Tina Niemi Johnson
You reside in: Kenosha, WI
Diving Certification Level: Padi Instructor
Years of Diving: 19 (since 1992)
How has diving changed my life:
I have been diving in local places like Lake Michigan and Haigh Quarry as well as tropical-exotic destinations like Dominica, Bequia, and Honduras. Traveling to these different locations has given me a better understanding of other cultures and a great appreciation of the opportunity that abounds within the United States. On a more personal note scuba diving has helped me build my own self confidence, meet amazing/fun people, and learn to be more self reliant. Diving has helped me understand the importance of sustaining good health, safety procedures, and greatest of all taught me to appreciate underwater animal life. It is truly an ultimate adventure and joy.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
As a teacher I enjoy working with students. Having this opportunity to watch the excitement as a student/person experiences the incredible world of scuba diving is extremely rewarding. In addition, if I can help someone learn about the importance of our lakes, oceans, and Eco system we all stand to benefit.
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Lisa M. Bain
You reside in: Kenosha, WI
Diving Certification: Instructor
Years of Diving: 14 years
How has diving changed my life:
Through diving I have met so many great people, experienced interesting adventures and learned so much! Diving has taught me that our lovely planet is blessed with unbelievable diversity and that we have only just begun to explore it.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
This is an opportunity to share my love of water and scuba diving with students who may otherwise never experience this wonderful sport. I believe that scuba diving awakens a curiousity about the world and teaches self reliance which are both great attributes to have.
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Mike J. Bain
You reside in: Kenosha, WI
Diving Certification:Instructor
Years of Diving: 14 years
How has diving changed my life:
I have made many new friends from many different cultures and have been fortunate to travel to a vast number of countries around the world. I have been graced to dive with sharks, eels, squid, manta rays, lobster, sea lions, turtles, and an endless list of other ocean inhabitants. When faced with life changing situations my training made the difference and even saved my life.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
I want to share the experience of scuba diving and the independence that the training provides to an individual. This program gives me the opportunty to instill greater self confidence in the participants of this program while further enjoying this sport and building life long relationships with great people.
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Jeffrey A. Kessler
You reside in: Kenosha, WI
Diving Certification: Open Water Diver
Years of Diving: 1 year
How has diving changed my life:
Just started diving so I don't have many favorite places or "encounters", but I am looking forward to new experiences that scuba diving will deliver.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
I am very interested to see how the program works. I have coached intramural sports for several years and I look forward to working with the participants involved in this program.
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Osmar Aguilar
You reside in: Salem, WI
Diving Certification: Student Diver
Years of Diving: 1 year
Current Personal Interests:
I have invested 22 years leading a youth ministry organization, and 15 years of that has involved leading International Mission Teams. I enjoy music, especially playing guitar and softball.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
To make a personal impact in the lives of students by volunteering as a "Mentor" and "Role Model". My reward for assisting this youth outreach is achieving the chance to learn to scuba dive alongside the participants.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephanie A. Bedolla
You reside in: Kenosha, WI
Diving Certification: Student Diver
Years of Diving: 1 year
Current Personal Interests:
Photography and baking.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
I am interested in working with youth and helping them make a positive change in their lives. This program may provide the opportunities these youth need to become leaders in their school and community.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nicole Boyer
You reside in: Kenosha, WI
Diving Certification: Non-Diver
Current Personal Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my family and learning new things to expand my personal knowledge and future opportunities.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
I currently work with student's whom have attendance problems, and I would like to have the opportunity tot mentor other at-risk youth to better ensure that they have a successful future.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ismael Torres
You reside in: Kenosha, WI
Diving Certification: Student Diver
How has diving changed my life:
Although I have already been diving without officially getting certified at an earlier age, I have longed to return to it and become a certified diver as the experience was unforgettable. The sport increased my own self confidence at a time in my life that it was needed.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
Sitting on the Board of Directors is rewarding but not the same as leading youth into the new aquatic frontier first-hand. I chose to be an active volunteer to make a difference in young lives through something I truly enjoy and want to share with others.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rhonda Meh
You reside in: Racine, WI
Diving Certification: Student Diver
Personal Interests:
I love to read, travel, watch movies, and listen to music. Spending time with my family and friends is most important to me.
Why have I chosen to volunteer with S.T.A.R.S.:
I love working with youth as I strongly believe in volunteer work. Throughout my life I have always had an interest in learning how to scuba dive and this opportunity is the best of both worlds.