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.
When I am not at the pool I love snow skiing, running, travelling and going to the beach - any adventure in the outdoors really!
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' :)
Pearl - Teacher and Coach
Being provided the incredible opportunity to teach at HC swim school has opened my eyes to a whole new world filled with many learning experiences and beautiful smiles from all the children I am so lucky to teach. HC swim school has allowed me to expand my leadership skills and become more confident when working with others.
I have been swimming with HC Swim School since I was 4 years old and have loved every second spent with this amazing group of coaches. Now 18 years old I can say I am so thankful to HC Swim School for giving me the confidence I now have in the water and allowing me to find a passion in teaching. I now continue to swim when I have the opportunity for recreation and exercise - as well as teaching everyday!
My favorite part of teaching has to be watching the children I work with progress over the course of the term and develop into confident swimmers who love the water. Nothing compares to watching swimmers grow self-assurance and to love a sport they formerly found challenging. Outside of the pool I love spending time outside at the beach, going for walks and I love a good afternoon soaking up the sun and hanging out with my friends and family.
