Meet the Team

Hannah Powner
Hannah PownerDirector & Head Swimming Teacher
My love for swimming started at a very early age of just 3 years old. At the age of 11, I joined the City of Coventry Swimming Club and from 14 started assisting with the Reception Achievers group within the club. I soon took on my first coaching squad at the age of 17 after qualifying as an Aquatic Swimming Teacher and gained my first teaching role for a local swim school, where I dedicated my time and passion to teaching babies through to adults from July 2011 to January 2018.

I have always shown great passion and dedication to all of my swimmers, so much so that in March 2018 I followed my dream of setting up my very own swim school. I am now very proud to be able to say that we have a team of 15 dedicated, loyal and fully qualified swimming teachers, 6 of which I myself coached during their time at the City of Coventry Swimming Club.

We have so many opportunities for all ages & abilities within our swim school, ensuring that we offer a wide variety of sessions day in day out. My vision for H2O is to build a family unit, ensuring each swimmer that joins us will enjoy and share their experience with others, enhance their abilities, grow as individuals and understand the importance of a life skill. I understand this now more than ever as I have started my own family, with little Grace who is currently 1 & our new addition joining us in August 2021. This means that I have taken a step back from teaching for the meantime, but it has given me great opportunities to watch our teachers working hard delivering all sessions & seeing all of our swimmers progressing well since returning from our most recent lockdown closure in April 2021.

ASA Level 1 & 2 Teaching
Aquatics
STA Membership/Insurance
STA Level 2 Award in Safety Award for Teachers
STA Level 2 Award in Aquatic Teaching – Baby & Pre-School
Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
Junior Lifeguard, Diving, Start & Turns
Antenatal Swimming
Synchronised Swimming
Aquatic Tutor (In Progress)
QNUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)
STA People with Disabilities Award

I would like to thank you personally for visiting our website and very much look forward to the opportunity of meeting you soon. Please scroll down and meet the rest of my team.

Ellie Tranter
Ellie TranterSwimming Teacher
I have been working for H2O since 2018. From a young age I found a passion in swimming, when realising my success, I began to grow a love for the sport. From then I joined the City of Coventry Swimming Club where I swam for 10 years, throughout this time I competed at a regional and national level.
As I grew successful within the sport, I realised I could pass on my success through teaching individuals to swim. To do so I completed my ASA Level 1 & 2 Swimming Teachers qualification. I have now been a teacher for 6 years and still look forward to helping others grow.

I also hold my ASA Level 1 Swimming Coach qualification. Through this experience I was able to become Assistant Head Coach at a competitive swimming club known as Southam Swimming Club.

I recently finished my final year of studying at Coventry University where I achieved an upper second-class BA (Hons) in Event Management. I am now pursuing my dream of owning my own events company.

ASA Level 1 in Teaching Aquatics
ASA Level 2 in Teaching Aquatics
ASA Level 1 in Swimming Coaching
Swim England Safeguarding
STA Level 2 Baby & Pre School Swimming
STA Water Safety Award
QNUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)
Enhanced DBS Checked

Mollie Tranter
Mollie TranterSwimming Teacher
At a young age I found a love for swimming and after watching my sister’s success in competing, I wanted to follow in her footsteps. From then I trained at the City of Coventry Swimming Club where I competed at a regional and national level for 8 years.

Continuing my love and experience for the sport, I joined the H2O team as an assistant in 2018. I instantly knew I wanted to become a swimming teacher. After turning 16 I was able to complete the STA Award Course in Teaching Swimming to become qualified.

I have now been teaching since September 2020 and have loved every single minute of it.

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
STA Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Checked

Alessia Caruana
Alessia CaruanaSwimming Teacher
I first developed my interest in teaching swimming after helping my friends learn to swim from a very young age, this experience then made me realise I had a passion for teaching others and a valuable life skill which is why I then decided to join the H2O team and teach this skill to others starting off as an assistant in 2019 & working my way up to qualifying as a swimming teacher.

It’s inspiring to see and teach individuals develop the skill for swimming from such a young age as I know this is something that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives, throughout my teaching career I have earned the qualification of:

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
STA Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Checked

Millie Timms
Millie TimmsSwimming Teacher
I have loved swimming from a very young age and it’s a passion of mine that continues to grow. I Joined the City of Coventry Swimming Club when I was 11 years old and absolutely love it. I started working with Hannah and the H2O team almost two years ago as a Swimming Assistant and am looking forward to being able to gain my Lifeguard and Swimming Teacher qualifications this year. I love sharing my passion with the children and watching their improvements and confidence grow every week.

STA Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Checked

Mia Rose
Mia RoseSwimming Teacher
I first started at H2O as a swimming assistant in May 2021, I loved doing this job but seeing how much the kids enjoyed their lessons and watching their progress grow was so inspiring. This led me to complete my teaching qualification in September 2021 and since then I have loved every bit of what I do. It’s so rewarding watching how well the kids progress overtime and it makes me happy knowing I’m teaching them skills that will help keep them safe in the water.

Qualifications
Level 2 Aquatic Swimming Teacher
Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
Enhanced DBS
Safety Award

Letitia Markham
Letitia MarkhamSwimming Teacher
BIO Coming Soon…
Sian Evans
Sian EvansSwimming Teacher
I have always had a love for sport ever since I was young. From playing netball since I was 7 and developing through the netball pathway as a player, to then pursuing my coaching career within the sport by completing my level 1 and 2 coaching awards in 2020; I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the sporting industry. At the age of 17 i gained a BTEC level 3 qualification in sport and exercise science where I learned about all the different aspects of sports anatomy, sports therapy, and sports psychology. In June 2021 I qualified as a level 3 teaching assistant specialising is Physical education, helping children develop and grow in sporting backgrounds is what I am passionate about! I am currently at university , studying Physical Education and sport which is helping me achieve my dream career path. I qualified as a swimming teacher in August 2021, since then my love for swimming has grown through experience and understanding. I teach lessons at H2O on a Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday. Seeing the children that I teach progress and develop on a weekly basis is what makes the job so enjoyable.

STA Level 2 in Swimming Teaching Award
STA Safety Award For Teachers
Level 3 BTEC in Sports Science
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Standard
Level 3 Diploma in Sport
Safeguarding Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults
Emergency First Aid at Work
Level 1 Award in Coaching Netball
Level 2 award in Coaching Netball
Enhanced DBS

Caitlin Symons
Caitlin SymonsSwimming Teacher
I developed my love of teaching children to swim when I turned 14 and was able to volunteer and help my friends. my experience grew and I realised I had a passion for teaching children to learn and grow in the water.

These skills grew from my time spent swimming competitively at City Of Coventry Swimming Club. From the age of 11 I was swimming with the club and growing my experience of my own technique. H2O has helped me to adapt these skills that have developed overtime and by putting them into helping the younger children grow, they learn to experience the love for swimming that I had at that age.

This job is truly inspiring as I am able to see the children I taught learn those skills as they move higher into swimming and reach the competitive level. It really does improve your own experience and growth.

SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant Teaching qualification
SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming Qualification
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
Enhanced DBS Checked

Daisy Burke
Daisy BurkeSwimming Teacher & Facilities Assistant
I first started swimming when I was 4. Alongside many other sports swimming always stuck out to me. When I turned 11 I joined Coventry City Swimming Club and have swam there for a number of years. I wanted to continue my love for the sport by helping other people, so I started assisting when I was 16 with swimming groups and within the same year I also took the course to become a swimming teacher. I love being able to teach people the importance of swimming but also the fun of it.

– DBS Checked
– STA level 2 swimming teacher award

Chloe Harris
Chloe HarrisCover Swimming Teacher
I first began swimming at the early age of three and instantly fell in love with the water. When I was 11, I began representing my school at swimming competitions and was scouted for the City of Coventry Swimming Club, where I swam competitively for the throughout the following six years. Throughout my school life I also completed my Rookie Lifeguard Qualifications, and once old enough my National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. I then began working as a Lifeguard at my local pool.

When I was 14, I gained my ASA Aquatic Helper award and began helping out with the younger levels of the club, a very natural transition for me. Very soon after I then gained my ASA Level 1 Swimming Assistant Teaching Award. In March 2018, after being given more responsibility within the club I achieved my Level 2 Swimming Teaching Qualification. Very soon afterwards I started teaching for H2O, I have stepped down with my swimming teaching hours due to starting University in September 2020 but have continued to teach cover lessons ever since. I also regularly volunteer with a disabled swimming club, which I love doing as it gives all members of society an equal opportunity. Although sometimes challenging this has been extremely rewarding.

Enhanced DBS Checked
Safeguarding for Young Volunteers
ASA Aquatic Pool Helper
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
British Swimming Timekeeper
ASA Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching)
ASA Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification
STA Membership/Insurance

Evie Miles
Evie MilesSwimming Assistant
BIO Coming Soon
Mischa Zealand
Mischa ZealandSwimming Assistant
BIO Coming Soon
Caitlin Ward
Caitlin WardSwimming Assistant
BIO Coming Soon
Evie Young
Evie YoungFacilities & Swimming Assistant
Lexie Young
Lexie YoungFacilities & Swimming Assistant
Sophia Quilter
Sophia QuilterSwimming Assistant
Charlotte Parker
Charlotte ParkerSwimming Assistant
Mia Green
Mia GreenSwimming Assistant
Ellen Bird
Ellen BirdFacilities Assistant
Megan Powner
Megan PownerCover Swimming Teacher
I have been working for H2O since August 2019, starting off as an assistant & shortly after gaining my swimming teachers qualification. I absolutely love teaching swimming and also teaching in general as my full-time job is a Primary Teacher. I studied at Liverpool Hope and Warwick University where I gained my degree in teaching with a specialist in Special Educational Needs. My dream is to one day become a SENCO where I can aim to create inclusive learning for all.

I am full of enthusiasm and strive to make all of my lessons extremely fun while teaching the important skills that swimming can bring. I ensure my swimmers and pupils think positively and make them believe that they can do anything of they put their mind to it. My favourite quote to do this is: “never say I can’t, always say I’ll try”.

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
STA Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Checked
STA Level 2 Baby & Pre School Swimming

Neve Bray
Neve BrayCover Swimming Teacher
From the young age of 3, I have fond memories of learning to swim and the sense of accomplishment I got from it. Swimming gave me the confidence to take part in various swimming galas for my school.

At the age of 17, I gained my Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming, and I love being a swimming teacher. I enjoy helping the children improve their skills every week and seeing their confidence grow, which I believe is a skill that every child should have the opportunity to develop.

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
STA Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Checked

Niamh O Callaghan
Niamh O CallaghanCover Swimming Teacher
BIO Coming Soon
Chloe Bakewell-Barratt
Chloe Bakewell-BarrattCover Swimming Teacher
I started swimming at a very young age and although I wasn’t the most confident of swimmer’s I had an amazing support team of teachers around me who helped build my confidence right until I stopped swimming as I got older and decided to focus on dance. However, I missed the great atmosphere so started working as an assistant at H2O in 2019, from my very first shift it clicked that it was meant to be so as soon as I got the opportunity I qualified as teacher in early August of 2020. Although I have only been teaching for a short period of time, I adore seeing the kids smiling faces and watching them progress into confident swimmers when they come to lessons. I am now at Hartpury University studying a degree in Sports Therapy as I felt it was the perfect balance between my passion for dance and teaching, as well as working for H2O at the weekends it’s a lot of work but I wouldn’t change it for the world as it is the most rewarding job I have ever had

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
STA Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Checked
STA Level 2 Baby & Pre School Swimming

Hannah Matthews
Hannah MatthewsCover Swimming Teacher
BIO Coming Soon
Lauren Stewart
Lauren StewartCover Swimming Teacher
I can’t remember back to a time where swimming wasn’t a major activity in my life!
From learning to swim from the age of 3 & then entering into competitive swimming at the age of 7; swimming for the City of Coventry Swimming Club, this was a life skill I LOVED (you had to when you’re training up to 7 times a week). From 13, I had an injury meaning I couldn’t train as intensely as I was before, but I loved swimming too much to completely leave! So, I began to assist within swimming lessons, along the way gained my qualifications meaning I could teach my own classes – which I have been doing for 10 years now part time. After a while of teaching learn to swim, I was then offered my own squad in the competitive side of swimming, which was coaching the Reception Achievers group, the same squad I entered at the age of 7 which was where I began my competitive swimming route. This meant I was coaching 5 evenings a week then teaching for 2 days over the weekend. Eventually I reduced my coaching hours, however my teaching has always continued even if it was just 2 days a week, it’s something I’ve never been able to stop completely. Swimming is a huge passion of mine with so many fond memories and lifelong friends I’ve gained along the way. This is a lifesaving skill but also a skill that has brought me so much which is why I’m as passionate as I am about teaching it; to give a little back from a sport which has brought me so many happy memories & see others progress in a sport that means so much to me.
ASA Level 1 in Teaching Aquatics
ASA Level 2 in Teaching Aquatics
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
STA Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Checked
Amie Miles
Amie MilesCover Swimming Teacher
I’m currently studying BSc Cardiac Physiology at the University of Southampton however in my spare time I am a cover swimming teacher for H2O. As soon as I turned 16, I jumped at the chance of qualifying to be a swimming teacher. I have a passion for swimming having previously swam for the City of Coventry Swimming Club for about 8 years. I’ve continued to regularly swim at university also. Due to swimming being such an important part of my life, I wanted to develop my hobby into a job where I can help others learn to swim and hopefully teach them to love the sport like I do! Swimming is an essential life skill which can potentially save a life – this is why I love teaching people to swim because I know it is going to be of use to them.

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults
STA Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Checked

Brad McLeavy
Brad McLeavyCover Swimming Teacher
I have been involved in swimming since the age of 3, being an elite swimmer, swim teacher and swimming coach. This first started from learning to swim and up until recently competing in an elite swimming squad under the City of Coventry Swimming Club. In this time, I have enjoyed every moment of my swimming career, learning about the key foundations of swimming and competitive swimming at a high level. At 16, I started teaching the learn to swim programme and some coaching under the City of Coventry Swimming Club, making me understand the enjoyment of teaching.

Now my swimming career has come to an end, I now want to give back what I have learnt for many years at all levels of swimming, hoping to make others enjoy swimming like I do. Due to my enjoyment of sport, I am now studying a BSc Sport and Exercise Science Degree at University to increase my knowledge and interest in sport to a further level.

I wish to make all my swimmers gain the passion for swimming and sport as I have.

Enhanced DBS Checked
ASA Level 1 Swimming Assistant Teacher
ASA Level 2 Swimming Teacher
ASA Level 1 Swimming Coach
ASA Level 2 Swimming Coach
Level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)
STA Safeguarding Children, Young Adults & Vulnerable People