition that compares to the feeling of knowing I was able to help my fellow JEM teammates.
JEM: Who are your mentors, and why?
Taylor: From my first day of training, I’ve had the privilege of working with and learning from Isela Juarez. Her drive and passion for this job are what made me stick with it in the very beginning. Even now, Isela consistently goes above and beyond to support my development, provide opportunities to learn and grow, and is always there for me—whether it’s to answer a question, help solve a problem, or give me the feedback and tools I need to reach my goals.
It would be disingenuous not to express my deep appreciation for Jeremy Stiles and Ethan Barba. Jeremy recognized and trusted my ability to help keep the Illinois maintenance team running and improving. He generously shared his knowledge with me and helped lay a strong foundation in aquatic maintenance. To this day, everyone I train is taught using the same knowledge and principles that Jeremy instilled in me.
Ethan Barba is my current inspiration to improve and grow. It’s impossible to overstate the impact Ethan has had on my development. He reignited my passion for maintenance and my drive to be the best at what I do. Ethan has gone out of his way time and again to support the maintenance team—sacrificing his own time and comfort to help us succeed. He is one of the best human beings I’ve ever met, and every conversation I have with him leaves me fired up to work hard and be the best representative of JEM I can be. From supporting my growth and ensuring I have the tools I need, to answering my many phone calls for a variety of reasons, Ethan always makes me and my team feel like a priority and truly valued.
I also must recognize Jem Hughes and Jerica Cyr. These two individuals have never ceased to impress me. Their ability to take on immense challenges while maintaining impeccable composure, over and over again, is nothing short of extraordinary. I look up to both Jerica and Jem as shining examples of what it means to represent JEM—not just as professionals, but as people. If I ever needed to show someone what elite professionalism looks like, balanced with kindness and authenticity, I would point to Jerica and Jem.
While I wish I could narrow this down to fewer people, it would be impossible to leave any of them out. Each one has permanently impacted the trajectory of my personal and professional life. I would not be where I am—or who I am—without them. And I can confidently say that JEM would not be the same without their unique sacrifices, contributions, and unwavering dedication.
JEM: What do you like to do for fun?
Taylor: I love spending time outside with my four dogs. When I am not spending time with my dogs, I enjoy watching and learning about NFL football. I like to learn new things, stay active, and drive to new places and expose myself to new people, environments, and experiences. I try to make every day off different from the last.
Thank you for all that you do, Taylor! We can’t wait to see where you go next!