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Meet the Team

  • Meet the team - Jay

    Meet the team - Jay

    Jay is the owner of Puddle Ducks Chester, Wirral & North Wales and brings over 23 years of experience as a swimming teacher. She first qualified in 2002 and took over the swim school in 2017, driven by her lifelong passion for swimming and child-led teaching. As well as running the business, Jay is a Baby & Preschool Teacher and the Head of Teaching for Swim Academy and Elite Swim Academy, ensuring that every swimmer, from the tiniest baby to the most advanced, gets the very best experience in the water.

    For Jay, the most rewarding part of her job is “watching the grown-ups’ faces when their children achieve wonderful skills and milestones in the water… it’s cheesy, but it does make me cry to see the sheer joy and happiness it brings!” She believes that what makes Puddle Ducks truly unique is “the bond that water and having fun together brings, using the specially developed approaches, techniques, and ethos that Puddle Ducks have developed to get the best out of each individual child.”

    Jay’s love for swimming started early—she spent most of her childhood training with Holywell Swimming Club, swimming every day, competing in national galas, and travelling across the UK with her teammates. Now, she shares that passion with her 10-year-old daughter, who also swims daily. “My favourite thing to do is to go swimming with my daughter, whether it be in a lake, river, sea, pool, or hot tub! It is safe to say we are swimming mad, and water truly is our family’s happy place! The only downside is the piles of towels that need to be washed each week—it’s pretty catastrophic, but we manage!”

    Her top advice for parents is: “Let your child learn and make decisions in the water for themselves. Encourage them to be curious, encourage them to ‘have a go’ even if it doesn’t quite work out, and most of all, let them have fun! When we nurture their love for water, that is where the magic takes place and the water becomes their happy place. ‘Happy places’ are where kids relax, learn, achieve, and grow!”

    With her wealth of experience, infectious enthusiasm, and dedication to making every swim a positive experience, Jay is at the heart of Puddle Ducks. She can’t wait to welcome you and your little one into the water and help them discover their own love for swimming!

  • Meet the team - Beth

    Meet the team - Beth

    Beth joined the Puddle Ducks team in 2022, but her Puddle Ducks journey began back in 2016 as a customer. After seeing her own children thrive in the water and continue their swimming journeys with Puddle Ducks, she knew she wanted to be part of the magic. Passionate about spreading the gift of swimming far and wide, Beth finds immense joy in helping little ones and their grown-ups bond while learning vital life skills in a fun and supportive environment.

    For Beth, the magic of Puddle Ducks classes lies in our unique ability to create a safe, welcoming space where families can leave their troubles at the door and focus entirely on each other. “We’re not all in the same boat, but we’re most definitely in the same sea that we call life, and it can get a little choppy out there at times. Puddle Ducks allows us to switch off for half an hour, become fully present, and leave our troubles at the door,” she says. Beth loves witnessing the joy and connection between adults and their little ones, as well as the incredible growth in confidence and skills that unfolds at a pace perfectly suited to each child.

    Outside of teaching, Beth works as a qualified district nurse for the NHS and brings her caring, professional approach to everything she does. She also has a fun talent that often surprises people – she can juggle, even in the pool! Beth’s combination of warmth, expertise, and playfulness makes her a cherished member of the Puddle Ducks team.

  • Meet the team – Bev

    Meet the team – Bev

    Bev is one of our brilliant Baby & Pre-school Teachers and Swim Academy Level 1 & 2 Teachers, who joined the Puddle Ducks Chester, Wirral, and North Wales team in summer 2023. With her warm and energetic approach, Bev has quickly become a cherished member of our teaching family.

    Bev’s inspiration to become a swim teacher came from Donna, her son’s swim teacher. “Donna brought so much joy to my boys and myself every week, and I wanted to do that too. My eldest son, Thomas, currently swims with Kat in Swim Academy Level 3, and my youngest, William, swims with Donna & Helen in Little Dippers. Becoming a Teacher felt like the perfect way to bring that same joy to other families while working around my own.”

    For Bev, the best part of her job is seeing the journey that every child goes through. “Watching their joy and pride when they achieve something is amazing, and seeing the parents’ happiness makes it even more special. We get to be a part of something really unique and rewarding.”

    Her top tip for swimming? “Let them find their feet. Swimming is something children need to choose to do themselves. All we can do is support, motivate, and inspire them on their journey.”

    Bev’s love for the water started early, though it gave her parents plenty of stress! “When I was about 3 or 4, I was a total menace. I loved the water so much that I’d climb out of the baby pool, run across the pool hall, and throw myself into the deep end of the main pool!”

    When she’s not teaching, Bev is a busy mum to her two boys, Thomas (8) and William (3). She loves getting them outside to explore, whether it’s muddy puddles, bike rides, den building, or adventures further afield. “If you ever see me out and about, feel free to say hi!”

    We’re so lucky to have Bev on the team – her enthusiasm and dedication bring so much to every lesson.

  • Meet the team – Paula

    Meet the team – Paula

    Paula is one of our incredible Baby & Pre-school Teachers, bringing over 10 years of experience to the Puddle Ducks Chester, Wirral, and North Wales team. Her journey with Puddle Ducks began when she started poolside assisting after her daughter was born, and she soon realised teaching was the perfect fit for her family life.

    Paula was inspired to become a teacher by her love of working with children and families, combined with the flexibility of a role that fits around her busy life as a mum. Teaching swimming allows her to create special moments for others while balancing her own family commitments.

    When Paula isn’t teaching, she loves travelling and skiing – two of her favourite hobbies. She can also often be found at a roller-skating rink cheering on her daughter, who skates for Team GB, or at a football pitch supporting her twin boys.

    Her favourite part of the job is teaching Kickers, especially when the children master their belly flop splashes. The giggling is always a highlight and brings so much joy to the lessons.

    Her top tip for parents is to relax and enjoy this special time with your little ones. It’s a unique opportunity to bond and create wonderful memories together.

    We’re so lucky to have Paula as part of our Puddle Ducks family – her passion, experience, and energy bring so much to every lesson she teaches.

  • Meet the team - Cerys

    Meet the team - Cerys

    Cerys is a talented and passionate Baby & Pre-School Teacher, Swim Academy Teacher, and Elite Swim Academy Teacher at Puddle Ducks Chester, Wirral, and North Wales. Her role involves teaching children of all ages and abilities, guiding them through their swimming journey, from their very first water experiences to mastering advanced techniques.

    Cerys joined the Puddle Ducks team in March 2024. Her lifelong love for swimming and years as a competitive swimmer inspired her to become a teacher. After retiring from competition, she wanted to stay connected to the water and share her passion with others. Teaching at Puddle Ducks felt like the perfect fit, as it allows her to nurture children’s confidence in the water and inspire their growth.

    Her favourite part of the job is watching children progress through the different levels. Seeing them grow from their first moments of water confidence to achieving advanced swimming skills is incredibly rewarding. Knowing she has played a part in their journey and fostered their love for swimming is what makes her role so fulfilling.

    A fun fact about Cerys is that she won two gold medals at the national level in swimming. Although she has since traded competing for teaching, her experiences in the sport have given her a deep understanding of swimming techniques and a true passion for the water, which she loves sharing with her students.

    When she’s not teaching, Cerys is focused on her studies at university, where she is training to become a primary school teacher. She is passionate about expanding her skills to work with children in various educational settings. Cerys also dedicates time to training, ensuring she stays fit and maintains her connection to the world of swimming.

    We’re so fortunate to have Cerys on the team. Her enthusiasm, expertise, and dedication bring so much to every lesson she teaches.

  • Meet the team - Donna

    Meet the team - Donna

    Donna’s Puddle Ducks journey began in 2012 after experiencing the magic of classes as a mum 18 months earlier. What started as a fun job that fitted around her young family quickly became a passion, and she’s never looked back! Over the years, she’s taught countless little ones the vital life skill of swimming, helping them grow in confidence while creating special memories with their families.

    For Donna, the best part of her job is the people. She loves not only teaching children but also building connections with families, forming friendships that last well beyond the pool. Seeing her swimmers progress and knowing she’s played a part in their journey is what keeps her so dedicated to Puddle Ducks.

    When she’s not in the water, you’ll likely find Donna shopping (a habit she fully embraces), taking her lazy dog for a “walk” (which often turns into a drag), or indulging in some good food and drink. She’s also a keen traveller, always looking for new places to explore, but her heart belongs to Las Vegas – a place that somehow feels like home. With six trips already under her belt, she’s hoping for many more… if she can resist spending all her money on shopping and dining out!

  • Meet the team – Kerrie

    Meet the team – Kerrie

    Kerrie is one of our dedicated Baby & Pre-school Teachers and a Poolside Assistant, who joined the Puddle Ducks Chester, Wirral, and North Wales team in August 2023. Her warm and friendly approach makes her a fantastic addition to our team.

    Kerrie’s journey with Puddle Ducks began when she started taking her daughter to lessons at just six weeks old. Her daughter loved the sessions, and she still attends now at one year old. Kerrie was inspired by the friendly, knowledgeable, and non-judgemental staff, as well as the relaxed yet fun environment during lessons. She found the reasons behind the activities fascinating and knew she wanted to be part of the Puddle Ducks family.

    Her favourite part of the job is seeing customers excel at swimming and overcoming barriers. Watching parents share in their children’s achievements is especially rewarding and adds to the joy of her role.

    Kerrie’s top tip for parents is to have patience. Children learn and develop at their own pace, and no two children are the same. Encouragement is key – supporting them to keep going despite any setbacks is crucial for their growth and confidence.

    Before joining Puddle Ducks, Kerrie worked in a children’s care home with emotional and behavioural difficulties for five years and has a background in health and social care. She is also a former gymnast, which adds to her understanding of movement and physical development.

    When she’s not teaching, Kerrie enjoys reading and is an avid book lover, having read 71 books last year and 83 the year before. She also loves attending classes with her one-year-old and spending time with her family.

    We’re so thrilled to have Kerrie on the team – her experience, passion, and enthusiasm shine through in everything she does.

  • Meet the team - Fleur

    Meet the team - Fleur

    Fleur has been a Puddle Ducks teacher for eight months, bringing her passion for working with young children to the pool every Saturday at Stanley School in Pensby, Wirral. With 30 years of experience as a primary school teacher, her love for teaching and nurturing young minds naturally led her to Puddle Ducks. Becoming a nana to her granddaughter, Gabriella, inspired Fleur to transition to part-time teaching, giving her more time with family while still sharing her enthusiasm for swimming.

    Fleur finds nothing more rewarding than seeing little ones grow in confidence in the water, their faces lighting up as they splash, sing songs, and, of course, enjoy a round of ‘jelly on a plate’! She believes that swimming isn’t just a vital life skill—it’s also a source of joy, adventure, and connection. Whether it’s in a pool, the sea, a lake, or even a puddle, Fleur is always ready for a swim. One of her most exciting experiences was swimming with sharks in Australia, proving that her love for the water knows no bounds!

    When she’s not teaching, Fleur loves to travel—especially to warm destinations with outdoor pools where she can enjoy the water even more. She feels incredibly lucky to be part of each child’s swimming journey and can’t wait to welcome you and your little one to the pool soon!

  • Meet the team - Roshene

    Meet the team - Roshene

    Roshene has been a valued member of the Puddle Ducks team for nine years, but her journey started long before that as a Puddle Ducks parent. Watching her own children enjoy their swimming lessons so much inspired her to join the team, and she’s never looked back! Now, as a Senior Baby & Preschool Teacher, she loves helping little ones develop their confidence in the water, master new skills, and, most importantly, have fun along the way.

    One of the things Roshene loves most about Puddle Ducks is the individual approach within a group lesson. Every child is different, and she believes in letting them learn at their own pace, never forcing an activity but instead supporting them as they grow in confidence. The joy of seeing a child achieve their potential, whether it's their first splash or mastering a new skill, is what makes her role so rewarding.

    Roshene’s love of swimming started young—growing up abroad, her family had a sunken pool in their garden where she spent hours floating, playing, and even keeping watermelons cool for poolside snacks! Whether it was pool parties, Brownie activity days, or high school ‘polar bear’ swims, the water has always been a big part of her life.

    For parents, Roshene’s top tip is to bring a changing mat for little ones to keep them dry after getting dressed, and for older children, an extra towel to lay on in the changing room. And, of course, snacks are best saved for after you leave to avoid mess and allergy risks!

    With her wealth of experience and passion for teaching, Roshene is dedicated to making every lesson a positive and enjoyable experience. She looks forward to welcoming you and your little one to the pool!

  • Meet the team - Heather

    Meet the team - Heather

    Heather’s journey with Puddle Ducks began long before she became a teacher—both of her children started swimming with Puddle Ducks at just six weeks old, and she wouldn’t have taken them anywhere else. As they progressed through Swim Academy, she found herself reminiscing about those precious baby and preschool swimming days, when she was in the water with them, sharing special bonding moments. That nostalgia led her to take the plunge in October 2024 and begin her training to become a Baby & Preschool Teacher—and she hasn’t looked back since!

    Now, as a trainee teacher, Heather loves being in the water, moving around the pool, encouraging and supporting each child on their swimming journey. “Watching their confidence and smiles grow is the best part of my job,” she says. She believes Puddle Ducks is truly special because of its child-led approach, treating each child as an individual and allowing them to learn at their own pace. “There’s a huge amount of training that goes into becoming a Puddle Ducks teacher, and the ongoing learning ensures that classes are always safe, progressive, and, most of all, fun!” She also values the small class sizes and high safety standards, which help create the best possible environment for little ones to thrive in the water.

    Outside of the pool, Heather has a busy life as a Chartered Surveyor in Chester and a full-time mum to her primary school children—and her beloved fur baby, Betty. She makes time to exercise a couple of times a week and, when the weather allows, loves getting out on her motorbike as much as possible.

    Heather feels incredibly lucky to be part of the Puddle Ducks team and is excited to continue her journey, helping little ones develop confidence, skills, and a love for swimming!

  • Meet the team - Helen

    Meet the team - Helen

    Helen has been part of the Puddle Ducks team since 2022, but her journey started much earlier as a Puddle Ducks parent. She fell in love with the programme while bringing her youngest to Baby & Preschool lessons, cherishing the quality one-on-one time they had together in the water. When lockdown restrictions meant parents had to join their children in Swim Academy lessons, Helen found herself loving the experience even more. After ten years as a childminder, she was ready for a new challenge and knew that joining the Puddle Ducks team was the perfect next step.

    Now, as a Baby & Preschool and Swim Academy teacher, Helen loves watching children master new skills and grow in confidence in the water. She is also passionate about creating a space where parents and children can bond, have fun, and make special memories together. “Every child is special and unique, not just another customer. Puddle Ducks teachers really get to know them, support them in the way they need, and celebrate their achievements along the way.”

    When she’s not in the pool, you’ll most likely find Helen exploring the trails of Delamere Forest with her dogs or enjoying some well-earned family time in her caravan. She feels so lucky to be part of each child’s swimming journey and can’t wait to see them flourish in the water!

  • Meet the team - Kat

    Meet the team - Kat

    Kat has been part of the Puddle Ducks team since October 2021, but her journey started as a Puddle Ducks mum. Having seen the impact of the programme first hand, and with a background in competitive swimming, she knew she wanted to be involved. A chance connection through playing hockey with Jay led her to take the leap, and she hasn’t looked back since! Now, as a Swim Academy Teacher (teaching Levels 1-6), Operations Manager, and a trainee Baby & Preschool Teacher, she plays a key role in helping children of all ages develop their confidence and skills in the water.

    For Kat, the most rewarding part of her job is “getting to see swimmers achieve things they didn’t think possible and knowing when I wave goodbye for summer, all my swimmers will be safe on their holidays!” She believes Puddle Ducks is truly special because of its teachers—while they are highly trained, it’s their passion and commitment to each child’s development and welfare that truly sets the programme apart.

    Her top tip for parents? “All kids swim at their own pace and develop in different areas at different times—don’t worry about how long it takes, it’s getting it right that’s important.”

    Swimming has always been a big part of Kat’s life. Some of her fondest childhood memories are of family holidays, splashing around in the pool with her mum and brother, both of whom, like her, swam competitively as children. Now, when she’s not teaching, she spends as much time as possible with her daughter, Sylvia, who’s about to turn five!

  • Meet the team - Ellie

    Ellie joined the Puddle Ducks team in January 2025 and teaches Swim Academy classes at Queen’s School in Chester. With a background in competitive swimming and a lifelong love of the water, becoming a Swim Academy Teacher was the perfect fit for her. She’s passionate about helping children develop their swimming skills and confidence, making every lesson a fun and rewarding experience.

    For Ellie, the best part of the job is “seeing the little swimmers develop! When they reach a new goal or achieve something they’ve been practicing, it fills me with excitement!” She loves that every child’s journey is unique, allowing them to progress at their own pace and gain confidence in the water in a way that works best for them.

    When she’s not in the pool, Ellie is always on the lookout for her next adventure. She loves traveling to find the perfect beach for a surf or exploring mountain trails with her black Labrador, Trudie. Whether in the water or the great outdoors, she’s happiest when she’s active and exploring!

    Ellie can’t wait to welcome you and your little one to Swim Academy and help them on their swimming journey!

  • Meet the team - Michelle

    Meet the team - Michelle

    Michelle has been a part of the Puddle Ducks team for four years, but her journey started long before that as a dedicated swim mum. She first brought her daughter Isabella to lessons at just eight weeks old (now 10!) and instantly knew that if she ever changed careers, this would be the job for her. After lockdown, she took the plunge and became a Baby & Preschool Teacher, combining her love for swimming with her passion for helping little ones grow in confidence.

    For Michelle, the most rewarding part of teaching is “smiles! The joy of when first bubbles are blown, a nervous child jumps in for the first time, or an excited swimmer tells me what they practiced over the holidays. I love it when grandparents come along, beaming with pride from the side of the pool, and when families make Puddle Ducks lessons a real family affair.”

    She believes Puddle Ducks is truly special because every class can be adapted to suit each swimmer’s needs. “There’s no pressure to take part in an activity they’re not ready for—we always find something they will enjoy.” Her advice to parents? “Don’t put pressure on your swimmer. We all want our children to excel, but trust the process—our well-planned programme will get them there.”

    When she’s not in the pool, Michelle is an outdoor enthusiast. Whether it’s beach walks, forest trails in autumn (with wellies on and the kids jumping in muddy puddles!), or paddle boarding with her daughter, she loves making the most of nature. She also plays touch rugby for Hoylake Ladies, keeping active throughout the year with her fantastic teammates.

    Michelle feels incredibly lucky to be part of the Puddle Ducks team and can’t wait to help more little ones build confidence, have fun, and make wonderful memories in the water!

  • Meet the team - Nadya

    Meet the team - Nadya

    Nadya began her journey with Puddle Ducks in July 2023, embracing the incredible opportunity to train as a swimming teacher. What inspired her most was the chance to make a real difference—helping children build confidence in the water while learning essential life skills like perseverance and resilience.

    For Nadya, the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing each child progress, from their first splash to swimming with confidence. “There’s nothing better than watching their excitement before lessons begin—some would happily stay in the water all day!” She loves the tailored approach Puddle Ducks takes, adapting to each child’s needs to ensure they feel supported and encouraged. Creating a fun, positive learning environment where little swimmers can thrive is what makes this role so fulfilling for her.

    A fun fact about Nadya? She didn’t learn to swim until she was 10! She used to be petrified of the water, but now she’s dedicated to helping children overcome their own fears and grow to love swimming. Alongside teaching, she is studying education and aspires to become an educational psychologist in the future.

    Nadya is passionate about making every swimming lesson a fun and positive experience and looks forward to helping her swimmers achieve their goals in the water!


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