Free-Daptive Divers
Meet the Free-Daptive Divers Team
Our mission is achieved through a dedicated and passionate team who envision providing SCUBA training and diving opportunities to those individuals who feel SCUBA diving is unattainable due to physical and cognitive challenges and to develop continuing relationships and overcome obstacles to SCUBA diving for individuals with disabilities.
Rick Kline | Executive Director and Co-Founder
Rick is a retired Fire Chief with the Plymouth (MN) Fire Department. In addition to his PADI and HSA Dive Master certifications, he is also a certified Minnesota EMT and Emergency Manager. He has over 30 years and hundreds of dives in his diving career and he’s one of the founders of FREE-DAPTIVE Divers.
thomas cornell | Program Director and co-founder
Tom is a Photojournalist and scuba diver since 1997. In 2004 he became a Scuba Instructor with NAUI and followed it up with Instructor certifications with the HSA and SDI agencies. He’s also a CPR/AED/1st Aid/DAN O2 & Neuro Assessment instructor.
Kerri Nelson | Board President
Kerri Nelson (Board of Directors) is a shareholder at the law firm of Bassford Remele, and a mother of two. Her best scuba story is that she got married 35 feet underwater in the Florida Keys. She recently returned to diving after a several-year hiatus, and is thrilled to be a part of the Free-Daptive organization.
mary Kline | board member
Mary has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing which has allowed her the opportunity to work in a variety of roles over the past 39 years. After taking a “Try Scuba” session in 2017; and enjoying it, Mary has become a certified diver. She says, “Much of my inspiration has come from Chad and Becky, and other divers who have overcome many obstacles to enjoy the benefits and pure fun of diving.
brenda cornell | board member and co-founder
Brenda has been a scuba diver since 1997 and has recently become a PADI and HSA Dive Master. She has traveled on a number of adaptive dive trips and has been instrumental in developing FREE-DAPTIVE Divers.
Scott Doerr | board member/communications Director
Scott enjoys sharing his passion for diving with persons of all abilities. Scott has been a certified diver since 2011. In addition to being a PADI scuba instructor, he is also an HSA dive buddy, SDI Scubility dive buddy, American Red Cross CPR/AED & Advanced First Aid Instructor, and an Emergency First Response Instructor.
bill king | Board Member
Bill is a retired educator and accomplished dive industry professional. Bill holds several instructor certifications as well as specialty instructor credentials. He is a published author as well presenter on topics related to diving.