Elizabeth started her scuba journey in 2006. After a snorkeling trip in Hawaii, she wasted no time in pursuing her Open Water Certification. The start of her journey was less than perfect, but out of that experience, she has learned that given the right amount of guidance and patience, anyone can enjoy our underwater world. She has a love for marine ecology, vibrant corals, warm waters, and days full of sunshine. Her favorite place to dive is anywhere there is water. She is not afraid of trying anything new and brings her passion with her wherever she goes.  She is dedicated to developing divers at every level from beginner to the pro level.

Ryan started his scuba adventures in a small lake in Southern Michigan. His uncle introduced him to diving in 1987. At 8 years old, his uncle put him on a regulator, and experience the underwater world for the first time. Ryan spent the next 7 years searching for propellers, outboard motors, anything else of value and just having fun in the underwater world of small freshwater lakes and springs. Fast forward 15 years, he found himself in the Caribbean and mesmerized by the fish life while snorkeling.  A few years later, he vacationed in Cozumel, this was the first time he had seen a pressure gauge, a computer, or even a BC. He was wondering where his J-valve pull was. Once he hit the ocean current and cruised that amazing reef, he was hooked back on the sport. Back in Indianapolis he immediately signed up for an Open Water Course. After 4 years of active diving and continuing education, he followed his passion into the pro world of scuba. He has dreamed of buying and starting a quarry for the past 8 years, so when the idea of opening a shop came up he jumped in feet first!

Joy really does live up to her name!  She brings her joyful personality to every class she teaches!!  She was a Special education teacher for 24 years and loved the challenge of adapting learning strategies to reach all students' potential.  After she retired from public school teaching she realized she could combine her passion for teaching and scuba. She became a scuba instructor and understands that all students do not learn at the same pace or have the same learning styles. Being an accomplished, confident, safe diver is the ultimate goal.

Jeff and Joy have been hooked on scuba diving “together" from the very beginning and love teaching this sport!  They trained together and now, teach together.  Nothing makes them happier than seeing the excitement in the eyes of a newly certified diver and sharing the wonders of the underwater world with all divers. 

While Jeff prefers being salty but it really doesn’t matter as long as they are blowing bubbles.  Throughout our professional careers, they have taught new divers from 10 yrs. to 76 yrs of age.  Their focus on skill development, safety, and fun is unwavering.  Jeff and Joy's goal has always been to train divers to be confident in themselves and their skills when they step to the dive platform on the back of a boat, stand on a dock, or walk in from the shore for the first time.  

Michael Mino has been a diver since 2006 and dive industry professional since 2007.  He first became a PADI Divemaster and then continued on with SDI for his instructor certification.  Michael has logged over 1000+ dives and has extensive experience in drysuit, cold water diving, and even some blackwater diving. 

In addition to teaching with Outer Reef Scuba, he currently helps with the maintenance of the Indianapolis Zoo Marine Exhibits. He previously worked with Diving Unlimited International (DUI), a drysuit manufacturer, where he served as the event coordinator in their highly successful Demo Day Tour from 2008 -2013. These events held across the country, from Florida to Washington State and Massachusetts to California, gave him the opportunity to share his knowledge with those in local dive communities. 

Michael also ran his own business at one point, conducting blackwater dives and recovering golf balls. He has been involved with thousands of students' dive educations across the country, including assisting the training of the Indianapolis Fire Department Dive Rescue Team.  He has a passion for sharks and their conservation and his training specialties include Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, Navigation Diver, Dive Propulsion Vehicles (DPV), Drift Diver, Night, Buoyancy, Coral Reef Conservation, Naturalist, Drysuit, Emergency First Aid Provider, First Aid Care for Children w/AED.

 

Kyle’s love for diving began at a very early age. Some of his earliest memories were sitting on his Grandparent’s living room floor and watching his Grandfather’s dive videos after every trip he took. At around 12 years old, he took his first breaths on SCUBA. After quite some time after that, he finally became Open Water Certified and eventually worked his way up to Instructor. He is currently advancing as a Tech Diver. He loves local diving as well as abroad. He also loves backpacking, woodworking, lutherie, and being a trophy husband.

 

Where there is water, there is Jesse! As an avid watersport junkie, Jesse has spent many summers in Indiana lakes, quarries, and rivers. Jesse started his scuba journey by taking an open water class before traveling to the ABC Islands. He quickly fell in love with scuba diving, and after continuing his education, he took the plunge and began his training to be a certified instructor. Jesse's experience before Outer Reef has primarily been with youth and families. Hosting youth programs for children 8-12 years old and certifying Jr. Open Water students at age ten has made him a patient and playful instructor. His careful approach to teaching makes both youth and adults feel safe under his instruction. Jesse's goal is to eventually retire from his "grown-up" job and travel the world with his wife teaching scuba together.

 

Amber started her scuba journey as most do, with a lot of excitement and a dash of uncertainty. While it wasn't on her bucket list, she couldn't imagine life without scuba diving. She fell in love with the feeling of weightlessness, the calmness, and the splendor of the underwater world. Appreciating the little things in life, she enjoys macro diving and trying to spot the tiniest critters that call the ocean home. Even underwater, you can hear Amber squeal in delight when she finds a cleaning station or other example of symbiotic relationships. She is now sharing her love of marine ecology with others by assisting instructors in youth programs and certification classes.