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.
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.
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!