Calhoun Aquatic Center
106 Yellow Jacket Drive, Calhoun, GA 30701 | Office: 706-602-6817 | Email: cac@calhounschools.org
Meet Our Team
Sandy Bunch
Office Staff
Sandy Bunch has been a dedicated member of the Calhoun Aquatic Center team for 9 years, serving in the role of Office Staff. She plays an important part in ensuring smooth operations and creating a welcoming environment for members and staff.
Sandy enjoys getting to know the many people who visit the CAC and finds it rewarding to see how beneficial the pool is for individuals of all ages. She is guided by the belief: “Kindness and respect affect people of all ages. We all have different roles, but the same goal… to serve the community well.”
Outside of work, Sandy enjoys cooking, painting, and quilting.
To her, being part of the CAC community is a pleasure. She values the opportunity to interact with students, seniors, and staff, and she appreciates the way members often see one another as extended family. Sandy views the CAC as a place where people come not only for health and wellness, but also for friendship and connection.
Jacque Gobbel
Office Staff | Swim Instructor | Lifeguard | Trainer (LG, SL)
Jacque Gobbel has been a dedicated member of the Calhoun Aquatic Center team for six years. In her multifaceted role, she serves as Office Staff, Swim Instructor, Lifeguard, and Lifeguarding (LG) Trainer.
Jacque enjoys the variety her position offers, from teaching valuable swim skills to training others to become certified lifeguards.
Outside of work, Jacque enjoys traveling and exploring new places.
For Jacque, being part of the CAC means contributing to an environment that is safe, welcoming, and supportive for members and staff alike.
Janice Forrest
Office Staff | Swim Instructor | Facilities
Janice Forrest has been a dedicated member of the Calhoun Aquatic Center team for 8 ½ years. In her roles as Office Staff, Swim Instructor, and Facilities, she contributes to many aspects of the CAC’s daily operations and member experience.
Janice especially enjoys working with children, helping them gain confidence and develop their skills in the water. She is motivated by the belief: “It is not where you are but the direction you are headed in.”
Outside of work, Janice enjoys spending time at the beach.
For Janice, being part of the CAC community feels like being part of a family. She values the strong sense of connection shared among staff, students, and members.
Melissa Reece
Office Staff | Swim Instructor
Melissa Reese has been part of the Calhoun Aquatic Center team for three years, serving as both Office Staff and a Swim Instructor. Her work reflects her passion for helping others and creating a welcoming environment for members of all ages.
Melissa enjoys teaching swim lessons and engaging with members, staff, and visitors to the pool. She is motivated by the words of Walt Whitman: “Keep your face towards the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” She also lives by the mindset of not overthinking, keeping things simple, always being kind, and remembering to pause, breathe, and appreciate life’s sunshine.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, walking and hiking, and playing with her cats.
For Melissa, being part of the CAC community means building meaningful connections and sharing in the joy that swimming brings. She values the excitement of seeing both children and adults learn to swim, and the sense of community that forms through engagement, interaction, and enjoyment at the pool.
Michelle Palmer
Director
Michelle Palmer has proudly served as the Director of the Calhoun Aquatic Center since it opened in 2015. In her leadership role, she works closely with staff and stakeholders to ensure the CAC remains a welcoming, engaging, and supportive space for the community.
Swimming has always been a central part of Michelle’s life and passion. She began competing on a swim team at the age of five, later coached the local summer swim program for four years, and also coached the Calhoun High School swim team. When the opportunity arose to support the CAC, it was a natural extension of her lifelong connection to aquatics.
Michelle most enjoys the opportunity to work alongside her team and community partners. She finds that aquatics brings excitement, positive energy, and purpose to her work and life. Guided by the belief that “growth begins where comfort ends,” she embraces continuous learning and new challenges.
Outside of her work at the CAC, Michelle loves spending time outdoors, especially mountain biking, hiking, and paddle boarding. She also treasures time spent with her family.
For Michelle, being part of the CAC community means being part of something bigger than herself. It represents teamwork, community, health, and healing—values she is proud to help foster each day.
Steffi Coates
Office Staff
Steffi Coates has been part of the Calhoun Aquatic Center team for more than eight years, serving in the role of Office Staff. With nearly a decade of service, she plays an important part in creating a positive and welcoming experience for members and staff alike.
Steffi enjoys working with people the most—students, co-workers, parents, and members. She is motivated by the mindset: “Tomorrow is always a new day & every little thing is going to work out. This too shall pass.”
Outside of work, Steffi enjoys attending concerts and sporting events, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
For Steffi, being part of the CAC community is deeply personal. It represents her connection to her hometown and alma mater—something she is proud of and loves greatly. She values the opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and make a positive impact on the future of Calhoun through her daily interactions with students.
Nancy Watkins
Office Staff
Nancy Watkins joined the Calhoun Aquatic Center team one year ago as a member of the Office Staff. In her role, she helps provide support and service to members while contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of the CAC.
Nancy most enjoys the opportunity to meet members and build connections through her work. She is motivated by the belief: “There’s nothing stronger than the power of prayer.”
Outside of work, Nancy enjoys genealogy research and exploring family history.
For Nancy, being part of the CAC community means more than just a workplace—it’s about finding both coworkers and friends who share a strong sense of teamwork and support.