S.W.A.M. Ottawa Executive Team

Camille N.

Camille has been volunteering with S.W.A.M. Ottawa since 2019, first as a volunteer instructor and then as a member of the executive team. Her passion for teaching began in 2016 when she started working for the City of Ottawa as a Lifeguard and Instructor. She previously helped to develop a program called AquaFriends at Lowertown Pool, offering free swimming lessons for neurodiverse youth. She also worked as a Water Safety Instructor Trainer with the Red Cross, expanding to training the next generation of swimming teachers. ​Camille is finishing her degree in Psychology at the University of Ottawa and plans to one day become a Special Education Teacher. 

Anna B.

Anna has been a member of the S.W.A.M. executive team since 2023. She has worked as a lifeguard and aquatics instructor since 2019 and specializes in providing aqua-therapy classes for people with special needs and chronic pain. She is currently finishing her Honours degree in Health Science in the French Immersion stream. 

​

Anna has a lot of experience in instructor training, advanced aquatic programs, and swimming lesson management. She is ecstatic about the growth S.W.A.M. Ottawa has undergone since Fall 2023 and can't wait to work on our big goals!

Gabby T.

Gabby's been involved with SWAM since the program restarted post-COVID in the fall of 2023. She's held different positions, like instructor and VP Social for the Winter 2024 session, and has proven to be a great and adaptable leader. With her background as a student in Health Science at uOttawa and tons of experience as a volunteer with the iCan Bike Camp, Sudbury Therapeutic Riding Program, and as a preschool educator, Gabby is stoked to apply her knowledge to help SWAM keep growing and thriving!

Amy L.

Amy has been a dedicated volunteer with SWAM since the program resumed in the fall of 2023. She has also worked with the Health Promotion team at uOttawa and been an instructor with S.W.A.M. She has exceptional team management and leadership skills. Amy is currently finishing her Honours degree in Health Sciences at uOttawa. 

Gemma R.

I started volunteering with SWAM as an instructor, now I am a head instructor and I am exited for the upcoming year with this organization. Gemma has extensive experience in aquatic instruction and is very strong at adapting lessons to individual needs. Gemma is currently a Multidisciplinary Design student in the Faculty of Engineering at uOttawa.

Paige R.

This is Paige’s first year joining SWAM but she has been working in aquatics as both a lifeguard and instructor since 2020. She is very experienced in aquafit, advanced aquatic programs, and instructor training. Paige is a nursing student at uOttawa and is so excited for the year ahead!

Coleen K.

Coleen has been a member of the S.W.A.M. executive team since 2024.  She has previously lead fundraisers for UNICEF and worked as a medical intern. She is currently a Biomedical Science student at uOttawa.

Tomi O.

Tomi has been a S.W.A.M. instructors since 2023 and joined the executive team in 2024. She has excellent leadership experience and is a great instructor. She is currently enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce program at uOttawa.

Maya W.

Maya is joining S.W.A.M. for the first time in 2024. For many year she has been a member and executive with Best Buddies which is a club that connects university students with adults in the community with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. She also has ample experience working with kids as a dance instructor and camp counsellor. She is so excited to be joining the SWAM team this year and can’t wait to work with everyone to continue the great work SWAM Ottawa has been doing.

Grant C.

Born and raised in Toronto, I am currently in my 4th year at the University of Ottawa, pursuing a degree in finance. I grew up playing various sports, with a particular passion for hockey. I was previously involved with Heroes Hockey, focusing on teaching kids how to play hockey while instilling the values of listening, respect, discipline, and having fun.

Recently, I have shifted my focus to swimming, recognizing it as a vital skill not accessible to everyone. As a business owner and founder of Hoops Ottawa, I bring a wealth of experience to the S.W.A.M. team, aiming to help achieve our mission of providing swimming lessons for all.

Courtney M.

   I am a late-diagnosed AuDHDer [autistic ADHD] who, like many others, received my diagnosis after my oldest child was diagnosed with autism. I have three wonderful autistic daughters with varying support needs, which has deepened my understanding of the diverse needs, supports, and services available to people with disabilities in Ontario.

   I hold a Developmental Service Worker Diploma from Algonquin College and have experience as an educational assistant, as well as supporting adults with dual diagnoses and complex needs. Currently, I am in my fourth year of my Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology at Carleton University.

   My goal with S.W.A.M. Ottawa is to create an inclusive, neuro-affirming environment and remove barriers to ensure that participants are supported and can reach their full potential while having fun in their lessons