Meet the Team
Tanner Pedersen
33 y.o.
Gainesville, FL
@depthwishfreediving
Founder / Lead Diver
Kenzie Pedersen
33 y.o.
Gainesville, FL
@kenzieoutside
Co-Founder / Event Director
32 y.o.
Ocala, FL
@guardianofthewaters
Hi! My name is Michelle Colson, also known as Mermaid Michi: Guardian of the Waters. Born in Mexico and now based in Florida, my connection to water runs deep and has shaped both my life and my work. Through freediving and mermaiding, I found a powerful way to blend creativity, advocacy, and storytelling beneath the surface.
My mermaid persona allows me to raise awareness for Florida’s springs, rivers, and coastlines while working closely with organizations like the Florida Springs Council. Whether I’m creating underwater content, participating in community events, or speaking up for water protection, my goal is always the same—to inspire others to reconnect with the water and protect the places that give us so much.
When I’m not in the water, I’m continuing to find new ways to serve, educate, and advocate for our natural world—one dive at a time.
Crew LeadMichelle Colson
54 y.o.
Huntersville, NC
@debhedger
Hi! I ’m Debbi. After spending 23 years as a critical care flight nurse, I transitioned into the legal field, where I continue to work on complex medical cases. With a career rooted in high-stress environments, I’ve always found my sense of balance and calm in nature, especially anywhere water is involved.
Whether it’s sitting on a quiet beach at sunset, exploring lakes and rivers, or soaking in peaceful mountain scenes, water has always been my grounding place. My love for DEWE comes from the people, the natural spaces, and the sense of peace it brings. I’m usually helping wherever I’m needed, and while I don’t dive (yet!), I love that DEWE welcomes nature lovers of all kinds. Being part of this community is something I’m truly grateful for.
Crew
Deb Hedger
24 y.o.
Tampa Bay, FL
@kirarhinchey
Hi! My name is Kira Hinchey. I am a PADI certified freediver whose journey started as a kid, searching for sand dollars off the beach with my dad, then spending time at the springs and meeting other divers.
From there my interest in freediving grew rapidly. I attended my first DEWE in 2023 with no “official” experience. DEWE introduced me to the awesome freediving community, I became a PADI certified freediver in 2024, and it’s now my #1 hobby.
When I am not in the water, I enjoy spending time in Florida’s beautiful natural spaces, cooking, crafting, and thrifting.
CrewKira Hinchey
57 y.o.
Clearwater, FL
@Glenhinchey
Hi! My name is Glen Hinchey. I’ve been a Physical Therapist for over 25 years and have always had a deep love for the outdoors, especially anything involving water. One of my earliest and most impactful experiences was spear pole fishing in the Bahamas at a young age, which sparked a lifelong appreciation for the ocean and underwater exploration.
As a longtime father, camper, and water enthusiast, I’m always eager to learn and grow. Attending Deep End Weekend in 2024 and 2025 opened my eyes to the depth and discipline of freediving, and I’ve since enjoyed expanding my knowledge and refining my approach to the sport. I’m excited to continue learning and to help others get the most out of the DEWE experience!
CrewGlen Hinchey
45 y.o.
Delray Beach, FL
@adamfogliawildlife
Hi there, I’m Adam! I grew up in Satellite Beach, Florida, and fell in love with the ocean at a young age. That connection deepened in 2017 when I was introduced to freediving by a close friend, which eventually led me to underwater photography and exploring the world below the surface in a whole new way.
I’m Level 2 freedive certified and hold several additional certifications, including snorkel guide, oxygen administration, first aid/CPR, nitrox, and divemaster. When I’m not in the water, I split my time between working at an oceanfront restaurant in South Florida and serving as part of the crew on a shark diving boat with Gung Ho Divers. For me, freediving is all about finding balance, a place where silence and clarity exist within the chaos of everyday life.
Media LeadAdam Foglia
42 y.o.
Roatan Honduras
@rob_belowthesurface
Hi! I’m Rob, a Florida native who grew up freediving and SCUBA diving in the springs of central and north Florida. Being underwater has always felt like home, and over time that passion grew into both a career and a creative outlet through underwater photography.
I’m a PADI and SSI SCUBA instructor with freediving certifications through AIDA, Molchanovs, and Apnea Total. After earning my first freediving certification in 2019 in Utila, I was inspired to continue exploring and eventually move to Roatan full time. Now based there, I travel the world teaching families to dive with Family Divers and Kids Sea Camp, sharing the love of the ocean and capturing memories along the way.
MediaRob MacKichan
37 y.o.
Canmore, Canada
@malekbeeprod
Hi! I’m an underwater photographer and videographer, as well as a ski technician. I was born and raised in the French Alps before leaving France 10 years ago to travel and work across the globe. Since then, I’ve split my time between the mountains and the ocean, working as a ski tech in places like Chile, Japan, Switzerland, and Canada, and in scuba and ocean-related roles in the Philippines and Mexico.
Whether I’m underwater or high in the mountains, freediving is at the center of what I love most; exploring wild places, capturing moments, and moving between two worlds that keep me grounded and inspired.
MediaMalek Kiki
34 y.o.
St. Petersburg, FL
@tesslae
Hi! I’m Tessla, and I discovered freediving in my mid-20s after a friend insisted I experience Florida’s springs from a fish’s perspective. The moment I got in the water, I felt a level of peace I had never experienced before, and I didn’t want to come back up.
With a background in holistic health and fitness, freediving quickly became a natural extension of my journey into mindfulness and meditation. I’m a licensed fitness coach, nutritionist, yoga teacher, and PADI freediver, and I’m beyond stoked to be part of DEWE 2026 and continue exploring, learning, and connecting, both in and out of the water.
Yoga Tessla Elizabeth
44 y.o.
Salt Lake City, Utah
@aqua_natives
Hi! My name is Ani Ostendorff Ferguson, and I’ve been drawn to the water for as long as I can remember. I’m a PADI Mermaid and Freedive Instructor Trainer, Distinctive Specialty Trainer, and SCUBA instructor, and I founded Aqua Native to create supportive, safety-focused spaces where divers can grow and thrive below the surface.
I’ve been a professional educator since 2003, teaching mermaiding, freediving, and SCUBA while designing courses that help people feel confident and at home in the water. When I’m not diving, I’m also a high school art and photography teacher, bringing creativity, curiosity, and connection into everything I do, above and below the surface.
DiverAni Ferguson
65 y.o.
St. Petersburg, FL
@deepawarenessdiving
Hey there! My name is Janine, and my freediving journey blends athletic challenge, education, and care for both people and the natural world. I’ve been a member of the U.S. Freediving Team in the Master’s Division (depth) from 2023–2025, and I bring that experience into my work as an instructor with Deep Awareness Diving and Florida Underwater Sports.
A mostly retired veterinarian with a background in wildlife care, I now teach freediving, scuba, and mermaiding, with a special focus on Blue Health and trauma-informed freediving. I’m also active in environmental projects throughout Florida’s springs, using freediving to help assess freshwater turtle populations and overall ecosystem health, connecting people, water, and conservation in meaningful ways.
DiverJanine Cianciolo
36 y.o.
West Palm Beach, FL
@Nature__Nick
I’m Nick, and my connection to water and nature started early, growing up near the lakes and rivers of the northwest suburbs of Chicago and spending time at my family’s lake house in northern Wisconsin. That passion led me to study Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University, focusing on fish biology and management.
After moving to Florida in 2014, I spent years working in the native plant industry before discovering the state’s springs and taking my first freediving course in 2018. I’m now a PADI Freedive Instructor with Live Free Diving and an AIDA depth competition safety diver. When I’m not in the water, you’ll usually find me running or hiking Florida trails, practicing yoga, or working on my virtual bookkeeping business, NTG Bookkeeping.
DiverNick Giannola
41 y.o.
Daphne, AL
Hi! I’m Kelley, originally from the Gulf Coast of Alabama, and I’ve been drawn to the outdoors and water for as long as I can remember. From kayaking and mountain biking to hiking and camping, I’ve always chased time in nature, but nothing captured my heart quite like freediving.
After my first dives in Florida’s crystal-clear springs, I was hooked. I’ve completed all of my training with Depth Wish Freediving and am currently working toward becoming an instructor, excited to continue growing alongside this incredible community. When I’m not underwater or out in the woods, you’ll usually find me behind a guitar; I’ve been a professional touring musician for over 20 years, playing everything from funk and soul to bluegrass and blues, with a special love for Dobro and steel guitar.
DiverKellEy McKee
Brandon Burke
33 y.o.
Monterey Bay, CA
@brandonburke
My name is Brandon Burke, and my freediving journey has taken me from the warm waters of Florida to the kelp forests of Monterey Bay, California. After learning to dive and spearfish in Florida, I moved west to explore the unique underwater landscapes of the Pacific and deepen my connection to the ocean.
I’m the founder of Odyssey Freediving, a PADI Freediver Instructor Trainer, spearfishing guide, charter captain, and underwater photographer. With a strong respect for ocean ecosystems, I focus on teaching ethical spearfishing practices that prioritize sustainability, conservation, and thoughtful interaction with marine life, both in and out of the water.
Diver