Welcome to Little Otter Swim - Meet the Team!
Richard Fiddler
Hi, I’m Richard Fiddler, founder of Little Otters Swim School.
Water has always been a big part of my life. I grew up swimming in my backyard pool, surfing, and spending time in the ocean and lakes. Some of my best memories are in the water but those experiences also taught me an important lesson early on. After a few close calls myself, I developed a deep respect for water safety and how quickly situations can change.
In 2019, my family moved to Menifee and purchased a home with a pool. That’s when things became personal. I made it a priority to ensure my son was confident and safe in the water from a very young age. What started as a commitment to my own family quickly grew into something much bigger and that’s how Little Otters Swim School was born.
Today, Little Otters has grown into a trusted, year-round swim program serving families throughout Menifee and the surrounding areas. We specialize in private, one-on-one swim lessons in a warm, fully enclosed, heated pool environment designed to help children feel comfortable, build confidence, and develop real water safety skills.
While I oversee the business, operations, and growth of Little Otters, my focus has always been on building a program that families can trust. Every instructor is trained with a strong emphasis on safety, structure, and meeting each child where they are at, whether they are just getting comfortable in the water or working toward advanced skills.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve built multiple businesses over the years, but nothing has been more meaningful than this. Little Otters is not just a swim school, it’s something that impacts families, builds confidence in children, and plays a role in preventing accidents.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and grateful for the families who trust us with their children. It’s something I don’t take lightly.
Coach Lennon - Head Swim Instructor
Hi, I’m Coach Lennon! I’m a highly experienced and dedicated swim instructor with a strong passion for teaching children essential water safety and swimming skills.
I am certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED, and have previously held a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification with an ocean-based background, giving me a well-rounded foundation in both pool and open-water instruction.
With over 10 years of experience, I’ve worked with family swim schools, taught as a surf instructor, and provided private, one-on-one swim lessons tailored to each child’s unique needs and learning style.
For me, teaching children to swim is more than just a job, it’s something I truly care about. Swimming is not just about technique, it’s about building confidence, trust, and a lifelong comfort in the water. I focus on creating a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every child feels encouraged to grow at their own pace.
Whether I’m helping a beginner get comfortable putting their face in the water or working with more advanced swimmers on refining their skills, I celebrate every milestone along the way.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect with each student and adapt my teaching style to meet them where they are. Every child learns differently, and I take pride in creating personalized lesson plans that help build confidence, independence, and real progress in the water.
During the summer, I also offer private, in-home swim lessons, traveling to families throughout Menifee and surrounding areas for added convenience.
I look forward to working with your family and helping your child build a strong, confident relationship with the water!
Ms. Hope - Trainer/ Swim Instructor
Hi, I’m Hope! I was born and raised in Southern California, and 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 am certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED, and I hold my American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification. Safety is always my top priority, and I strive to create a supportive, structured, and engaging environment where every swimmer feels comfortable and confident.
With years of hands-on experience working with children through babysitting and youth programs, I bring patience, empathy, and clear communication to every lesson. I’ve worked with swimmers of all ages from infants and toddlers to adults and I specialize in adapting each lesson to meet the individual needs of every student.
I also have experience working with children with special needs, using a calm, inclusive approach that focuses on building trust, reducing fear, and encouraging progress at each child’s own pace.
My background in scuba diving has further strengthened my understanding of water safety, body awareness, and breath control, which allows me to bring a more well-rounded and mindful approach to my instruction.
For me, swimming lessons go beyond just technique. My goal is to help every child feel seen, supported, and empowered while building a lifelong confidence in the water.
I look forward to working with your family and being part of your child’s journey!
Ms. Tatiana - Swim Instructor
Hello! I’m Tatiana Vaughn, and I’m CPR, First Aid, and AED certified. I’ve been working with kids of all ages since I was fifteen, and I truly love creating an environment where they feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. I strive to be someone my swimmers can look forward to seeing, whether that’s as a coach, mentor, or friendly face who brings a positive and upbeat energy to every session.
I’m currently attending Riverside City College, where I’m pursuing my associate degree in Kinesiology with plans to transfer to a Cal State to continue my education. Im a Student Athletic Trainer Aide, which gives me the opportunity to work with collegiate athletes and support them through injuries while being someone they can trust and talk to.
I was a student coach at my former high school’s Girls JV Basketball Team, where I discovered my passion for coaching and helping young athletes grow not only in their skills, but in their confidence as well. I love being the coach my players know they can come to for guidance, support, and encouragement both on and off the court.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Little Otters Team and look forward to bringing a fun, supportive, and energetic atmosphere to every swimmer I work with. My goal is for each child to feel safe, confident, and proud of their progress while developing a lifelong love for the water.