Kerri Russell-Channer, Owner & Founder
Hi! I’m Kerri Russell-Channer, Owner & Founder of Russell Aquatics Swim School. From as early as I can remember, swimming has always been a huge part of my life. I swam competitively with Markham Aquatic Club for 6 years and then started volunteering teaching special needs children how to swim at the young age of 12. At the age of 17, I started Russell Aquatics from my parents’ backyard pool in Markham, teaching neighborhood children how to swim. After attaining my Early Childhood Education Degree from Ryerson University and my Bachelor of Education degree from York University, I decided to take the leap and expand Russell Aquatics into a full time, year-round business. For over a decade now, I have owned and operated Russell Aquatics with my sister, Kristi. Kristi & I feel incredibly blessed to have created such an amazing team that are devoted and love Russell Aquatics as much as we do. Our growth and success is hugely attributed to our fabulous team and amazing clients that have been committed to the Russell Aquatics Family since the beginning.
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When I am not at the pool you will find me with my wonderful family! I have three young children, Liv, Tye and Ivy who have brought a whole new happiness to my life that I couldn’t have ever imagined. We are an active family and love to spend time outdoors with our dog Kevin! We are also a family that LOVE to travel!
Teaching kids of all ages and watching them grow as confident swimmers has been and will continue to be one of the most rewarding things in my life. I look forward to seeing you at the pool!
Meet our team
Kristi Russell, Owner
Hi, I’m Kristi Russell and I am one of the Owners of Russell Aquatics Swim School! Swimming has always been such a huge part of my life, swimming competitively with the Markham Aquatic Club for 7 years. I attended Guelph University where I completed my degree in Business Commerce. I enjoy working with children and adults, teaching them this incredibly important life skill and watching their confidence in the water grow. When I am not at the pool, you may find me spending time with my little guys, Austin and Jaxon. See you at the pool!
Cassidy
Facility Specialist *currently on mat leave
Inthuja
Aquatic Manager
Carolyn
Customer Experience Specialist
Niki
Administrator & Marketing Assistant
Kaitlin
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Colleen
Lead Instructor and Trainer
Kristen
Office Administrator
Angelina
Aquatic Manager
Nicole
Assistant Aquatic Manager
Valentina
Administrative & Social Media Assistant
Alan Russell was the proud father of our owners and founders, Kerri and Kristi Russell and was a familiar face to many of our swim families. On December 4, 2024, Alan sadly passed.
He instilled a passion and drive in his daughters that led to the creation of Russell Aquatics and has been the swim school’s number one supporter since day one, often seen in the early days of the business barbecuing in the backyard while students received their lessons in the family pool.
Alan shared a passion for the work that we do and providing the best service possible. He loved seeing the familiar faces of our daytime swimmers each week, giving out stickers, and hearing how lessons went after class. His legacy will continue on through his family and the many lives that he touched through his kindness and gentle nature. You will be deeply missed, Mr Russell.
Remembering Mr. Russell
