Savannah Vongphit - Aquatic Coordinator
I am excited to start a new path with WETS as the Aquatic Coordinator! Do not worry, I will still be in the pool as your Swim Instructor. I will be your answer to all things WETS related. I will be managing our team of Instructors to provide the best swim program, while supporting our community through drowning prevention.
I have been with WETS for over 5 years, and my favourite thing about teaching is seeing the confidence and growth in children in and around the water! As an Instructor, I have a strong emphasis in paying close attention to details to help your child succeed the WETS ways. Outside the pool, you can find me somewhere outdoors or trying to find the next place to travel and experience!
Callie Martin - Lead Swim Instructor
Hi! My name is Callie. Before WETS, I was a Lifeguard and Aquatic Instructor for the Township of Langley since 2018. I moved to Kelowna to attend UBCO with hopes to become a high school teacher. My favorite part about swimming lessons is seeing the improvements that the kids make, and how proud they are of themselves. I am a very enthusiastic instructor in the hopes of making the kids more confident and increase their love for the water! When I'm not teaching, I love to paint and spend time with my friends and family.
Athena Ginis - Swim Instructor
Hello, my name is Athena. I am a former synchronized swimmer and lifeguard with a passion for all things aquatic. I discovered last fall how much I enjoyed passing on my knowledge to new swimmers, whether it be breaststroke, eggbeater, or a fancy synchro move. My favourite part of lessons is watching my students succeed and grow to love the water as much as I do!
Watch Athena's welcome video: https://youtu.be/TeRZVVxN4lM
Hannah Andreachuk - Swim Instructor
Hi, my name is Hannah! Before I joined the WETS team, I was a lifeguard and a swim instructor in Calgary. I like teaching swimming lessons so I am able to see swimmers improve their strokes and develop a love for swimming as I did. I am a patient and enthusiastic instructor with the hopes of making the kids more confident in the water. When I am not in the pool, I enjoy hiking, skiing and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to swimming with you!
Watch Hannah's welcome video: ://youtu.be/n_U6uTno2xE?si=36xYcCr33sE2xnTv
Mackenzie Church - Swim Instructor
Watch Mackenzie's welcome video: https://youtu.be/yO8Oc6jkeqI
Aurora Halsall - Swim Instructor
Hello, my name is Aurora. I come to the WETS Instructor team with over 6 years of artistic swimming experience, and have enjoyed swimming my whole life. I bring my love for swimming to every class and look forward to teaching you.
Watch Aurora's welcome video:https://youtu.be/_aRH4DeNBl4
Kenny Thyssen
I’ve dedicated my adult life to coaching others, helping them overcome challenges and reach their highest potential. I believe that people learn best when they're having fun, so I always strive to create an environment where we can learn and play. My goal is to ensure that my students not only improve their skills but also enjoy coming back to my swim classes time and time again.
Watch Kenny's welcome video: https://youtu.be/LJ1e3MZn_TQ
Danielle Andrews - Marketing & Partnerships Lead
Danielle is the Marketing Manager for WETS. She has been with WETS for 8 years and manages the communications for WETS, creates the newsletter, manages the social media accounts and creates print and digital media. She also leads partnership and business development opportunities. If you manage a facility that has a pool connect with her at danielle@wets.ca
Danielle is also the Outreach Officer at WeBC, a not for profit that supports women business owners in BC. In her role, Danielle coordinates the WEC Regional Ambassadors and does outreach to partners and other service providers around the province. As a member of the client services team, she connects clients to the resources they need to succeed in business.
Danielle has a business degree from the Okanagan School of Business with a major in Marketing. As former President of JCI Kelowna (Formerly the Kelowna Jaycees), she plays an active role in supporting the community through her volunteerism.
Aira Laxina
Hello my name is Aira! I’m currently a university student at UBCO pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry. I became a lifeguard and swim instructor following my love of swimming. Becoming a swim instructor at WETS has allowed me to teach children how to swim, have fun, and be safe in the water. The best thing about being a swim instructor is seeing the kids improve on their swimming skills and grow confident with their movement in the water! When I’m not studying or teaching, I like to ski, read books, hang out with friends, and watch movies.
Jacey Adams - Swim Instructor
Thank you so much Donna! WETS was one of my favorite places to work and I hope it continues to thrive. It was great to get to know you and the team 😄.
Susie Morel - Human Resources
Being around the water, in the water and watching my Mom and the instructors teach swimming has been a part of my whole life. I love to swim and it is even more fun to help the swim students learn to love the water too! I have been a competitive swimmer for 6 seasons since I was 10 years old, and I now am an assistant competitive swim coach. For 2 summers my uncle sent me to Berkley for a competitive swim camp lead by the USA Olympic swim coach, Teri McKeever. It was great! My other interests are soccer, hanging out with my friends, traveling and computer games.
Isabelle Tran
Hello my name is Isabelle! I grew up taking swimming lessons and competitively swimming. I have been a lifeguard and swimming instructor since 2020! I am a 3rd year biochemistry student at UBCO. My. Favourite thing about teaching swimming lessons is watching my students improve and develop new skills! As an instructor I am very patient and attentive with my students my other interest outside of the pool and studying are painting and baking.
Keana Smart - Swim Instructor
Hello, my name is Keana. Before I joined the WETS team, I was a competitive swimmer for about 13 years. Since I had the love for swimming, I began to get my certification and became an instructor in 2016. I have many certifications in the lifeguarding field, Standard First Aid, Basic Lifesaving and a Community Coach certificate. I enjoy teaching swimming and allowing individuals to have a life skill and have the confidence in water. I am a very enthusiastic and patient instructor in hope of making each individual have more confidence and love for the water. When I am not in the pool, I enjoy doing outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, kayaking, etc. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
Ryder Hagemeister-Swim Instructor
Hello, my name is Ryder Hagemeister. I'm a Certified Swim Instructor at WETS. Through my early years, I developed my swim skills and strokes as a student in the WETS program. I also joined competitive swim programs and continued swimming in my high school swim academy. In 2022, I completed the Across the Lake Swim in Kelowna. WETS personalized training and unique approach developed my confidence in the water. As a result, water sports became a big part of living an active lifestyle. What I love most about teaching swimming lessons as an instructor is helping children become comfortable and confident in the water. I want everyone to feel water safe. The mentorship, the instructor team, the community of parents and students, and the continuing education to develop skills and knowledge make teaching with WETS an exceptional experience.
When I'm not studying or teaching swimming, I enjoy exploring nature with friends, swimming, paddle boarding, snowboarding, biking and reading historical novels.