Valerie is a PADI Scuba and Mermaid Instructor 565619, and is a combat service-disabled veteran from the United States Air Force. Valerie earned her initial Advanced Open Water Diver certification in 2023. Since then, she has completed many core courses, specialties, and instructor-level courses. Valerie is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Military Mermaids, Patriots for Disabled Divers Alumni, and a volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Program in Tampa. Valerie earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Studies from the University of Maryland, University College, and a Master of Information Systems in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix.

Jessica is a dedicated PADI Scuba Instructor and Underwater Photographer who brings patience, passion, and real-world experience to every dive. Growing up outdoors and living a life full of adventure, she teaches with calm confidence, helping students feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the underwater world. Whether guiding new divers or capturing unforgettable moments beneath the surface, Jessica’s mission is simple: to inspire others to fall in love with the water.

Jason is a PADI IDC Staff Instructor #557649, Director of Veteran Services & VA School Certifying Official, and the Calypso Service Manager. Jason is a retired U.S. Army combat veteran with 26 years of service and several years of dedicated diving experience with Calypso Pro Dive Academy. As a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, he supports the development of future dive professionals, bringing a calm, mission‑focused leadership style shaped by decades of military service and years of hands‑on experience in Calypso’s training environment.  In his role as Director of Veteran Services and VA School Certifying Official, Jason guides military veterans as they transition into the world of professional diving. He helps students navigate their VA Educational Benefits and ensures they receive the structure, mentorship, and support needed to succeed in Calypso’s Go‑PRO pathways. As Calypso’s Service Manager, Jason oversees equipment readiness and safety standards across the academy. He is a trained technician for Aqualung and OTS, and a certified PSI/PCI Visual Cylinder Inspector, providing expert‑level oversight of life‑support equipment and ensuring every diver trains with confidence.

Ed is a PADI Master Instructor 3770278, DAN Instructor, The Diver Medic Instructor Trainer, REEF Fish Surveyor, TWA level 5, and author of Scuba Diving Past Age 60. Diving since the 1970s. Nowadays, spend half the year in Florida and the other half in Bonaire.

Edward Zellem is a PADI Master Instructor. He has been diving since 1987 and has certified hundreds of divers. He retired as a U.S. Navy captain after a 30-year career of active duty that took him all over the world. He dove whenever possible, always keeping a dive bag ready. Ed brings his lifelong experience and love of diving to every class that he teaches and every trip he leads. Emphasis in training is on internationally accepted standards and skill mastery, while keeping it engaging and fun. He is an expert on megalodon-tooth diving and leads Calypso trips year-round to hunt for teeth offshore Venice. He is also a professional writer and a 12-time award-winning author of five books, including PADI’s Spring Diver Distinctive Specialty course.

Chris is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and has been diving for most of his life. With decades of scuba diving and teaching experience, Chris adapts his teaching style to his students while maintaining safety and performance standards. As a scientist, he brings a passion for the physics and physiology of diving along with local environmental ecology and biology on each dive. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Eckerd College, Master of Science in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of South Florida College of Public Health while studying infectious diseases and cancer at Moffitt Cancer Center. Chris is always ready for another adventure, so sign up to join him in a PADI course or on a dive trip today!