Starting her career with an English degree, Sarah’s early career took a few twists and turns, from working as a retail manager to training as a teacher in health and social care and childcare.
Her love of education led her to spend ten years in the classroom, eventually completing a Master's in Leadership and Management. This experience shaped her approach to fostering positive team dynamics and understanding the unique contributions each person brings to a group.
After realizing that her work-life balance was not sustainable, Sarah began to seek a new direction.
"I came across the job at St Chris and thought, ‘why not give it a go?’" she recalls.
Despite not being a qualified swim teacher at the time, her confidence in her ability to learn on the job—and her passion for working with children—stood out. Sarah’s infectious enthusiasm, paired with her ability to navigate the unexpected (her first day included managing a swimming pool temperature issue!), has made her an invaluable part of the St Chris team.
When asked about the best part of her role, Sarah lights up as she talks about the children: "Watching them succeed at something they initially struggled with is the most rewarding part." Whether it’s a child mastering the butterfly stroke or bravely jumping into the deep end for the first time, Sarah cherishes these breakthrough moments.
However, the challenges are real. "Swimming is divisive," she explains. "You either love it or hate it." For some children, swimming can be overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities or confidence issues. But Sarah’s experience in education helps her adapt lessons and make the pool environment as welcoming as possible.
Reflecting on her time at St Chris, Sarah marvels at the individuality of the students. "They are truly allowed to be themselves here, and that’s so rare in education." Her work not only helps build physical skills but also nurtures self-confidence and resilience, qualities that will stay with the children long after they leave the pool.
Her creative problem-solving and dedication to seeing every child thrive are at the heart of what makes her such a vital part of the St Chris community.