Aundrea Nieto
Operations Manager
Wild Island Family Adventure Park
Sparks, Nevada - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," March 2019
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I am currently working on a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in human resource management. Before getting promoted at my facility and moving my degree focus to business, I was previously an advanced emergency medical technician working for the local EMS team here in Reno, Nevada with plans to become a flight medic.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am an Instructor Trainer through Ellis & Associates.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
In 2016, I was made an associate with Ellis & Associates and the following year; I have had the honor of being selected to teach on faculty for the International Aquatic Safety School for the past three years.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Handling difficult situations calmly and thoughtfully has always come naturally to me; so when I had the option to become a lifeguard many years ago, I jumped on it and never looked back.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
My favorite aspect would have to be the passionate instructors and instructor trainers that work within the industry. We all have the same goal of having a safe and successful season.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
The person that has inspired me most would have to be Ashley Wolfe. For every accomplishment and every setback I have had within my career, she has been my sounding board for advice on how to keep moving forward.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The greatest challenge for me has been to maintain a balance between work, family and personal well-being. It is important to me to make time for my family as well as ensure I get some time for myself, even if that is just a daily walk with my pups and my podcasts.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I am a stickler for checklists and organization at work. Each day, especially during preseason, I try to make a daily checklist for myself to keep myself on task and ahead of the game. As far as motivation, I do my best to stay in contact with my friends in the industry to see what their up to at their facilities.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
The industry can be challenging at times but remember to take the good with the bad and learn from your mistakes. I encourage people to make as many friends within the industry as possible because no one understands what you’re going through better than a fellow waterpark operator.
WH AT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
My number one book for motivation is “
The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. There is also a related YouTube video called “
Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” which I found after completing the book, and I have since shared with other aquatics professionals.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Having the opportunity to employ young individuals and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to save lives is the most em- powering aspect of my job.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would probably consider becoming a doctor that assists with teaching and training the next generation. When I entered aquatics, I learned how much I enjoy teaching new skills to fresh minds.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
My first taste of WWA was back in 2014 when I attended my first trade show in Las Vegas. However, as much as I enjoyed the show, I did not get fully involved in the behind the scenes portion until my friend, Ashley Wolfe, asked me to join the Education Committee. From there I dove in head first and have greatly enjoyed my experience since.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
While I haven’t been in quite some time, I am a huge fan of diving for abalone in northern California! There are many regulations when diving for abalone and one of which is: you are not permitted to use oxygen tanks of any kind. This is one of my favorite aspects because it requires you to slow down, take your time and make multiple trips to the surface before collecting the perfect abalone.