AOAP Volunteer
of the Month
AOAP Volunteer of the Month is a recurring AOAP feature shedding light on an amazing AOAP Volunteer. As with any item of recognition, the volunteer of the month is a subjective exercise meant to highlight one aquatic professional whose volunterism with AOAP holds noteworthy context. (They must be a member of AOAP that has volunteered to be on a variety of AOAP Committees throughout the years or during the conference).
September 2026 AOAP Volunteer of the Month
Natalie Janes
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Natalie Janes is a Recreation Programmer with the City of Mesa Aquatics team in Arizona. She has more than 10 years of experience in aquatics and now helps oversee the same programs she grew up participating in. As part of Mesa’s aquatics leadership team, she supports eight aquatic facilities and more than 400 seasonal employees.
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Natalie oversees special events, social media, and marketing, including six major aquatic events that welcome more than 2,000 attendees each year. Her photo was taken at a Zootopia 2 Dive-In Movie featuring a poolside petting zoo. Since llamas are her favorite animal, a llama at a pool event? She was golden! Natalie is passionate about community recreation, swim lessons, water safety, and creating fun and meaningful experiences for the community.
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Natalie loves being a member of AOAP and is grateful for the opportunity to volunteer and connect with other aquatic professionals. Outside of aquatics, Natalie enjoys reading psychological thrillers, spending time with family and friends, and anything crafty.
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