Meet the Team
Helen - Founder, Teacher and Coach
As a lifelong swimmer and qualified instructor, starting Helen’s School of Swimming in 1981 (now HC Swim School) was a natural step. I love watching swimmers of all ages grow in confidence, develop their skills, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. I especially love seeing familiar faces I taught many years ago walking back through the door with their young ones! For me, teaching swimming is about building relationships, creating a supportive community, and helping every swimmer become safe in the water.
Christina - Manager, Teacher and Coach
Swimming has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up in the swim school watching my mum, Helen, teach, and as an ex-competitive swimmer myself, being in the water has always felt like home. I absolutely love helping swimmers grow in confidence, overcome fears, and celebrate exciting milestones along the way. Seeing a child go from being unsure in the water to swimming independently, and eventually training in our squad, is incredibly rewarding. Creating a warm, supportive environment where everyone feels safe, encouraged, and proud of themselves is what I love most about teaching.
Lou - Coach
I’ve worked in early childhood care for over 30 years and absolutely love helping young swimmers grow in confidence and discover what they’re capable of. I’ve also been teaching with Helen on and off for 30 years, and I still genuinely enjoy every session! As an ex-swimmer living in a country surrounded by water, I’m passionate about coaching children water safety and strong swimming skills in a fun, supportive environment. The best part of my job is seeing swimmers build confidence and strength with big smiles along the way.
Cheri - Teacher
​I absolutely love teaching swimming and believe it’s one of the most important life skills a child can learn. As a former competitive swimmer, being in the water has always felt therapeutic for me, and after more than 13 years of teaching, I still love every minute of it. I especially enjoy teaching babies and watching each child grow in confidence and develop their own love for the water in their own time. Outside of the pool, you’ll usually find me at the beach, out exploring Auckland with my family, or anywhere there’s good food involved! Being part of the HCSS team feels like being part of a family, and I truly love coming to work each day.
Rhoda - Teacher
I’ve always felt at home in the water and love that peaceful feeling the water brings. After many years of swimming, including being a part of my high school swim team, I developed a passion for steaching. Recognising 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, but I also feel privileged being amongst all the wonderful students, knowing that they are learning a valuable life skill to confidently swim on their own and be safe in the water, therefore, my hope is that everyone has the opportunity to learn to swim.
Riley - Coach
Swimming has always had a special place in my heart. I started swimming when I was 6 months old with HCSS, now 16 years later I am coaching here. I love coaching, but most importantly I love knowing that the kids I am teaching are learning the skills they need to be the awesome swimmers they can be. During the time I’ve spent at HCSS, I have not only grown in experience, but gained confidence in my coaching and have built relationships with each and every student. HCSS is like a family to me. I feel privileged to work with all the other talented swim coaches and they have created an environment that feels safe and supportive for me.
