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—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 | Co-Owner | 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.
Caprisse Van Camp
Freediving Enthusiast | Swim Instructor | Child Development & Safety Specialist
Hello, my name is Caprisse Van Camp. As the middle child of five, I was raised in and around water my whole life. That constant connection to the ocean sparked a lifelong love of the water and eventually led me to free-diving, a challenging yet deeply rewarding sport that continues to inspire my respect for the ocean and passion for aquatic safety and education. Combined with my knowledge of child development and child safety, this foundation has shaped my unique, compassionate approach as a swim instructor.
Certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED, I bring a vigilant, nurturing presence to every lesson. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment where every swimmer, especially children, feels empowered to build skills, confidence, and a love for the water.
With a bubbly personality and years of hands-on experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with swimmers of all ages, from infants and toddlers taking their very first splash to teens and adults refining their technique. I specialize in helping children develop both their swimming abilities and their self-esteem. My knowledge of child development allows me to meet children where they are emotionally and cognitively, using age-appropriate techniques to build trust, reduce anxiety, and create positive associations with the water.
I believe trust is the foundation of every successful swim lesson. I take time to connect with each student through calm, consistent communication and gentle encouragement, helping them feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. This relationship-based approach helps children overcome fear, gain confidence, and find true enjoyment in the water.
Water safety is at the heart of everything I teach. Whether I’m introducing essential survival skills or reinforcing safe habits around pools and open water, I strive to give each swimmer the tools they need to enjoy aquatic environments responsibly and confidently.
Whether your child is dipping their toes in for the first time or advancing their skills, I’m here to guide them, safely, patiently, and joyfully, every stroke of the way.
Hope Pollock
Swim Instructor | Scuba Diver | Water Safety Advocate | Early Childhood Development Enthusiast
Hello, I’m Hope Pollock, born and raised in Southern California, I’ve been surrounded by water my entire life, from backyard pools and surf camps to scuba diving and beach days. These experiences gave me not only a deep love for the water, but also a strong understanding of its risks, especially when it comes to children.
I’m certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED, and I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for every swimmer. My goal is to help children develop a healthy, confident relationship with the water that lasts a lifetime.
With years of hands-on experience working with children through both babysitting and youth programs, I bring patience, empathy, and clear communication to every lesson. I’ve taught swimmers of all ages, from infants and toddlers to adults and I specialize in adapting my instruction to meet the individual needs of each learner. I also have experience working with children with special needs, using a calm, inclusive approach that builds trust and encourages growth.
My experience with scuba diving has further deepened my respect for water safety and body awareness, enhancing the knowledge and techniques I bring to the pool. It’s helped shape a well-rounded and mindful approach to teaching swimming at all levels.
For me, swimming lessons go beyond technique. I strive to offer encouragement, emotional support, and individualized attention, ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and empowered as they grow in both skill and confidence.
I look forward to working with your family and helping your child build a safe, joyful, and lasting connection with the water.
Ivy Osborn
Swim Instructor | Child Development & Safety Specialist | Emotional Wellness Advocate
Hello, my name is Ivy Osborn. I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and moved to Southern California in the summer of 2021. I graduated a semester early from Mission Vista Academy in December 2024.
I’ve had a love for working with children for as long as I can remember, and I feel incredibly grateful to be combining that passion with my love for the water. With over six years of experience babysitting for a variety of families and more than eight years in children’s ministry, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to connect with young learners, help them feel safe, and guide them with patience and encouragement.
My background includes time on the YMCA swim team and a lifelong connection to the water. Now, as a certified swim instructor (First Aid, CPR, and AED), I’m thrilled to bring that experience into every lesson I teach. I specialize in working with infants, toddlers, and young children, creating a calm, emotionally supportive environment where each swimmer can grow in both skill and confidence. Whether helping children overcome fear, develop safety awareness, or master new techniques, I tailor every lesson to meet their unique needs and pace.
I’m so excited to work with you and your children, and to help them build a safe, joyful, and empowering relationship with the water.