Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mario learned to swim when he was seven, through the Cub Scouts' swimming program. As he progressed to the Boy Scouts, his Scoutmaster, formerly in the Navy, taught him the four strokes and helped instill a love for the sport. Mario would continue scouting until he received the highest honor of Eagle Scout. The experience provided him with the skills to lead and educate others while having a positive impact on his community. Soon after high school, Mario began teaching his first swim lessons at a camp in Greenwich, Connecticut. He immediately fell in love with teaching and has continued ever since. Mario is now a leader for his former Boy Scout Troop, as well as pursuing a career in acting.