A Dream Realized

In March, I had the incredible honor of attending the PADI Course Director Training Course (CDTC) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia — a dream years in the making.

Standing among some of the most passionate and experienced PADI professionals in the world felt surreal. It marked the culmination of everything I’ve worked toward since becoming a PADI Pro: long nights writing lesson plans, early mornings teaching at the quarry, countless hours mentoring Divemasters and Assistant Instructors, and years dedicated to elevating dive education and community leadership.

This wasn’t just another course.
It was the next chapter — and one of the proudest moments of my diving career.

The Journey to Get Here

Getting accepted into the CDTC is no small feat.

The journey began years ago when I earned my PADI Instructor certification, knowing I would someday become a course director. From there, each step built on the last — Staff Instructor, Master Instructor, and ultimately the decision to apply for the Course Director Training Course, PADI’s highest level of professional development.

To even qualify for CDTC required years of commitment:

Certifying hundreds of divers and watching their confidence grow underwater
Staffing multiple Instructor Development Courses alongside incredible mentors
Leading professional development nights, environmental initiatives, and conservation efforts through Seaira Dives
Upholding the highest standards in training, safety, and mentorship

The application process itself was both reflective and rigorous — requiring a detailed business plan, a comprehensive overview of teaching experience, and a deep understanding of leadership within the dive industry.

When I received the acceptance email from PADI, I just sat there smiling — completely overwhelmed. This was the moment I had been working toward for years.

Why I Became an Instructor

Before diving became my career, my path looked very different.

I had always planned to serve in the Army long-term. It was more than a job—it was my identity, my purpose, and the life I had worked toward for years. So when I was told I would be medically retired, it hit hard. I wasn’t just losing a career—I was losing the direction I thought my life would take.

I had to figure out what came next.

Diving became that turning point.

What started as something I loved quickly became something more. It gave me structure again. It gave me a sense of purpose. It challenged me, grounded me, and reminded me that I was still capable of building something meaningful.

Through Chapter 31 VR&E benefits, I was able to pursue becoming a PADI Instructor. From the very beginning, I knew I didn’t just want to teach—I wanted to lead. I set a goal early on to become a Course Director, even when it felt far off.

Now, less than four years later, here I am.

If there are other veterans out there searching for purpose and direction after military service, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I know how that transition feels—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

The Experience in Kota Kinabalu

Set against the turquoise waters of the South China Sea and the reefs of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the experience was as inspiring as it was challenging.

Each day was filled with workshops, evaluations, and discussions focused on instructor development, coaching, and leadership. Every session pushed me to refine not just how I teach — but how I mentor, guide, and inspire the next generation of dive professionals.

But what made this experience truly unforgettable was the people.

From the very first day, our team just clicked. There was no awkward forming phase — we immediately trusted each other, leaned into our individual strengths, and created a dynamic where everyone contributed at a high level. It felt easy in the best way, like we had been working together for years.

Our team started as the “Purple Team”… and quickly became Oceans Se7en.

We came from different parts of the world, different backgrounds, and different teaching styles — but we shared the same mindset: show up, support each other, and give it everything we had. That energy carried us through the entire program and ultimately led to us winning the marketing project — but more importantly, it made the experience unforgettable.

Khalid from Aludaid Diving in Qatar — the kind of teammate every group hopes for. He brought constant energy, encouragement, and an incredible ability to lift the entire team, whether it was through a well-timed high five or stepping in to support wherever needed.

Aludaid Diving Qatar

YY from Malaysia — incredibly accomplished, organized, and a true creative powerhouse. She brought clear vision and structure to our branding and executed everything at a high level. In the water, she picked up skills quickly, adapted with ease, and consistently performed at a high level, elevating the entire team.

IDC with YY

Eddy, teaching in Thailand — calm, thoughtful, and incredibly steady. He had a way of listening deeply and then contributing exactly what the team needed, bringing balance and clarity to every discussion.

Eddy's Instagram

Sashaa from Sri Lanka — incredibly experienced and grounded, with a depth of diving knowledge that really showed throughout the course. He brought a calm confidence and steady presence to the team, along with a great attitude that made working together easy.

Sri Lanka Diving Tours

Arwin from India — grounded, sharp, and effortlessly funny. He kept the team centered when things got intense and brought a calm, steady presence throughout the course. He also has a natural way with students — patient, approachable, and able to connect in a way that makes people feel comfortable and confident.

Arwin's Instagram

Kim in Tucson — insightful, dependable, and always ready to jump in. She brought thoughtful ideas, strong collaboration, and the kind of support that made everyone around her better.

Kim's Instagram

What stood out most wasn’t just how talented everyone was — it was how well we worked together. No egos, no competition — just a shared commitment to doing our best and supporting each other along the way.

Go Oceans Se7en.

Oceans Se7en Insta

It was also incredibly inspiring to see so many strong, accomplished women represented throughout the CDTC. The level of leadership, professionalism, and support from the women in this program was something special — and something I’m proud to be part of.

In total, we had professionals from 21 different countries represented — a powerful reminder of how global and connected the dive community truly is.

We were also incredibly fortunate to learn from an outstanding global team of Instructor Trainers and staff.

From PADI Americas — Alan, whose leadership set the standard for excellence; Michael, whose precision and feedback pushed us to elevate our performance; and Eric, whose patience and energy made a lasting impact.

And from across the world — Shinya-san from Japan, Justin from China, Thomas and Conny from PADI Asia Pacific, and Erika from PADI EMEA — each bringing unique perspectives that made this experience truly global.

What This Means for Me

Becoming a PADI Course Director is more than a professional milestone — it’s a transformation.

I’m now leading Instructor Development Courses and mentoring dive professionals as they take the next step in their careers. It’s incredibly meaningful to help others reach that moment — the realization that diving can become not just a passion, but a purpose.

I’ll be running my first Instructor Development Course starting Saturday, March 21 — and I can’t wait to begin training the next generation of instructors.

This role brings together everything I care about: mentorship, education, leadership, and ocean advocacy.

It’s also an opportunity to represent women and veterans within the dive industry — communities that continue to shape how I lead, with empathy, inclusivity, and intention.

Looking Back — and Ahead

Looking back, the journey from Open Water student to Course Director feels both long and fleeting.

Every certification, every class, every student, and every challenge played a role in getting here.

And now, the real work begins — guiding others along their path, empowering future PADI Pros, and continuing to build a diving community grounded in safety, growth, and connection.

Kota Kinabalu was the destination.
But this — the opportunity to teach, mentor, and lead at the highest level — is just the beginning.