At Holland Aquatic Center, our facilities are awesome and so is our staff. In this We Are HAC! series, we’ll introduce you to the people who love to teach, coach, protect, serve and inspire here. Our amazing team, almost 100 strong, is passionate about empowering healthy, connected lives through aquatics and wellness programming. Meet them here in this blog series and in-person at Holland Aquatic Center!
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more positive, joyful person than Marlene Espino. When you encounter Holland Aquatic Center’s front desk leader, you immediately see why. Marlene exudes warmth and care, and much of the great customer service provided by the front desk staff is a result of her example.
Prior to arriving at HAC, Marlene worked for Allegan County Head Start, GSRP Preschool, and Before and After School Daycare in Fennville. Each of those experience not only explains her great affinity for the Pete the Cat book series, but also her exuberance for watching young ones succeed.
A lifelong resident of Fennville and a six-year employee of HAC, Marlene simply enjoys working with people. In fact, she calls HAC her happy place because of all of the relationships she’s built with those she works alongside and those who enter HAC’s doors.
Favorite Movie: Coco
Favorite Food: Mexican food. “Aka, my mom’s food!”
Best Vacation: Torreon, Mexico
If I Could Live Anywhere, I Would Live . . . on a private island. “I’m a pretty social person but sometimes I just need a break.”
You’d be Surprised to Know This About Me: “I have one lung. It was because of a freak accident, but it made me stronger.”
Biggest Fear: “Being on diva time which is also known as being late. I’m always afraid of being late for anything.”
Things That Bring Me Joy: My family
Favorite sport: Soccer
What Attracted Me to Work at HAC: “Actually, it’s a funny story. When I applied, I thought I was applying to Holland Hospital. So, when I got the call to come interview here, I was surprised. But I took the interview anyway, and it really worked out for the very best.”
“It’s rewarding working here. I love watching kids progress from learning how to swim, to joining MLA, to winning trophies. And the happiness that that brings them makes me happy, too. And I love when members stop to chat and tell me about their workout or stuff at home. The community here is great.”
Marlene Espino