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MEET OUR INCREDIBLE AQUA INSTRUCTORS!
Kai: When I am not in the lab mixing chemicals or writing reports, I enjoy running and hiking. I love teaching many of the leadership courses! But after, I enjoy curling up with a cup of tea and a good book.
Lauren: Hi I am Lauren! Outside of school, my time is spent doing all things arts and outdoors! Singing, acting, playing guitar, writing, hiking…My happy place is time spent either with people, in the water, or with my puppy (bonus points if its all three at once!). I am always thrilled to meet new faces, so don’t hesitate to come and say hi!
Jason: Nurse by day, swim instructor by other day. Catch me at the gym or training outside for the next marathon!
Kristiana: I love dogs! I foster for K9 advocates MB and am planning to dedicate my career to animals as a Veterinarian. If am not learning about animals or fostering them, you can catch me balancing my chakras! I LOVE meditation and anything to do with self-healing and growth.
Jevian: Hi everyone! I work as a Resource Teacher in the WPG School Division. I've worked teaching swimming, first aid, babysitting, and lifesaving for 15 years. I'm passionate about supporting swimmers of all abilities in having fun in the water. I like playing volleyball, biking, doing yoga, drinking coffee, and hanging with my cat, Clementine.
Aliya: Hi I’m Aliya and people think I am a bad dancer, but I would just describe myself as nerdy, goofy, and adventurous! With dance, but with everything in my life too. I’ll never put down a good book, and I love exploring the great outdoors. Can’t wait to meet you and show you the magic of swimming!
Adriana: I started teaching at Aqua Essence in 2013. I am a student at the University of Manitoba. In my spare time, I like to play guitar and spend time with family and friends.
Hope: In the summer, you can find me either relaxing at the beach or beside a pool. During my spare time I am an avid curler, baker, and board game enthusiast. I HOPE my love for the water passes onto each of my students (get it?).
Julia: I'm Julia and I love my time in the pool. I have been doing synchronized swimming for 7 years! When I am not in the pool, you can find me hanging with my golden retriever, enjoying the outdoors, and probably wearing pink while doing so!
Rosie: Hi I’m Rosie and my best friend’s name is Norman. He also happens to be my dog. My swimmers come in close second though! I love making people laugh, hanging out with my friends, spending the summers at camp, and of course, swimming!
Piper: I’ve been in swimming lessons since I was 6 months old, and I am so lucky that I now get to share my love of the water! I am also passionate about dance and everything to do with Broadway. If I’m not by the pool you’ll find me with a book in hand. I am excited to meet our new swimmers!
Grace: I grew up swimming at my cabin and backyard pool. I’ve always loved the water so much so that I became a camp counsellor at a sleep away camp! When I’m not studying, or teaching swim lessons, you can find me rowing on the Red River. A fun fact about me is that I went to Canada Summer Games for rowing in 2022!
Kamea: Hi everyone! I’m Kamea. Looking at me, you’d probably think that I’m just a regular person who loves playing and coaching water polo, and driving my race car…but to let you in on a little secret…I’m actually a mermaid…a certified mermaid.
Gregory: Hi! I’m Gregory but others call me GMH. When I’m not in the pool, I am making music and rocking out. Some like to surf waves, but I like to surf crowds. I want to build confidence in all of my swimmers so they are set up to swim for real life situations. See you at the pool!
Tiana: When I’m not at school, I’m probably in the pool. I love competitive and leisure swimming so much that I’m surprised I haven’t grown gills yet! I’m also passionate about people, reading, and enjoying time at the lake during the summer.
Aidan: Swimming has always been a huge part of my life! I’ve basically grown up in a pool and love the competitive swimming and water polo scene! When I’m not in the pool you can catch me on the court playing basketball and enjoying time outdoors. I love creating awesome experiences with everyone I meet and having great times in and out of the pool!
Eden: I love to swim, but outside of the pool you can find me on the basketball court or riding my bike. Usually speaking English, but depending on the day it could also be Russian, Hebrew, or French too. Can’t wait to hop in the pool with you!
Mimi: Hey everyone! In my swimming classes, there will be no shortage of purposeful fun! I love to bring the energy to everything I do whether it be swimming, painting, playing the piano, or going on an adventure! I love helping people, and I can do so in 4 different languages: English, French, Arabic, and even a little bit of Spanish! Cannot wait to see you at the pool.
Peter: I’ve always enjoyed teaching swimming lessons and helping others become more confident in the water! Outside of teaching, I enjoy going to the gym, handing out with friends, and believe it or not…studying!
Evan: Hi! I’m Evan! After growing up out at the lake, swimming and water sports have become something near and dear to my heart. When I’m not in the water, I’ll be playing guitar or trying to find new music to discover! I also have a love for comedy, art, writing, and all other creative endeavours. I’m always up for a challenge and strive to try new things, in or out of the pool!
Emily H: Hi! I love teaching swimming, diving, and trying out new water slides! Outside of the pool, I am usually hanging out with my sister and 3 cats! I love animals. I cannot wait to hear about your favourites!
Keely: When I’m not at school or working, I’m definitely playing a sport. I have grown up playing many different ones, but through the years I found that my real passions are hockey and soccer! Besides that, you’ll probably find me hanging out with my friends or working out!
Téa: My name’s Téa (yes, there is an accent). You can usually find me in the water whether it is competitive swimming or leisure swimming. OR you can find me on my couch playing video games. I love all things theatre and I love helping people. I can cross my eyes while keeping one straight!
Noah: I live and breathe sports. Whether it’s playing hockey, baseball, golf, or shooting a curling rock with my friends. When there are no sports to be played or watched, I am going to school, playing my violin or saxophone and spending time with my dog.
Liam: I work hard and play hard! I love badminton, soccer, and teaching swimming. My pet cat, dog, lizard, and snake always cheer me on, giving me the confidence to be the best I can be! Cannot wait to jump in the pool with you.
Jayden: An enthusiast of all kids. If they like it, so do I. In the pool you will hear a cheerleader before you see the swim teacher. I am the oldest of 4, so I know how to bring the fun and engage the younger ones!
Martina: I love teaching swimming and seeing all of your faces at the facility! When I am not at the pool, I love to travel. I am also pursuing engineering at the University of Manitoba and I love it.
Sophie: I am so excited to be back teaching swimming lessons after taking a break to work at St. Amant! Outside of the pool, you can find me at the rink playing ringette, out with my friends and family, or at University studying Science and Education!
Andrea: Swimming is one of my favourite things to do! Whether it’s teaching or synchro, I love being in the pool! When I am not in the pool, I love hanging out with my friends and my dogs, Calvin and Toffee.
Chayse: Hi, I’m Chayse! I love playing different sports, but one of my favourites is swimming! When I was younger, I actually failed level 5, 5 times, but that did not stop me from pushing myself through my levels! I love being a teacher. A fun fact about me is that my favourite animal is a hippo. See you at the pool :)
Olivia: Hey, I’m Olivia a.k.a the biggest book worm! I love to read. When I am not reading, you can find me baking or hanging out with my dogs, Lola and Bella! Look forward to seeing you at the pool. Come say hi!
Ethan: Hi! When I’m not at the pool I love being with my friends, playing guitar and being outside. I love being in the water and teaching kids swimming as an important life skill!
Sydney: Sydney here! I am a lover of all things outdoors and camping! I am an education student teaching swimming by work day, but by summer weekend, you can find me in the back lakes or on a hiking trip. Cannot wait to see you at the pool :)
Maddy: Hi, I am Maddy! I love swimming and teaching. My favourite swim is whip kick! When I am not at the pool, I love my self-care Sundays.
Edie: I’ve loved swimming since I was young! A fun fact about me is that I have been crocheting since I was 8 years old. I also enjoy hanging out with my dog named Chili!
Emma: Hey I’m Emma and I work at the front desk at Aqua! If you come say hello, you can say it in English or Spanish and we can have a nice chat. When I am not working, I love to travel! I have been to many countries. However, I couldn’t travel forever because I would miss my dog, Odi too much. She is my best friend.
Stephen: Hi, I'm Stephen and I've been swimming with Aqua for a long time and it's my favourite thing to do. I love being int he water! My favourite part about teaching is seeing my swimmers apply corrections to their swims, and watching the progress! These moments are why I keep teaching.
Soleil:
OUR LEAD TEAM
Rishona Hyman (Head Fish)
Hi Everyone! It’s me, Rishona! My favourite thing to do at Aqua Essence is teaching swimming lessons. I’ve been teaching since 1995 and started Aqua in 2002! What you might not know about me is that I’ve dabbled in synchronized swimming, played on the provincial water polo team, and have worked as a lifeguard internationally. When I am not making magic happen, I am pondering my next business venture! Outside of Aqualand, I enjoy playing mahjong, tennis, golf, socializing, being a mom, and I’m convinced that I’d be a good curler (even though I’ve never tried it). See you at the pool!
Phone: (204) 275-AQUA | E-mail: rishona@aquaessence.ca
Sari
Hi! I joined Aqua Essence Swim Academy in 2003, as the first swimming instructor Rishona ever hired. I taught swimming throughout all of High School and University. I re-joined Aqua Essence full-time in 2012, as the Human Resources Lead/Office Manager. I’m passionate about swimming, water safety and ensuring Aqua Essence has the best team of instructors and staff! Outside of work, you can find me enjoying a Zumba class or going for walks.
Phone: (204) 275-AQUA | E-mail: office@aquaessence.ca
Julia
Hey everyone! I started working for Aqua Essence as a swimming teacher in 2013. I taught many families until I finished my Bachelor of Commerce from the Asper School of Business. I love my new role on Team Aqua as the head of all things Marketing & Branding, and helping Aqua grow! Other than marketing, you can find me performing, writing music, working out, enjoying nature, and jamming out in the car to Broadway tunes, anywhere I go!
Phone: (204) 275-AQUA | E-mail: julia@aquaessence.ca
Mitchell
Hi! I have been with Aqua Essence since 2013, and in a management role since 2017. I love teaching Aqua’s leadership programs. I have a deep love for music, playing guitar and singing! I graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2017 with a B.A.
Phone: (204) 275-AQUA | E-mail: mitchell@aquaessence.ca
Cristina
Hi, everyone! If you are wondering who keeps all of the books? It's me! I started my own bookkeeping business in 2005 and have been the bookkeeper for Aqua Essence since 2010. Speaking of books- I love reading outside in the summer. In the winter, I enjoy travelling to warm destinations and making puzzles. I have 4 children that have all completed lessons through Aqua. One has even joined the team! I look forward to seeing you around!
Phone: (204) 275-AQUA | E-mail: office@aquaessence.ca
Shonell
Hi, I'm Shonell. I am here to set you up with all of the leadership courses that Aqua has to offer! I am deeply passionate about water safety education. When I'm around water, I also really enjoy fishing and being outdoors. Outside of work, you can find me camping, hunting, or working out. I also play the Organ and French Horn. Can't wait to meet you!
Phone: (204) 275-AQUA | E-mail: office@aquaessence.ca
Emily G
I have been working for Aqua Essence since I was 18 years old as a swimming instructor and I am so grateful for all the amazing years. I also am helping to maintain the Ready, Set, Swim! curriculum and AquaDemics. All things education as I have completed an Education degree from the University of Winnipeg! I love to read, paint, and sing really loud in my car when no one else is around
Phone: (204) 275-AQUA | E-mail: julia@aquaessence.ca
Lisa
After a long teaching/coaching career, I am excited to be a part of the Aqua Team. I am the School and Safety Courses Account Manager and Operations Manager. When not working, get me outside! I love spending time golfing, skiing, or anything outdoors. I also enjoy time at the gym. Life is good. Get out there!
Phone: (204) 275-AQUA | E-mail: office@aquaessence.ca
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