Welcome to Little Otter Swim - Meet the Team!
Richard Fiddler
Hi, I’m Richard Fiddler, CEO and Founder of Little Otters Swim School!
Water has always been part of who I am. I grew up swimming in my backyard pool, surfing, and spending time in oceans and lakes, some of my best memories are in the water. But those fun memories also came with serious lessons. After experiencing a few near-drowning situations myself, I gained a deep respect for water safety early on.
When my family moved to Menifee in 2019 and we bought a home with a pool, I made it my mission to ensure my son was water-safe from a very young age. That personal commitment sparked something bigger, and led me to start Little Otters Swim School.
Originally, I launched the business for a previous partner. When that partnership ended, I had a moment of reflection and what felt like divine intervention. I knew in my heart that this business was meant to continue, and it became clear that Little Otters had a bigger purpose to fulfill.
Not long after, Christina joined the team as a swim instructor. From the beginning, she was a perfect fit! Her passion for children, water safety, and our shared faith made it obvious this was more than just a job for her. Today, Christina is not only our Head of Swim Operations and Training, but is also leading Little Otters Swim School.
While Christina leads our amazing team of instructors and manages the swim side of the business, I handle everything behind the scenes, like advertising, administration, and operations. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve built several businesses over the years, but nothing has matched the purpose and impact of this one.
I’m so proud to be part of something that gives back to the community, empowers families, and plays a role in saving children’s lives. Thank you for trusting us with your little ones, it’s truly an honor to be part of their journey.
Christina Gabrielle Roy
Swim Instructor | Head of Swim Operations | Advanced PADI Certified | Peak Performance Buoyancy Certified | CPR, AED & First Aid Certified | Associate Degree in Social Science | Early Childhood Education | Water Safety Educator
Hello, my name is Christina Roy. I am a 38-year-old dedicated professional from Murrieta, CA, with a deep-rooted passion for water safety, child education, and child development. My journey into this field was inspired by my personal experiences as a mother of four. I understand how overwhelming and daunting the water can seem when it comes to ensuring our children’s safety. This understanding has driven me to devote my career to helping children and adults alike develop not only the skills necessary to navigate the water but also the confidence to enjoy it fully.
With an Associate’s degree in Social Science, a minor in Early Childhood Education, and certifications in CPR, AED, First Aid, Advanced PADI Diving, and Peak Performance Buoyancy, I offer a distinctive and comprehensive approach to swimming instruction. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, which greatly deepens my understanding of how the human body interacts with water. This ongoing education allows me to integrate a deeper knowledge of natural processes into my teaching, enabling my students to not only learn to swim but also to comprehend the underlying factors that influence their movements and safety in the water.
With over 15 years of experience, I have taught swimming to children of all ages and skill levels. My approach is holistic, focusing on more than just the mechanics of swimming. I emphasize the importance of water safety, teaching children how to respect and understand the water’s dynamics, and ensuring they know how to keep themselves safe. This foundation in water safety is crucial, as it empowers children to approach swimming with confidence and knowledge.
My expertise in advanced diving techniques and buoyancy control, developed through my Advanced PADI Diving License and Peak Performance Buoyancy certification, allows me to bring a higher level of understanding to my lessons. I teach children and adults alike how to control their buoyancy and body positioning in the water, which not only enhances their swimming efficiency but also improves their overall comfort and safety in the water. These skills are especially beneficial for children, as mastering buoyancy early on can lead to faster progress and greater confidence in their swimming abilities.
In addition to water safety and diving techniques, my background in child education and child development plays a pivotal role in my teaching methods. Specializing in listening cues, following instructions, and social interaction, I am adept at creating engaging, fun, and effective learning environments. I use sensory learning techniques tailored to each child’s unique needs, ensuring that they develop not just physically but also cognitively and socially through their swimming lessons. This holistic developmental approach means that children are learning valuable life skills alongside their swimming education.
My specialized focus on working with children with autism and other special needs is another key aspect of my professional expertise. Through tailored swimming lessons and developmental activities, I help improve speech, coordination, social skills, self-esteem, and cognitive processing. The water becomes a therapeutic environment where these children can thrive, building skills that go beyond swimming and translate into their everyday lives.
In addition to my work with children, I also teach adults how to overcome trauma from past experiences and learn to build trust in the water again. Water can be a source of fear and anxiety for many, but through compassionate and supportive instruction, I help adults regain confidence and find joy in swimming. This process is not just about learning to swim; it’s about healing and empowerment, turning the water into a place of peace and enjoyment.
I firmly believe in the power of individualized instruction and the value of building a solid rapport with each student, whether a child or an adult. My teaching approach is grounded in patience, understanding, and a sincere commitment to helping every student succeed. By incorporating sensory learning, social interaction, and a fun atmosphere into my lessons, I ensure that students not only master essential skills but also find joy in the learning process.
Throughout my career, I have made a significant impact on many families in the area. My dedication to improving the lives of children through swimming and developmental education has earned me a reputation as a compassionate and effective instructor. Whether it’s helping a child overcome their fear of water, guiding them through the intricacies of swimming and diving techniques, or aiding in the development of crucial social skills, I am committed to making a positive difference in the community. My work has not only helped individuals learn to swim but has also empowered them to face the water with confidence, knowledge, and joy.
Marleen Gonzalez
Swim Instructor | CPR, AED & First Aid Certified | Child and Adolescent Development Enthusiast | Water Safety and Psychological Well-Being Advocate | Bilingual Communicator
Hello, I’m Marleen Gonzalez. I was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, and moved to California at a young age. Spanish is my first language and English is my second, which allows me to connect easily with diverse families. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at California State University, Fullerton, where I’m focused on understanding how to best support the emotional growth of children, adolescents, and adults. I’m passionate about creating positive, inclusive spaces where individuals can feel safe, supported, and truly understood.
As the oldest of five siblings, I learned early on to lead with care, patience, responsibility, and how to naturally step into the role of a caregiver and role model. These experiences sparked my passion for working with children and shaped the compassionate, understanding approach I bring to every interaction. I’m certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED, and have many years of experience in the water which allows me to create a safe environment for all of our clients. I’m dedicated to the importance of water safety and making sure that all children, adolescents, and adults feel secure.
Throughout my life I have worked with children of all ages, including those with special needs. I strive to welcome every child with open arms, bring a sense of belonging, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and supported in every setting. I believe that swimming lessons go far beyond just learning how to swim. I see it as an opportunity to build a connection with our swimmers and a way to nurture a child’s confidence, emotional resilience, and sense of accomplishment.
As part of the Little Otters team, I can’t wait to create an uplifting, fun, and educational experience for you and your swimmers! I look forward to working with you!
Kathleen Ujueta
Hi! I’m Kathleen Ujueta, and I’m CPR, First Aid, and AED certified. I’ve always loved working with kids of all ages and creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Whether it’s helping little ones get comfortable in the water or encouraging older swimmers to build confidence, I always aim to make each lesson positive and fun.
I’m also a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Diver, which has given me a deeper respect for water safety and awareness. Scuba diving has taught me the importance of staying calm, focused, and confident in the water, skills I love passing on to my swimmers.
People often describe me as friendly, energetic, and easy to connect with. I bring a lot of enthusiasm and patience to everything I do, and I always try to make sure every child feels proud of their progress. At the end of the day, I want every swimmer I work with to feel safe, confident, and proud of themselves, and to walk away with a genuine love for the water that will last a lifetime.