Meet the Staff
Location: West End, Tortola
Welcome to Highlander Session 2! The AQ staff has been working hard over the last several weeks to prepare for our students' arrival. We can't wait to meet our new students and show them around the beautiful BVIs. From the scenic dives at the Rhone to the delicious barbecues at Sidney's, we can't wait to be a part of your students' adventure of a lifetime. Meet the team that will be onboard with you for the next three weeks!
James- Skipper/Medic
James was born and raised in northern California, never living far from an ocean. He developed a love for all water sports in California, including sailing, surfing, swimming, water polo, rafting, wakeboarding, and diving. He found his true passion for sailing after a voyage onboard S/Y Argo from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean as a student with Seamester in the fall of 2018. In addition to sailing, James has a passion for the medical field, as evidenced by his years of experience as an EMT and his pursuit of a nursing career. James is excited to reunite with ActionQuest for another summer full of sailing, diving, water sports, and overall fun!
Mackenzie- Dive Instructor/Mate
Mackenzie fell in love with scuba diving in Phuket, Thailand, and that short trip became three years spent traveling and diving around Southeast Asia. After graduating from Penn State University, she earned her instructor certification in Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia, where she taught for a year and dove with turtles daily! When she's not teaching at ActionQuest, she works full-time for Global Expeditions Group as an enrollment advisor and prepares for the summer.
Grace- Dive Instructor/Mate
Grace began attending Action Quest in July of 2021 after she initially completed her Open Water certification in her home state of New York. In 2023, Grace completed the Divemaster program at Action Quest and decided to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor later that summer. She is currently a student at the University of Vermont, where she teaches dive classes in her free time. When she's not in the water, you can find her on the slopes or at the rock climbing gym with her friends. Grace is excited to return to the BVI this summer and cannot wait to share her passion for the ocean with her students.