BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ELISSA~ FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Elissa has over 20 years of experience as a certified diver and has been a Divemaster / Instructor with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors for 20 years. She holds a Master of Science in Critical Infrastructure Protection from the University of Massachusetts providing her a strong understanding of working with government entities. Elissa also holds a Master of Business Administration in global business leadership tourism from Johnson and Wales University, Rhode Island, and in 2021 defended her Ph.D with regard to Federal sanctuary law awareness through Nova Southeastern University's Fischler College of Criminal Justice and Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography at Nova Southeastern University, in Davie, Florida.
KIM~ SECRETARY & DIRECTOR
Kim grew up in the northern part of Ohio. She has always had a passion for animals, nature, and spending time by the ocean. She attended school in Massillon, Ohio, and enjoyed taking courses in business and reading about earth and marine science. Kim currently lives in Statesville, North Carolina, and facilitates her drive for earth conservation through her work as a manager for a recycle, renew, and reuse facility. She enjoys boating, equestrian riding, and crafts in her spare time. Kim is passionate about ocean conservation and protection and is a strong advocate regarding key issues of sanctuary law awareness.
SCUBA STEVE~ BOARD ADVISOR
Scuba Steve has been diving for over 40 years. He is currently a Course Director through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), and the previous owner of Swim and Scuba, a Five Star Instructor Development center in Long Island, New York. Scuba Steve has decades of experience teaching swimming, certifying scuba divers, and designating scuba Instructors though PADI. He will advise the board in the area of expertise in swim, snorkel, and dive safety, so those who interact closely with waters containing high risk marine habitats have an understanding of the delicate marine life around them.
PIRATE CHRIS~ DIRECTOR
As a certified diver with the Professional Association of Scuba Instructors (PADI), Pirate Chris enjoys traveling to diving locations to satisfy his passion to explore underwater habitats. His intense love for the ocean is matched by his high level of concern for conservation. Trained as a surgical technician in the field of health sciences, and currently practicing in North Carolina, Chris takes a strong interest in the medicinal properties found within the coral reefs. His technical training in medical practices and his interest in flora and fauna of coastal habitats is an asset to understanding the mission of sanctuary protection.
PHILOSOPHER RICHARD~ BOARD ADVISOR
Philosopher Richard is a college writing professor in South Florida, and a project consultant and editor for various corporations. He resides in the Fort Lauderdale area and is always grateful for the opportunity to surround himself with the ocean. He has a strong compassion for conservation and supports the concept of marine environmental protection. Richard will serve as the editor, writer, and overseer of philosophical consistency throughout the various initiatives of Law’s of Poseidon.