Tell us your origin story!
After my high school swim team’s season ended, someone brought a mask and fins to the pool. Diving to the bottom, rolling onto my back, and looking up at the lights through the water was captivating. Some years later, I took a resort course in the Bahamas during my first winter vacation. Cognitive overload during that dive caused me to forget to equalize my ears. Result: my dive ended after 2 minutes, and I felt really dumb. More years passed and I was at a resort in Cuba that offered a resort course. (I’m Canadian, so I can travel there.) This time, we did a shore entry and I made sure to equalize during the descent. I left the water feeling that I could be a diver. Finally in 2007, I was vacationing at a resort in Jamaica that included diving to certified divers. Completing the PADI Open Water Diver course just made sense, and my first ocean dives went so well that I knew I had found a new passion.

What caused you to make the leap from amateur to dive professional?
Completing my Rescue Diver certification confirmed that I like being ready to help others. As a life-long educator, becoming a Divemaster, Open Water Scuba Instructor, and Master Scuba Diver Trainer was the logical progression. I also like having a deeper understanding of this sport so I can share this with others.

Favorite class to teach?
I love teaching people who are beginning to dive, helping them experience the excitement of the underwater world for the first time. It is also gratifying to help people accomplish a skill that they might have been apprehensive about.

Favorite dive destination?
The next one! I’ve dived Roatan (a bay island off the coast of Honduras) numerous times because the conditions are excellent and the dive operation is stellar.

What is your most beloved critter to spot under the waves?
Caribbean reef squid. They are inquisitive; if I hover motionlessly so not to appear threatening, they will check me out. As well, their ability to change direction without changing their finning actions fascinates me. Plus, their luminous colors are lovely to see.

What is your “must have” piece of dive equipment?
Diopters in my dive mask. They help me see all the intriguing little critters clearly.

Favorite non-diving activity?
I love trying new recipes in the kitchen and pairing the creations with complementary wines.

Favorite post-dive treat or beverage?
An ice-cold Diet Coke

Any advice you’d like to offer divers new and old?
Dive slowly. Take the time to look. Aquatic animals are fascinating if you are deliberate and watchful.