Meet The Team
Tarek "T"
Owner
T might as well have gills for the amount of diving he has under his belt. Tarek grew up diving in the Red Sea in Egypt alongside his dad, an avid scuba diver who introduced him to the beauty of the underwater world. In his early career, T worked as a professional handball athlete, playing for teams in Paris, Stockholm, and of course the Egyptian National Team.
When it was time for a change, Tarek shifted into finance and banking, working in Dubai, Egypt, England, and the U.S., where he eventually earned his PhD in finance while stateside and met his wife, Michaela.
While T's career has taken many turns, diving has always remained a constant in his life. From working in dive shops as a teenager, to exploring sites around the world, to co-running a dive operation in North Carolina, the ocean has always called to him, no matter where he is. Eventually, that call drew him to all the way to Sail Fish Scuba and the Florida Keys.
As a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, Tarek brings global experience, strong leadership, and a calm, confident teaching style to every course. He loves teaching and sharing his passion for the underwater world with divers of all levels.
Favorite Marine Pal: Sharks
Michaela
Owner
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Michaela is a fast learner and a free spirit with a passion for people and purpose. After graduating from Smith College with a double major in Education and Child Studies and Italian Studies, she began her professional journey teaching ESL across multiple countries. She was selected as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) through the Fulbright Program, where she taught English to high school students in Salatiga, Indonesia. In addition to classroom teaching, Michaela led community outreach efforts focused on language exchange and cultural engagement—deepening local connections and promoting cross-cultural learning.
After returning to the U.S., Michaela earned her nursing degree from Duke University and served as a medical surgical oncology nurse, caring for the Veteran population. Her experience as a charge nurse developed her strengths in leadership, organization, and team coordination—skills she now brings to the world of diving.
From logistics to guest experience, Michaela brings the same calm, structured energy and care to the dive shop that she once brought to the hospital floor. Together with her husband Tarek, she left the corporate grind to create a dive shop rooted in community, adventure, and heart.
Favorite Marine Pal: Spotted eagle rays
Captain Kevin
100 GT Master Captain
Captain Kevin is a Florida native, born and raised in the southern part of the state. With over two decades of experience, Capt. Kevin has worked in various capacities across Florida's waters, from recreational charters to commercial operations. With a lifelong connection to the area, years of exper
Captain Kevin
100 GT Master Captain
Captain Kevin is a Florida native, born and raised in the southern part of the state. With over two decades of experience, Capt. Kevin has worked in various capacities across Florida's waters, from recreational charters to commercial operations. With a lifelong connection to the area, years of experience, and a childhood spent exploring the coastal waters and reefs of Florida, he knows these waters better than anyone. Beyond his maritime career, Captain Kevin enjoys spending quality time with his family, often relaxing by the pool with his kids and indulging in his love for barbecuing. Known for his calm demeanor, sharp wit, and great sense of humor, he ensures every charter is not only enjoyable and memorable but also conducted with the highest regard for safety.
Favorite Marine Pal: Turtles
Maria M.
PADI OW Instructor
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Maria began her career in the clinical research, where she honed skills in organization, data management, and patient communication. While she valued her clinical research work, her true passion led her to marine conservation and ecology.
Maria completed the PADI Divemaster
Maria M.
PADI OW Instructor
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Maria began her career in the clinical research, where she honed skills in organization, data management, and patient communication. While she valued her clinical research work, her true passion led her to marine conservation and ecology.
Maria completed the PADI Divemaster course through Global Vision International in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, quickly advancing to Sea Turtle Field Coordinator. She played a key role in launching the first sea turtle program, collaborating with local communities and federal partners. Later, she served as Program Officer, diving daily with purpose and passion.
A University of Washington graduate in Science, Technology, and Society, Maria combines analytical thinking and strong communication skills with her love for teaching. Calm and patient, she has a deep love for coral reefs and marine life, making her an inspiring and supportive instructor underwater. As a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, Maria is dedicated to helping others explore the ocean safely while fostering a lasting appreciation for the underwater world.
Zachary Y.
PADI OW Instructor
Zach is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and his lifelong fascination with the ocean led him to a career dedicated to marine conservation. After serving in the military, he pursued diving certifications with a close friend, igniting his passion for scuba diving. A transformative trip to the Florida Keys dee
Zachary Y.
PADI OW Instructor
Zach is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and his lifelong fascination with the ocean led him to a career dedicated to marine conservation. After serving in the military, he pursued diving certifications with a close friend, igniting his passion for scuba diving. A transformative trip to the Florida Keys deepened his love for island life and coral ecosystems, prompting him to specialize in coral reef restoration. Zach earned an Associate's degree in Marine Science and is actively involved in several local organizations dedicated to restoring Florida's coral reefs.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Zach is passionate about education and enjoys introducing new people to the wonders of the underwater world. In his leisure time, he loves attending concerts, traveling, and spending time with his adorable pet rabbit, Porter Rabbitson. His favorite band is Coldplay, and he cherishes exploring new places and cultures.
Favorite Marine Pal: A great white shark
Megan C.
PADI Dive Master
Originally from Connecticut and from a family of divers, Megan brings a lifelong passion for the ocean to our team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Science, Environment, and Health from Cornell University.
Megan is a certified PADI Divemaster with extensive experience guiding divers and holds an
Megan C.
PADI Dive Master
Originally from Connecticut and from a family of divers, Megan brings a lifelong passion for the ocean to our team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Science, Environment, and Health from Cornell University.
Megan is a certified PADI Divemaster with extensive experience guiding divers and holds an Open Water Instructor certification through SSI. She’s eager to earn her PADI Instructor certification to further expand her skills.
Previously, Megan worked as a Coral Restoration and Conservation Intern, assisting with marine conservation strategies, coral outplanting, and educational outreach. She’s also a very experienced deckhand and certified RYA Day Skipper.
Megan has guided divers in Indonesia and Italy, working with diverse groups from around the world. Her specialties include Perfect Buoyancy, Deep Diving, Marine Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology, Manta & Ray Ecology, Shark Ecology, and Coral Identification.
Known for her strong leadership, warmth, and fun personality, Megan is a true ray of sunshine who makes every dive safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable
An avid underwater photographer and social media content creator, Megan brings creativity and passion to promoting marine conservation and sharing the beauty of the ocean.
Sasha H.
Dive Master in Training
Sasha earned a degree in Strategic Communications from American University in Washington, D.C., and has spent her career working in nonprofit organizations in the queer justice and climate movements. Hailing from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Sasha discovered her love of the ocean at the age of 12 when
Sasha H.
Dive Master in Training
Sasha earned a degree in Strategic Communications from American University in Washington, D.C., and has spent her career working in nonprofit organizations in the queer justice and climate movements. Hailing from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Sasha discovered her love of the ocean at the age of 12 when she became scuba certified alongside her family. Since then, she’s had the opportunity to dive in many sites across Asia, Africa, and South and Central America. This summer, she’s joining the Sail Fish Scuba Team as a Dive Master in Training, and is particularly excited to familiarize herself with the local marine ecology, build her seamanship skills, and explore Key Largo’s incredible dive sites. She’s also hopes to come across a manatee (her favorite marine animal) during a dive!
In her free time, you can find Sasha playing Ultimate Frisbee, battling monsters in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, or curled up with a good book beside her two cats, Levi and Gandalf.
Favorite Marine Pal: Manatee
Dave "Groovy" G.
Dive Master in Training
Dave’s interest in diving started with obtaining a commercial diving certification at the Diver’s Institute of Technology (Seattle, WA) in 1990 where he was educated in mostly service supplied underwater construction, but attained his Advanced Open Water Certification as part of the requisite course
Dave "Groovy" G.
Dive Master in Training
Dave’s interest in diving started with obtaining a commercial diving certification at the Diver’s Institute of Technology (Seattle, WA) in 1990 where he was educated in mostly service supplied underwater construction, but attained his Advanced Open Water Certification as part of the requisite course work. His classroom education & practical experience included, but was not limited to everything from underwater arc welding to hyperbaric chamber operation(s) & saturation theory.
Although he didn’t pursue a career at the time, he continued in the trades until going back to school to become a drug counselor in Humboldt County, CA and achieving his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science Management focused on Policy & Planning from Humboldt State University (now Cal-Poly Humboldt) which allowed him to ultimately serve as a city Councilor in Trinidad, CA (2019-2022).
Currently Dave has joined Sail Fish Scuba to achieve his credentials to become a proficient Divemaster/Instructor as well as use his construction background & formal education to engage with Sea Turtles, coral reef restoration and other global issues commonly associated with the sea & inland waterways.
Favorite Marine Pal: Sea Turtle
Ted "Teddy Boy"
Surface Support (pre & post Dive)
Ted is a Certified ESA (Emotional Support Animal) & seasoned traveler. Ted has traversed the Continental United States twice with his BFF Groovy (Dave) since his humble beginnings as a Rescue dog from Hoopa, CA. Ted loves both human and animal friends, and is thrilled to now be enjoying i
Ted "Teddy Boy"
Surface Support (pre & post Dive)
Ted is a Certified ESA (Emotional Support Animal) & seasoned traveler. Ted has traversed the Continental United States twice with his BFF Groovy (Dave) since his humble beginnings as a Rescue dog from Hoopa, CA. Ted loves both human and animal friends, and is thrilled to now be enjoying island life in the Keys.
Ted's favorite pastimes include chasing iguanas, ripping apart chew toys, winning at tug-o-war (he's undefeated), and sleeping under the Sail Fish Scuba shop desk.
Because he's not just good, but SUPER GOOD, Ted has been named the employee of the month... every month!
Favorite Marine Pal: Catfish
Favorite movie: Scooby-Doo
Favorite Food: Chicken