THE TEAM

Cheryl Grose
Owner & Director

Cheryl began swim teaching in 1995 and was soon to develop a passion for teaching babies and toddlers.  She taught at a number of swim schools in both NSW & QLD moving into supervisory and management roles.  In 2010, Cheryl, along with her daughter Siria and son-in-law, Mal, created Northern Stars Swim School in Wollongong NSW, which experienced rapid growth after opening from 250 – 1400 children per week.  Cheryl believes the best teacher is the continual student, and ensures her staff regularly attend professional development conferences to keep upgrading their skills.  Cheryl says “We are committed to evolving and growing our program and swim school in line with current industry best practice.”

Siria Thomas
Owner & Director

​Siria started teaching swimming in 2000 and progressed through supervisory, and program director roles at McKeons.  In 2010, Siria and husband, Mal, and mum Cheryl, built and opened, Northern Stars Swim School.  Siria also convenes the Australian Swim Schools Association's  SAFER Swimming Initiative, and is author of ‘The Secret Door’, a big story book used by swim schools to educate children on water safety.  Siria has presented at swim conferences around the world and has a passion for drowning prevention.  In 2011 Siria was the proud recipient of Swim Australia’s Meritorious Service to The Teaching of Swimming in Australia. ​

Mal Thomas
​Owner & Director

Malcolm has been teaching learn to swim and coaching mini-squads since 2010.  Mal is very particular with our swimmer's technique in the 4 strokes and ensures Northern Stars produces swimmers of correct technique, whilst improving their speed and stamina.  Mal is a qualified pool lifeguard and also in charged of Northern Stars pool operations,  continually working hard to ensure the water at Northern Stars is of the highest quality.

Russell Vale Management Team

Paula Cawston
Operations Manager

​Rebecca Beaver
Program Manager

Craig Rossignol
Training Manager

Dapto Management Team

Kimberley Fernandez
Administration Manager

Raelene Jones
Program Manager

Our awesome teaching team....we love what we do!
All of our instructors must have a nationally recognised swim teaching qualification (Austswim or Swim Australia), their current CPR and a working with children check.  In addition to this, our comprehensive ongoing teacher training ensures that all of our teachers continue to deliver effective lessons.