Tanks have been loaded, dive gear sorted, and food stowed away. Beds are made, program gear looked over, and rig checked. Therapy and her crew are ready and waiting for our shipmates to arrive, for which we're (at least) as excited as they are. In the quiet hours before arrivals begin, we're finishing up the last odd jobs to make Therapy into a floating home for 15 staff and students over the next 21 days. We're so excited to dive, sail, hike, swim, snorkel and learn alongside the 12 young adults headed our way this afternoon and evening; the boat seems empty without them. Before long, we'll be learning each other's names, sharing stories, and heading out onto the water for three weeks of adventures. As staff, we're looking forward to getting to know the shipmates heading our way and growing together over the coming weeks to become one big Therapy family.
Staff Bios:
Cat - skipper / dive instructor
Cat is excited to be a first-year staff member at ActionQuest this summer. She received her PADI instructor certification in August 2008 and her Yachtmaster license after sailing on a Sea|mester voyage from Cape Town, South Africa to Antigua via Brazil in the spring of 2010. While this is her first summer as a staff member at ActionQuest, she has worked at similar companies for years and has run 12 programs, so she has experience with and passion for teaching sailing and scuba diving. Cat graduated from the University of Puget Sound in December 2011 with a degree in International Political Economy. She took a break from the sea last summer to serve as an Americorps volunteer but has returned to the Caribbean to be the skipper of this boat and could not be more excited to facilitate a summer of growth and adventure for every shipmate!
Tina - dive instructor/mate
After spending several months abroad with Sea|Mester in 2008, Tina became absorbed with the marine world. She graduated from Bard College with a BA in Environmental Studies in 2010, after which she turned her attention to scuba diving. Tina has worked as a Divemaster and Instructor in Central America, Europe, and the US. She holds qualifications such as PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Emergency First Response Instructor (including Care for Children), and eleven specialty instructor ratings. She is thrilled to be returning for her third summer with ActionQuest. When not underwater, Tina can be found playing her viola, studying towards a Masters in Environmental Conservation Education, and planning her next dive.
Alex - Divemaster/mate
Alex is from Charleston, South Carolina, and attends Clemson University. He majors in Business Marketing and Chinese. This is Alex's fourth summer at AQ and has previously participated in the Australia Billabong experience, Carina voyage, and Rescue. Alex is a staff member on board Therapy after completing his Dive Master certification course. Alex is proud to hold two state champion titles in Lacrosse and was his team captain both Junior and Senior year. Alex has been diving since he was ten years old and is honored to be a part of the AQ team.
