Instructors
Michelle
Owner/Operator
Michelle started teaching swim lessons in her parent’s backyard in 2007 when she was 16 years old and first became a lifeguard and instructor. She always had a passion for teaching since she was a young girl. This business allowed her to combine her two passions together. Her business has grown organically over the past 20 years, proudly serving over 500 students a year in Ancaster and the surrounding areas. It brings her tremendous joy to have supported so many different swimmers in our community to achieve their goals. She works with people of all different backgrounds and ages including those with special needs and those who have been through traumatic experiences involving water. She provides differentiated instruction based on the learner’s needs and past experiences involving water because she believes that every has unique learning needs. Her first goal is building a relationship based on trust in order to help the learner gain confidence in the water.
Kim
Senior Instructor/Operations Assistant
As a professional lifeguard starting in 1980, Kim has seen massive changes in aquatics over the years. Kim has worked for We Swim since 2018 and brings all that she has learned working in Municipal and Non-Profit camp and recreation as a lifeguard, swim instructor, pool operator, first aid provider and lifesaving leadership instructor. With professional and lived experience, Kim brings her passion for first aid and swim instruction to your learning experience. She teaches to the individual needs of each student and employs a variety of strategies to tailor the program to you using the right approach to bring out the very best in each swimmer. Kim specializes in working with people of all ages who are differently-abled or have deep fear of the water. Kim’s teaching motto is “If you’re not laughing, you’re not learning”. Safe, fun, focused sums it up.
Skye
Instructor
With over five years of experience teaching swim lessons, Skye is a passionate and dedicated instructor who works with swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Whether it’s a child just getting comfortable in the water, a nervous first-timer, or a seasoned swimmer looking to improve technique, Skye tailors each lesson to the individual’s needs and learning style. Skye creates a supportive, encouraging, and fun environment that helps swimmers build confidence at their own pace. With a strong background in both private and group lessons, she focuses on attention to detail and believes that every swimmer should leave a lesson feeling more empowered and capable than when they arrived. Skye is especially skilled at working with beginners and those who may have apprehensions about the water, using a mix of play-based learning, confidence-building strategies, and adaptive techniques to ensure progress in a safe and comfortable way. Her goal is always to help each swimmer feel at home in the water and proud of what they can achieve.
Claire
Instructor
Claire has been teaching swimming lessons for over five years. She teaches a wide range of levels, from Preschool 1 through to Bronze programs. Over the years, she has developed a strong passion for teaching and finds joy in helping swimmers of all ages and backgrounds learn new skills and gain confidence in the water. Claire is especially dedicated to building strong, trusting relationships with her swimmers. She creates a positive and supportive learning environment where every child feels seen, encouraged, and capable. She has supported swimmers with diverse needs, including those with special needs and those who may feel anxious or have had challenging experiences in the water. She provides personalized instruction based on each swimmer’s unique needs and experiences, believing that every learner deserves an approach that works for them. Her love of teaching swim lessons has inspired her to pursue a career in education. Claire’s positive attitude, patience, and passion for helping kids grow continue to shape her journey as both a swim instructor and future teacher.
Leah
Leah has been teaching swimming lessons for over 28 years, combining her passion for teaching with her love of the water. She holds a graduate degree in Education and is a certified First Aid and National Lifeguard instructor. Having taught swimmers of all ages and abilities, Leah especially enjoys helping those who face unique challenges, believing every student can succeed with the right support and encouragement. Her teaching philosophy is simple: create a safe, fun environment where swimmers are excited to be in the water. Through play-based learning, engaging challenges, and exploration, she helps students build confidence, develop skills, and discover their own potential. Leah’s goal is for every swimmer to leave each lesson feeling proud of their accomplishments and eager to jump back in the pool. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, creating art, travelling, and listening to country music.
Janielle
Janielle has been in the water since she was a baby. After growing up in swimming lessons, she spent four years as a competitive swimmer before becoming a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. She has been teaching swim lessons for the past three years and has also coached with a competitive swim club. Through these experiences, she has developed a passion for helping swimmers of all ages and abilities build confidence, strong technique, and lifelong water safety skills. As an Early Childhood Education student, Janielle especially enjoys working with preschool-aged swimmers. She believes every child learns differently and takes the time to build trusting relationships with her swimmers so they feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Whether celebrating a swimmer’s first float, helping them overcome a fear of the water, or mastering a new skill, Janielle loves being part of each swimmer’s journey and strives to make every lesson positive, encouraging, and fun.
Caylee
Instructor
Caylee is a certified Lifeguard and Swim Instructor with over three years of experience teaching swimmers of all ages and skill levels. A former competitive swimmer with two years of experience in the sport, she brings a strong technical foundation to every lesson. She loves sharing her knowledge and helping each swimmer build confidence, skill, and comfort in the water. With her patient, positive, and encouraging approach, Caylee creates a welcoming environment where lessons are engaging, enjoyable, and tailored to each swimmer’s progress—whether they’re taking their very first strokes or refining their technique. Her goal is to help every swimmer feel supported, accomplished, and excited to keep learning.
Evie
Instructor
Evie has always loved being in the water and has over three years of experience teaching swim lessons. As a certified lifeguard and swim instructor, she is passionate about helping children build confidence, develop lifelong water safety skills, and discover a love of swimming. She especially enjoys working with younger swimmers and has experience supporting children who are anxious, have special needs, or learn in different ways, adapting her teaching to help every swimmer succeed. Evie believes every child learns at their own pace and strives to create a safe, supportive, and fun environment where swimmers feel comfortable challenging themselves and celebrating every achievement. One of her favourite parts of teaching is seeing a swimmer who was once nervous to get in the water have that exciting moment when everything finally clicks. Watching children accomplish something they couldn’t do at the beginning of a session is what inspires her most. Inspired by her own lifelong love of swimming, Evie is dedicated to helping every swimmer gain confidence and skills they’ll use for life. Outside of the pool, she is a university student who enjoys travelling, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places.