Meet the team

Julie is the owner and operator of Aqua Diving Academy. She bought the store in 1988, after working as a SCUBA instructor since 1984 and working as an Unlimited Third Mate in the Merchant Marines. Julie enjoys being underwater, where she doesn’t have to make any tough decisions or answer any questions.

A familiar face around the store, Levi is the manager of Aqua Diving Academy’s retail division. An avid diver for over 30 years. Levi has done dives ranging from the warm seas of the Gulf of Mexico to the frigid waters of the Gulf of Maine. When he’s not in the water, Levi is an avid Mountain Biker, runner, and a connoisseur of the works of Malcolm Gladwell.

'“Another beautiful day in paradise.” is a common quote heard around the store, and it’s most definitely Drew who is saying it. Drew is the head instructor, and is tasked with leading a majority of the international and domestic trips out of Aqua Diving Academy. Additionally, he is also head of group morale, as he feels just as passionately about his people, as he does his Rebreather, and his wreck diving.

Angel is one of the few PADI certified Mermaids instructors in New England and is also our snorkel instructor! She is a certified lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, and a self-proclaimed foodie with fins! She spends her time under the water, but don’t ask her to frolic in New England’s icy water. She’d much rather be eating sushi on an island shore.

From Hawaii to New England, Larry has made dive instruction a big part of his life. His professionalism, calm demeanor and love of teaching makes him a favorite among students. Truth be told, there is not enough room here to list all of Larry’s underwater adventures! But, if you see him in the store you might be able to squeeze a tale or two out of him.

Virgil is the head of Aqua Diving Academy’s repair team. if your drysuit zipper leaks or you have a tear in your wetsuit, chances are Virgil is going to be the one who fixes it. Virgil is the man the store calls when something hasn’t been invented yet. Can he fix a second stage with nothing but an erector set and a paperclip? We can’t say he can do it, but we also cannot say he can’t do it…

The water has been Jim’s business for most of his life! From commercial diver to instructor to repair technician - Jim’s experience in all matters relating to diving are valued highly at Aqua Diving Academy. When he is not in the water he is working in our repair facility to provide our customers with top notch service and advice.

Tavi is our dive guide extrodonaire! When he is not guiding folks through the underwater wonders we have on the Coast of Maine, he can be found in the store inspecting tanks. When he is not diving, he fancies himself a culinary genius and gear head.

Truth be told, we’re not quite sure where Pierce came from. A transplant from Hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire, he went from carrying heavy things on land, to carrying heavy things underwater. He can occasionally be found around the store, chasing laser pointers and lying in sunny corners.