Some of you may want to know: who is the clever writer behind these blogs? Okay, I won’t flatter myself. However, I thought it might be fun to introduce myself. 

Hi, I’m Shannon McNeese! I’ve been a part of The Dive Shop family for quite some time now. In fact, I really didn’t have a choice in the matter, as I was born into The Dive Shop family. You see, my grandfather started The Dive Shop in 1961 in Memphis, TN. So diving is kinda in my blood! I was born with a set of gills, strong fins, and a predisposition for adventure. 

I’m fairly certain I could snorkel before I could walk. Growing up, you would always find me eager and ready to jump into the water—mask and fins were part of my summer attire. I have vivid memories of waving to divers as I snorkeled above, dreaming of the day I could join them underwater. 

As soon as I turned 12, I was on my way to becoming a certified diver. (Side note: Randy Wright was my amazing instructor. Go say “Hi!” to him at the Memphis location.) To celebrate this accomplishment, my dad took me on dive trip to the Bahamas. We were given explicate instructions from my mom: do not do a night dive, do not do a deep dive, and for the love of all things good, especially DO NOT do a SHARK DIVE! After I had completed all 3, we called home to tell mom of all my amazing dives! 

By day, I work as a pharmacist, but by night, I function as an ocean aficionado. I love all things ocean: scuba diving, sea creatures, beautiful coral, sound of waves, sand between my toes, smell of salty air, but most importantly, promoting ocean awareness. I am passionate about educating divers and non-divers on ways in which we can keep our oceans and its creatures healthy and thriving. If you have any topics you’d like to hear about, let me know! 

Thanks for allowing me to introduce myself. I hope you find these blogs fun and educational!