Meet The Team
Meet the Oxfordshire Team
We are a friendly bunch at Puddle Ducks Oxfordshire and we wanted you to know a little bit more about us and why we do what we do.
Beccy - Franchisee
A Little Bit About Me
I became passionate about baby swimming after taking my eldest daughter, Isabella, to classes when she was four months old. I have always been a keen swimmer and Isabella’s lessons quickly became the highlight of my week. I enjoyed baby swimming classes so much that I decided not to go back to my original HR career and starting teaching baby, toddler and pre-school swimming lessons instead and I can honestly say that I have never looked back!
I thoroughly enjoy seeing little ones in our lessons progress from Floaties all the way through to confident and beautiful swimmers.
Both my girls are still keen swimmers so I can often be found hanging out at a pool for either work, pleasure or supporting swim competitions!
A Few of my favourite things
- Swimming and being close to water (sea, lakes, pools)
- My cats
- Chocolate
Sharon - Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Senior Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
After being made redundant from a management job in an office I decided to have a career rethink. I thought about what I love doing, what I want to get out of working and how to balance work with my young family. I swam with a club when I was young and have always loved the water so I decided that teaching swimming would be the new career for me! I took my own children to various swim schools but when I spoke to Puddle Ducks I knew that they were the perfect fit. I love the Puddle Ducks ethos, the care they have for all of our customers and they are such a friendly and supportive team to be part of.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Playing with my two boys
- Movies
- Netball
Sharon teaches at The Wiltshire and Shrivenham
Keri - Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Senior Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
Hi, I live with my husband, 2 children and chocolate Labrador. I spent most of my time, while growing up in South Africa, in swimming pools so feel quite at home in water.
My 2 children are very keen swimmers so when I am not in the water teaching, I am either at swim training or poolside at a swimming gala.
I love watching little one’s progress through our programmes and having FUN at the same time.
A Few of my favourite things
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Baking with my daughter
- Going on family walks with our dogs
Keri teaches at Northleach, Ascott-Under-Wychwood, Shilton and Lincoln Farm Park
Tash - Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
After having Max I quickly realised I didn’t want to go back to my full time office job. I was looking for swimming lessons for Max and thought that teaching children to swim is something I would love to do. I contacted the Puddle Ducks Oxfordshire office and the rest is history…
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Swimming
- Reading
- Food
Tash teaches at Lechlade and Lincoln Farm Park
Emma - Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have always loved being in the water, spending most of my childhood at the pool as a competitive swimmer. When looking to change my career swim teaching seemed like a good fit for me.
I found a role at a swim school and fell in love with it. Two years later I joined Puddle Ducks looking to expand my knowledge of Baby and Pre-school classes and I am so pleased I made the move. I love my job.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Cooking/baking
- Swimming
- DIY projects
Emma teaches at Lechlade, Shrivenham, Radley College and East Hanney
Cheryl - Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Teacher and Customer Care Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I began my journey becoming a swimming teacher by being a Poolside Assistant at a hydro pool in Yorkshire for Puddle Ducks back in 2018. I fell in love with the Puddle Ducks style of teaching; that after only a short few months I decided to embark on my training. It was the best thing I've ever done. It's the best job in the world!
A Few of my Favourite Things:
- Swimming!
- Animals (my Bulgarian rescue dog Millie and Scrabble the hamster)
- My children, fiancé and my family
Cheryl teaches at Lechlade and Shrivenham
Lynn - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have 3 children of my own who have always enjoyed their swimming lessons.
Once my twins started school I very quickly realised I needed something to keep me busy...I’m not used to being home alone in a quiet house! I knew a few of the Puddle Ducks ladies and made some enquiries and started as a poolside assistant. I really enjoyed watching the lessons and chatting to the mums and little ones and decided to take the plunge and commence my teacher training. I’m so glad I did as I love my job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Spending time with my family
- Tapas......yum!
- Running....it keeps me sane.....almost!
Lynn teaches at East Hanney, Shrivenham and Shilton
Lucy - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I was looking for a position that fitted in with my family life with 2 children better than my previous job. When I stumbled across an advert for a Puddle Ducks swimming teacher I just thought, how perfect, that would be combining my love of swimming, skills of teaching, enjoyment of being with children and more time with my own children – I just had to go for it! Taking the leap of faith into the swimming teacher world is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- My children - a boy and a girl with an 8 year age gap!
- Numbers are my thing - I'm currently studying for a maths degree.
- All things Disney - if I had to pick a favourite movie it would have to be Beauty and the Beast
Lucy teaches at Radley College and St Hugh's
Clair - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
Swimming was the only sport I was any good at when I was younger, probably because I loved it so much. So when my children came along I was adamant that they start swimming as soon as possible.
At the time I had a career in finance and never dreamed I could be the one teaching! However, fate had it all planned out, my husband’s job relocated to Yorkshire and I wanted to find a job that allowed me more time with my children. So I asked the lady who was teaching my daughter at the time whether I would be any good as a poolside assistant, I was a bit shocked when she said “no but I bet you could teach”.
Four years later here I am (after relocating back down south - hubbies job moved again!) still teaching (thanks to Beccy taking me on) and still loving watching my little swimmers grow and change from babies to little people.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- A good book
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A trip to the theatre
-
My crazy but amazing family including Beanie the dog
Theresa - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I always aspired to a career that would provide pride, satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment so this is why I initially decided to teach. Being a primary school teacher enabled me to embrace children’s interests, ideas and nurture young minds. However, becoming a Mum of two beautiful children has enabled me to gain a new ‘hands-on’ perspective and it is through them that I first experienced the Puddle Ducks programme. My children are now both very water confident and spend most of their time underneath the water as opposed to on top of it?! Being a Mum continually provides me with a wealth of invaluable knowledge, skills and understanding which will only enrich the experience of working with babies, children and their parents/carers through those developing invaluable pre-school years!
I am hard working, energetic and enthusiastic and have enjoyed every moment of my development from an established classroom practitioner, to teaching pre-schoolers to ‘Sing and Sign’ and now to becoming a fully-fledged Puddle Ducks teacher! I have found the journey to be challenging but extremely personally rewarding and I can’t wait to see where my Puddle Ducks journey will take me next..!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- My children/family;
- My 13 year old Shih-tzu dog ‘Flipflop!’
- The ocean/beach.
Theresa teaches at Domer House, Standlake
Vicky - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have always had a love for swimming from a young age as was in Highworth swimming club when I was at school. I had the pleasure of being able to teach my niece and nephew to swim from 6 months old and always had a passion to teach others about water safety as its such a important skill to learn. After having my son in 2020, I found a part of me missing and wanted to fill this something I could give back to others. I've always been interested in teaching babies and pre-school children to swim. So I got in touch with Beccy from Oxfordshire Puddle Ducks and with her advice and guidance I am doing what I love!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- I enjoy spending time with my 2.5 year old at the weekends and holidays
- I love chocolate
- Love to sing Puddle Duck songs out loud in the car
Vicky teaches at Radley College and St Hugh's
Rhiannon - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
From an early age I always wanted to work with children so I focused my studies toward this and at the age of 17 starting working in a nursery and completed my level 3 in childcare, I worked with the babies and toddlers mainly before starting my degree in early years and moved nurseries so I would managed a pre-school room, from there we expanded the setting and myself and the pre-school children moved and formed our own pre-school separate from the nursery. I managed the new setting which looked after children from 2- 12 years, with a breakfast and afterschool club. I loved my pre-school but it was time to start thinking about building my own family. So I stepped away from childcare to have my own children.
I had my first little girl in 2018 and 15 months later we had our second little girl. I wanted to still work with children, but nurseries was not for me any more. I have always loved swimming and wanted the girls to be confident in the water. After a swimming lesson search I found Puddle Ducks and feel in love. An opportunity came to join the team and the more I looked into the company the more I wanted to join and start my new adventure.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Sleeping
- Spending time with my family and friends
- Food
Rhiannon teaches at Shrivenham and Lechlade
Vicky B - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have 2 children; a 7 year old daughter and 3 year old son. They both love to be in the water.
My first experience of Puddle Ducks was in 2017 when my daughter started swimming at 6 weeks old. It was our favourite time of the week.
When a Poolside Assistant position came up a year later I applied and joined the Oxfordshire team, and loved it! It is great watching little ones on their swimming journey.
I took some time away when I had my son, and then re-joined recently and began training to teach with Puddle Ducks. I am so pleased to now be part of the teaching team and can't wait to help lots of little ones to learn an important life skill.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Cold lasagne
- Tea and biscuits
- Anything outdoors, whatever the weather!
Vicky B Teachers at Shrvenham
Paula - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have always loved working with children and when the chance came up to work for Puddle Ducks Oxfordshire I jumped at the chance. I love helping little ones on their swimming journey learning an essential life skill.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Coffee
- Sunshine
- Family time
Paula teaches at Swindon Everlast
Gena - Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have extensive experience of working with children in a variety of roles including a secondary school teacher, pre-school and primary roles and as a swim and gym instructor.
My love of working with children and swimming led me to Puddle Ducks whose high standards of training create a strong team of teachers with a passion for what they do.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Exercise of all kinds
- Dark chocolate
- My family - including my swimming loving husband, 3 super speedy swim children, Ember the dog and Fred the cat (the pets are less keen on swimming!)
Gena teaches at Oxford Thames Hotel
Steph - Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I’d been going to Puddle Ducks lessons with my children for a couple of years so when I saw they were hiring locally for a Poolside Assistant I knew I’d enjoy it.
I love watching the lessons poolside, it’s been so cool to see the confidence grow with little ones and their grownups alike.
A Few of my Favourite Things
-
I love being at the allotment
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Cosying with the kids and a film, or bingeing TV shows
- The Lakes
Steph teaches at Lechlade
Jess - Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have been swimming since I was 3 months old and have always loved it. I’ve been swimming competitively since the age of 8 and have since qualified for English nationals. My love for swimming and watching others teach when I was a lifeguard made me realise that I would love to teach other people how to swim as I think that it is such a fun and rewarding job.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Swimming
-
Music
-
Shopping
Jess teaches at Lechlade
Izzy - Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I fell in love with swimming from a very early age and went to Puddle Ducks lessons. I have continued to swim since then. I love all sports and currently swim competitively, play handball and also dive amongst any other sports I can fit in! I am taking my GCSEs at the moment whilst working as a Poolside Assistant.
A Few of my Favourite Things
-
Playing sports
-
Spending time with my family and pets
-
Spending time in the sun
Izzy covers all pools
Seren - Swim Academy Teacher and Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I was in a swimming pool at 6 months old and have loved the water ever since. I completed my rookie lifeguard qualification whilst still at primary school! I became a Poolside Assistant watching and supporting the children to enjoy the water just like I did and am delighted to be teaching one year later.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Watching netflix
-
Paddle boarding
-
CrossFit
Seren Teaches at Shrivenham and is also a Poolside Assistant at Shrivenham
Ali - Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
After working in a pre-school for 12 years I wanted a change in career but still term time to fit in with my home life. I saw the advert for a Poolside Assistant and was interested to find out more. I’m so pleased Beccy took me on as I love my job!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- My children
- Gym and training
- Going to the beach
Ali is Poolside Assistant at Lechlade
Aimee - Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I am a mum of two boys who have both swam with Puddle Ducks from a young age. I have been a hairdresser for years and wanted a bit of a change, so when the opportunity came up to work for Puddle Ducks I jumped at the chance, and I am really enjoying meeting all of the lovely customers each week at Northleach and Ascott-Under-Wychwood.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Playing with my boys
-
Walking my dog
-
Spending time with my family
Aimee is Poolside Assistant at Northleach and Ascott-Under-Wychwood
Dawn - Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I had been working in the same job as a site supervisor for 11 years which I really enjoyed doing but scrolling through Facebook one day I came across an ad for a Poolside Assistant for Puddle Ducks, and I just knew I would love to do that. It's great watching the lessons, chatting to all the parents and watching the babies and children in the water learning and having fun. I am really enjoying the change in job roles and am so pleased it did it.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Holidays
-
Walking my dog
-
Spending time with my family
Dawn is Poolside Assistant at Dormer House and East Hanney
Poppy - Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I have been swimming since I was 3 years old and I have always loved it. As soon as I heard about Puddle Ducks I knew that being part of the team was something I wanted to do. I love being a Poolside Assistant and seeing everyone getting involved in helping the babies and children learn to swim and having fun. I am planning on studying childcare next year and I think working with Puddle Ducks will really help me in the future.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Summer
-
Music
-
Spending time with my family and friends
Poppy is Poolside Assistant at Lechlade
Skye - Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I love water and love being around children so when I heard about the Poolside Assistant role I thought it would be perfect for me. It works perfectly around my other commitments and I love getting to see the children progress each week.
A Few of my Favourite Things
-
Chocolate
- My friends
-
Holidays
Skye is Poolside Assistant at Lechlade
Evie - Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
My mum has taught for Puddle Ducks for years and loves her job so when she told me about the Poolside Assistant role I really wanted to join her and help customers with their experiences.
A Few of my Favourite Things
-
My family and friends
- Swimming
-
Holidays
Evie is Poolside Assistant at Lechlade
Millie - Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I wanted to work for Puddle Ducks because I went to Puddle Ducks myself when I was little (I started lessons when I was 7 weeks old) and now swim competitively now. I feel completely at home in a swimming pool!
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Swimming
-
Drama and singing
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West End Shows
Millie covers at various different pools
Aimee - Customer Service Manager, Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Taking my little boy swimming
- Singing in my band
- The beach even when it is freezing
Aimee teaches at Shrivenham
Laura - Marketing Manager
A Little Bit About Me
After having my second child going back to working full time in the marketing world just didn't appeal to me. Having spent 20 years working in marketing agency's in London I wanted a job which I could do around my children. Puddle Ducks is perfect for that, it enables me to use all my marketing skills whilst also being able to spend plenty of time with my children.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Spending time with my children and family
- Anything Disney
- Chocolate
Kathryn - Customer Care Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
After a career in financial services and then being a stay at home mum to three lovely boys, Puddle Ducks was the perfect role to fit in with busy family life! I love to run and go on long walks and as a family we enjoy holidays and camping trips together. I loved Puddle Ducks lessons as a new mum. I adored seeing my babies joy and freedom of being in the water, gaining confidence and of course hearing lots of baby giggles!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Long walks and being outdoors
- Cream teas
- Toasting marshmallows on a campfire
Nicky - Customer Care Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
After recently becoming a mum to my little girl Maddie, I soon realised that I no longer wanted to return to my job as a full time Nursery manager and began to look for a career change. When I saw that Puddle Ducks were looking for someone to join their office team, I instantly knew it would be an interesting and exciting new role for me, that would work perfectly around my family and still allow me to work with children and their families in which I am very passionate about. I am also really excited for Maddie to be a part of Puddle Ducks and begin her swimming journey!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Exploring the outdoors (with my dog Ted)
- Horse riding
- Spending time with family and friends