Mac's Instructors
Lewis Elliott - Assistant Manager
Lewis is our man on poolside. He teaches all adult sessions throughout the week, and Level 2 and 3 children's classes. He also runs our Holiday Programmes. He brings positivity, laughter and energy to all of his lessons. His strength lies in the strong relationships he develops with all his swimmers.
Lewis is heavily involved in Surf Lifesaving and so he "walks the talk" in the weekends at the beach. Lewis has been with us at MAC's, having come through the ranks since 2020.
QUALIFICATIONS
Currently studying towards a Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Swim Coach for Macs since 2020
Football Coach for Cashmere Technical since 2018
Surf Life Saving NZ Lifeguard Instructor since 2018
Surf Life Saving NZ Lifeguard Examiner since 2020/21
Surf Life Saving NZ IRB Instructor since 2021
Regional instructor/examiner of the year 2021
SWIMMING BACKGROUND
Competitive swimmer for my city team aged 8 to age 12/13 in England with multiple County Times.
Lifeguard at the council from 2016 - 2018 & held supervisor role from 2018 - 2019
Heavily involved with Surf Lifesaving at Sumner Surf Club since 2016 and got my lifeguard award in 2014
Lead IRB Instructor at Sumner SLSC
Recently Qualified as Advanced Guard for SLSNZ, Top lifeguarding Qualification
INTERESTS/HOBBIES
In Case you couldn't tell my interest and hobbies rely solely around sport and especially the water. I spend 90% of my summers down at the beach whether it be Lifeguarding, Training or just enjoying the waves and sun. Another interest is understanding how we can improve people's abilities not just from a physical perspective but mentally as well. Lots of my University study focuses on the Psychological aspects of sport and improvement as well as the Physical aspects.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My swim teaching philosophy revolves around the individual swimmer. I believe by creating an environment where the swimmer is happy and enjoying just being there, it is far easier to have them engaged when it comes to the learnings that are being offered. Every swimmer and their learning style is different and teaching styles can be adapted on a swimmer to swimmer basis, but every swimmer wants to have fun while doing their sport and that is something that benefits them in a mental mindset too.
Angela Skilling - Instructor
Angela teaches Level 1 lessons on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays at MAC's & Level 2 + Foundation level on Tuesdays. Her gentle, calm and quiet manner is an approach that children can do well under. She is dedicated and passionate about swim teaching and is currently undertaking the top swim teacher qualification you can gain (Apprenticeship in Aquatics Level 4).
Angela has been teaching at MAC's since 2020, after coming through our swim school and minsiquad programmes herself as a swimmer.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• NCEA level 1, 2 and 3
• New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (level 5)
• New Zealand certificate in Aquatics (level 3)
• Autswim Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
Working towards Apprenticeship in Aquatics (Level 4) in 2022.
SWIMMING BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
My teaching journey here at MACS started towards the end 2020.
Swim Teaching at Taiora QEII from 2021.
My swimming experience started here at MACS in 2014 and I am still attending the Prep Squad to this day.
INTERESTS / HOBBIES
Other than spending time with whanau and friends I enjoy colouring in and or puzzles. I also love to travel/ sight see and of course spend time in and around water.
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
To support each and every individual to be confident and competent in the water by catering to individual needs and acknowledging effort through positive praise to see the most rewarding part - their smile.
Janet Lloyd
Janet has joined our team in 2023 after having taught swimming in Ashburton for 9 years. Janet brings much enthusiasm, passion and a sense of humour to MAC's. She also teaches swimming at Waitakiri School, so her experience teaching young children is immense.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SWIM QUALIFICATIONS
• Learn to swim teacher for 9 years, Ashburton
• Learn to Swim Coordinator EA Network Centre, Ashburton
• Swim NZ Certificate (Assistant Swim Teacher)
• Austswim certificate in Aquatics and Water safety in 2022
• Coast Guard Boating Certificate,
• Child Protection in play, Active Recreation and Sport.
BACKGROUND
Competitive sprinter in High School, holding National Titles
Mother of 2 adult children
Worked for the Ministry of Education in supporting extra needs children
INTERESTS
I stay close to my children, family and friends- my extended family live in Australia so travel is always on the cards.
We are always learning and I like to keep up to date with safety and swimming techniques as they become available. During terms 1 and 4 I am in the water at Waitakiri School teaching swimming and safety with all ages and levels.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My belief in being a good swim teacher, is to learn how each child does their learning. To achieve and feel confident within themselves, we need to listen and learn from our students. Having fun during lessons is a big part of good learning too, so I make sure laughs and enjoyment became the normal.
Blair McMillan - Owner and Instructor
Blair currently teaches on Tuesdays Level 1, Wednesdays Level 3 & minisquad, Fridays Level 1 & 2 & minisquad. Blair's experience, expertise from competitive coaching and desire to connect with all his swimmers on a personal level, make him an extraordinary teacher and coach to all age groups.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Swimming NZ Level 3 Coach
Swimming NZ Elite Coach 1995 - 1998
Bachelor of Laws 1991
Owner of MAC's since 2010
SWIMMING BACKGROUND / RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
30 plus years coaching / teaching experience
High performance coaching while Head Coach at Wharenui Swim Club
o 1995 Sirinton Coe Pan Pacific Games
o 1996 Lydia Lipscombe Atlanta Olympics
o 1998 Lydia Lipscombe Kuala Lumper Commonwealth Games
Canterbury Swimming Champion / NZ Age Group Medallist (back in the dark ages)
INTERESTS/HOBBIES
Writing - First novel under contract for publication 2023
Paddle Barding / Surfing
Golf
Watching my children at their activities
Working up a sweat at the gym
Reading
SWIM TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
People learn to swim all over the world in entirely different ways. That being so, all swim teachers have something to offer and different approaches should be embraced. I love to see our staff teaching to their strengths. My personal approach is to work at building a rapport with my swimmers so that we enjoy each other's company during lessons and have a bit of a laugh while learning
Tracey Adams - Instructor
Tracey has worked at MAC's since 2019. She is currently a relief teacher on staff with us. If you are after experience, passion and personality then Tracey is the teacher for your child. Tracey has taught for over 22 years and her theoretical and practical knowledge of how to teach swimming is exceptional.
QUALIFICATIONS-
Austswim Aotearoa Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (Level 3)
Teacher of Infant and Preschool
Teacher of Access and Inclusion
Retired presenter for AUSTSWIM Aotearoa in all of the above courses.
TEACHING BACKGROUND
Teaching swimming since 2000.
Started in South Australia at Sue Pryor Swimming in Strathalbyn (my home town) teaching across all ages and abilities.
Moved to Auckland in 2007and worked at Mairangi Swim School on the North Shore.
Moved to CHCH in 2016 and worked at the Ohoka Swim School.
I also trained people to be swim teachers around NZ for AUSTSWIM Aotearoa when required.
Currently also work at Bumblebees Swim School and have been there since mid 2018.
FAMILY:
Married to Scott & mother to Maddy (born May 1996) and Jay (born October 1997)
INTERESTS
If I’m not in my garden you’ll probably find me in or on the water – swimming, SUP, kayaking and sailing.
Walking-exploring NZ and overseas when I can!
Reading, painting and cooking.
SWIM PHILOSOPHY
To better understand how we can best move ourselves through the water while keeping safe. Understanding our abilities in different conditions helps keep us safe. Parents play an important role in and out of the pool to help nurture a love and respect for the water. All your children are individuals and will progress at their own pace. (Frustrating I know but I understand as my son wouldn’t put his face in the water for 12 months!)
Millie Roy - Instructor
Millie is a relieving teacher at MAC's. She has come through our programme as a swimmer and we could see the potential in her to become a great teacher too. Millie is enthusiastic and extremely smiley.
Millie is currently studying towards a degree in radiotherapy.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Austswim teacher of swimming and water safety qualification.
PLSA Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate
NCEA level 1 and 2 excellence endorsement.
SWIMMING BACKGROUND
I have been teaching at MAC’s for 1 year. I started swimming at Bumble Bees Swim School when I was just six months old. This continued as my love for swimming grew into my teenage years at MAC’s. I am also a lifeguard at the city council pools.
INTERESTS
I love going on holiday with my family, especially to Tekapo. I love water skiing and spending time on the lake. I also enjoy netball, swimming and spending time with my friends.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
To be a fun and respected teacher who helps the development of all children in the water. I want to provide them with the knowledge and skills to be confident and feel safe in the water.