Our Ohana
Tami Nixon
Tami Nixon
Owner
Where did you go to school?
UCSB Montessori Teacher's Credential
Favorite Food?
Avocado and Peanut Butter, but not at the same time
Favorite Sport?
Swimming of course
Favorite Movie?
Jeremiah Johnson with Robert Redford or Romeo and Juliet
How long have you been working at Makai?
I opened Makai Swim School in 1989 at Exertec Fitness Center and Mt George Estates. Since then me and my staff have had the opportunity to now instruct hundred of students.
What do you like to do outside of working at Makai?
I love Pilates and stand up paddle boarding in the Hawaiian ocean! But mostly I like spending time with my family and my dogs. I have two Australian Shepards, Oshie who is 7 months and Marleau who is 4 years old.
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be?
I miss my children when they were young. I would love to go back for a day and really treasure their sweet little faces, hugs and kisses. When raising your own children you think it will take forever for them to grow up, but the saying is true, “They grow up so fast!”.
A fun fact about yourself
My family has been in Hawaii since 1901! This is the reason for the name of the swim school, Makai, which means in Hawaiian, towards the ocean.
Maggie Martin
Maggie Martin
Swim Instructor
Where did you go to school?
Slidell High School in Slidell Louisiana
Favorite Food?
Ice cream and cookies
Favorite Sport?
Baseball
Favorite Movie?
Steele Magnolia
How long have you been working at Makai?
7 years
What do you like to do outside of working at Makai?
The beach, adventuring the country, and fun stuff
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be?
A swim instructor at Makai...it is the best job ever!
A fun fact about yourself.
I live for what I do. It brings me great joy and I learn so much from these wonderful beings I get to swim with.
Ilenia Willmert
Ilenia Willmert
Swim Instructor
Where did you go to school?
I currently go to Vintage High School
Favorite Food?
Definitely Pizza!
Favorite Sport?
Dance
Favorite Movie?
The Breakfast Club
How long have you been working at Makai?
Since Fall, 2018
What do you like to do outside of working at Makai?
Editorial Photography
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be?
I do not know. I will see where life takes me.
A fun fact about yourself
I will choose dark over milk chocolate any day.
Grace King
Grace King
Swim Instructor
Where did you go to school?
I am a Freshman at Cal Poly SLO
Favorite Food?
Ice cream, specifically from Ben & Jerry's
Favorite Sport?
Waterpolo or Basketball
Favorite Movie?
Good Will Hunting
How long have you been working at Makai?
Since 2019
What do you like to do outside of working at Makai?
I love to read and go to the beach
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be?
I would be a dolphin or a bird
A fun fact about yourself.
I love working with kids!
Austin Knight
Austin Knight
Swim Instructor/Swim Attendant
Where do you go to school?
Napa High School
Favorite Food?
Pepperoni Pizza
Favorite Sport?
Basketball, Swimming, and Karate
Favorite Movie?
2001 A Space Odyssey
How long have you been working at Makai?
March 2021
What do you like to do outside of working at Makai?
Play music, do karate, and go snowboarding
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be?
A filmmaker
A fun fact about yourself
I play the violin, the clarinet, and the saxophone. I am also a high film buff.
Sarah Green
Sarah Green
Swim Attendant
Where do you go to school?
Justin-Siena High School
Favorite Food?
Tacos
Favorite Sport?
Swimming
Favorite Movie?
Wonder Woman
How long have you been working at Makai?
This is my second year!
What do you like to do outside of working at Makai?
Spend time with friends, go to the beach, travel!
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be?
A world traveler!
A fun fact about yourself.
I love to sing!
