CPO Instructors | The Grit Game

Team Grit CPO Instructors

Meet the Experts Behind the Gold Standard
Your CPO® certification is only as powerful as the instructor guiding you. At The Grit Game, we’ve hand-picked industry veterans who live and breathe pool care—leaders who’ve been in the field, solved the problems, and know how to set you up for success. Each PHTA licensed instructor brings their own expertise, style, and stories to the classroom. Get to know them, choose the right fit for you, and sign up for your next class with confidence.

shannon wilson

Shannon Wilson is a certified PHTA CPO® Instructor since 2020. Shannon is known for his engaging, hands-on approach to aquatic facility training. With a strong foundation in pool and spa operations, Shannon brings both technical expertise and real-world insight to every course. His instruction emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and practical problem-solving. Empowering operators to confidently manage water quality, equipment, and risk mitigation.

Whether teaching in-person or online, Shannon fosters an inclusive learning environment where students gain not only certification, but a deeper understanding of industry best practices. His commitment to excellence and clarity makes him a trusted resource for facility managers, health inspectors, and aquatic professionals nationwide.

robert stewart

Robert Stewart launched his teaching career with the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), quickly rising to become the highest-trained instructor in Canada and earning a top 10 ranking across North America. Today, he continues to set the standard as a certified instructor with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), delivering high-impact training across North America and the Caribbean.

Based in Canada, Rob teaches both in-person and virtually bringing award-winning expertise to classrooms around the globe via Zoom. His company, Aquatic Facility Training Ottawa, has earned multiple accolades for excellence in specialty education and remains a trusted resource for professionals seeking top-tier instruction.

Whether you’re looking to improve your team or host a customized training session, Rob is ready to deliver engaging, results-driven education tailored to your needs.

reigel reid

Reigel Reid is a seasoned aquatics expert with over 18 years of experience in pool and spa operations, training, and facility management. Known for his leadership in safety and education, he’s helped elevate standards across commercial, municipal, and residential settings. Reigel combines technical precision with practical insight, empowering teams to solve problems, improve operations, and create safer aquatic environments.

As a certified instructor with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), Reigel delivers credentialed training for the Certified Service Technician (CST), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and Certified Pool Inspector (CPI) programs. His mission is clear: to equip pool and spa professionals with the confidence and knowledge to serve their communities with excellence.

DOn Michael Cramer

Don Cramer brings nearly 30 years of experience in aquatic education, Don has been a dedicated instructor of PHTA (formerly NSPF) courses since 1995, beginning with the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) program. As a Certified Service Technician (CST), Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS), and Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT), he has had the privilege of educating a broad spectrum of industry professionals while fostering meaningful connections across the field.

Beyond the classroom, Don spent 27 years immersed in the aquatic industry—operating water parks, installing commercial and residential pool systems throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and running a successful swimming pool service company as an owner-operator. Though now retired from the service side, he continues to pursue his greatest passion: teaching.

In addition to his contributions to the aquatics profession, Don has embarked on a second career in law enforcement. He currently resides in Georgia with his wife and three children.

maddy vandiver

Maddy Vandiver is the Maintenance Supervisor and Company Trainer at The Pool Butler, where she’s been making waves since January 2021. With over a decade in the pool industry—starting in summer 2014—Maddy brings deep expertise, leadership, and a passion for aquatic excellence. Her roles have spanned maintenance technician, commercial lead (Hiram office), service and repair tech, and now a dual-role leader overseeing operations and training company-wide. As of January 2025, she officially became Company Trainer, mentoring and certifying the next generation of pool professionals.

Maddy holds certifications including CPO, CPI, CMS, CST, NPC, and became a Certified Pool Operator Instructor in Fall 2024. She’s especially known for her mastery of water chemistry, ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality care across all systems. Her background also includes lifeguarding, swim instruction, and coaching—making her a true aquatic all-rounder.

Outside of work, Maddy enjoys fishing, golf, and anything pool-related. She’s a proud Georgia Bulldogs fan—Go DAWGS!

Could this be you?

Are you a current PHTA Instructor with the drive, determination, and GRIT to elevate your teaching journey?

Team Grit isn’t just a name—it’s a mindset. Some join through interviews. Others show up and prove they belong. That’s how we’ve built a crew of the pool industry’s boldest problem-solvers—leaders who teach with heart, hustle with purpose, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

From trade shows to training days, we show up where it counts. We move fast, think big, and hold each other accountable. If you’re ready to grow something real, leave your mark, and be part of a team that’s rewriting the rules—click below to apply or learn more.

GET answers from AN expert.

Natalie Hood started her aquatics journey as a lifeguard before becoming a competitive swimmer. She even pushed herself to Olympic trials—sidelined only by injury, proving the grit and determination that defines her career. From teaching little ones how to swim to shaping the industry itself, Natalie’s impact runs deep. At the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), she helped maintain and update the CPO® certification program, working closely with state and local jurisdictions as well as the CDC to keep it aligned with regulations. She also played a major role in the design and updates of the official handbook, while strengthening the program’s reach through collaboration with U.S., Canadian, and international partners.

Now at The Grit Game Natalie, is dedicated to helping more pros find success and would love to help you on your own aquatic journey.

You can book time with Natalie below and pick her brain one-on-one or fire off your questions using the form here and get the real answers straight to your inbox. Either way—you’re not waiting on hold, you’re getting the good stuff, fast.