Day Degenza
President | Instructor
Meet Day DeGenza, a dedicated member of our team and President of Project DEEP. Day's journey into the world of diving began unexpectedly in the spring of 1995 when she ran into a friend at the bus stop who was on his way to a Umass SCUBA class. Intrigued by the idea, Day decided to give it a try, and little did she know, it would become her lifelong passion. Over the next few years, she immersed herself in the diving world, taking on the role of a Teaching Assistant (TA) and embarking on numerous diving class trips. In 1998, Day achieved the prestigious Divemaster certification, and by 2000, she became a certified instructor while simultaneously earning her master’s degree.
Despite completing her formal education, Day's unwavering commitment to the underwater realm led her to work full-time at Holyoke Underwater for the following eight years. Her true passion in diving lies in teaching others to appreciate and love the mysteries of the underwater world as deeply as she does. Day's dedication to her craft is evident in the feedback from industry professionals who often praise Project DEEP students as the best-trained in the field. Her decision to extend her stay in the scuba industry for one more year has become a lasting and impactful journey, and we are thrilled to have her expertise as part of our Project DEEP family.
Jeff Menard
V.P. | Instructor
Jeff is an alumni of both the University of Massachusetts (B.S. Engineering) and Project Deep. He also holds a Masters in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute having worked in commercial nuclear, defense, and now health care industries. While creative problem solving is certainly the bread and butter, he finds great joy in mentoring and seeing growth in others from the student struggling with fears and anxiety to student that discovers a new passion like he did.
Teaching with Project D.E.E.P. for 10+ years now, it all started when his friend Brian talked him into trying a class he was sure he would hate. It never occurred to him how wonderful not being able to hear folks talk would be or the quiet beaty that might exist just be the cold surface of Cape Ann or the shallow reefs of key largo. It was dumbfounding the variety and diversity of charters the sport brings together. He distinctly remembers begrudgingly showing up with a check book that Monday night wondering why he was doing this, it is one of the few times in his life he can conclusively and unequivocally admit he was wrong! Learn from his path and others give the aquatic world a try it could change your life like it has so many others!
Jason Cook
Secretary|Treasurer
Instructor
Meet Jason C., a true water enthusiast with a decade of diving experience under his belt, including his instructor certification in 2018. Jason's aquatic journey started in 2002, rooted in competitive swimming and diving, which paved the way for his remarkable career.
Jason's credentials extend beyond diving, encompassing roles as lifeguarding instructor, instructor trainer and water safety instructor. His passion for aquatics also led him to become the Aquatics Director at a local private school, where he fostered a love for water activities among students. When he's not in the water, Jason can be found pursuing his hobbies of hunting and fishing, coaching various water sports or spending time with his family and dog. Dive into our world and let Jason guide you through unforgettable aquatic experiences.
Paul M
Instructor
From those initial dives, Paul's journey surged forward, each certification marking a milestone in his evolution as a scuba enthusiast. He ascended through the ranks, transforming from a dedicated Teaching Assistant to an accomplished instructor in 2017. Paul, through his journey from curious novice to seasoned instructor, has become a beacon - guiding others through the wonders of underwater exploration.
Brian M
Instructor
In September 2021, Brian started a new chapter when he joined Project Deep as a hired hand, marking a great addition to his career. Today, he works full-time for At the Water's Edge, enabling him to wholeheartedly immerse himself in various facets of diving. Brian's enthusiasm shines brightly as he teaches and mentors students, instilling in them not just the skills but also a lifelong passion for diving. His unwavering dedication to the underwater realm and nurturing the next generation of divers is a testament to his deep love for the ocean and his commitment to its exploration and conservation.
Shannon N-M
Instructor
Shannon has a masters degree in anthropology and works full time as an archaeologist traveling around New England doing cultural resource management work. Outside of diving Shannon is an avid hiker and rock climber, the time she doesn't spend in the ocean she's up in the mountains
Randy P.
Inst.(Ret.) | Consultant
Beyond the world of scuba, Randy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Technology. Now retired, he splits his time between the sunny shores of Delray Beach, FL during the winter and the picturesque landscapes of East Otis, Ma during the summers. Randy's retirement doesn't mean a quiet life, though. He continues to stay active and engaged, lending his expertise to his local Nature Center (Gumbo Limbo) and contributing as a consultant in Learning Technologies. When he's not busy with these ventures, you can often find him in his workshop, diligently working on restoring his beloved boat, a testament to his hands-on skills and unwavering determination. Randy's life is a testament to the joy of following one's passions and staying active in retirement.
