Meet the Team

Helen - Founder, Teacher and Coach

As a lifelong swimmer and qualified instructor it was natural for me to start Helen’s School of Swimming back in 1981, which was built on the passion and belief that everyone can learn to swim and that every swimmer deserves to feel supported. Now known as HC Swim School, we focus on instilling confidence, safety, and skills for lifelong swimming through a personalized, positive, and fun teaching environment. Watching students of all ages and abilities become water-safe, develop their strokes, and reach their own personal goals is the most rewarding part of my job. I believe swimming is not only a great way to remain active, but also a key skill that opens the door to many opportunities. Swimming can be life-saving, used as a recreational activity, or a sport to push the limits - and I feel privileged to work with students to help them find their own path in the water. What's important to me in teaching swimming is not only passing on technical knowledge, but also building relationships with each student and parent, inspiring them to love swimming and feel proud of their progress.

Christina - Manager, Teacher and Coach

Teaching swimming is more than just a job to me - it's my passion. As an ex-competitive swimmer, growing up in a swim school and watching my mother Helen teach has taught me how important it is to share my passion for the water with others. I love seeing the joy and confidence our swimmers gain from learning this life skill. There's nothing quite like the feeling of helping someone overcome their fear of the water, or witnessing a child swim on their own for the first time. Teaching swimming for me is not only about the technical aspects of strokes and breath control - it's about teaching trust, perseverance, and self-belief. It's about creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. Teaching swimming is a privilege - and I feel honored every day to be able to help others discover the incredible freedom and confidence that comes from being a proficient swimmer.

Lou - Coach

Qualified in early child care for 31 years I love working with young people and seeing what they are capable of doing.
I've now been working with Helen on and off for 30 years now and thoroughly enjoy every session.
Being an ex swimmer myself and living in a country that is surrounded by water, I'm very passionate about teaching our children the importance of water safety and developing correct swimming techniques.
To me, the best part of my role is seeing the children developing confidence, strength and skills.

Cheri - Teacher

I absolutely love teaching swimming. I think it's one of the most important skills to learn - a whole new world opens up when you know how to swim. I believe God has blessed me with this gift of teaching and I just want to share it with everyone. I was taught by my army dad to swim when I was just a bub in nappies; I found that it was the only thing I was really good at - ball sports are not my strong point! Being a competitive swimmer myself I found being in the water to be therapeutic for me. What started as just swimming at the gym in South Africa turned into being asked if I'd like to give teaching a go and after 13 or so years later I'm still loving it! I love teaching all levels, but particularly enjoy the baby classes. Seeing how each child progresses in their own time and start their relationship and love for the water makes my heart happy.
Outside of teaching I enjoy spending time at the beach, doing walks with my family and exploring Auckland. There are so many hidden gems here! I also enjoy eating so if there's anything that involves food you know I'll be there.
Being a part of HCSS team feels like family. In the little time I've been on the team they look after me and our boys and just love waking up in the morning to go be with family, not 'work' :)

Rhoda - Teacher

I’ve always felt at home in the water and love that peaceful feeling the water brings.
After many years of swimming, and later on being a part of my high school swim team, I developed a passion for swimming. Recognizing all the benefits swimming brings and how crucial water safety is.
I am most grateful for the swimming opportunities I had from a very young age. Not only do I love to teach swimming, I feel privileged being amongst all the wonderful students knowing that they are learning a valuable life skill to confidently swim on their own and being safe in the water, therefore, my hope is that everyone has the opportunity to learn to swim.