Scubapeutics® : An Innovative Approach To Health & Wellness
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Under The Surface is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the Scubapeutics® program as a new and innovative approach to health and well-being, including those with physical and mental injuries.
Scuba diving has proven to have many positive rehabilitative effects on mental health, physical fitness and improved relationships.
We can offer Scubapeutics ®
for those with various mental and physical injuries including PTSD, chronic pain, paraplegia, amputees, MS, depression, anxiety, autism or downs syndrome, plus many more.
Want to get your Open Water Scuba Certification? We do that too!
Who We Are
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
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Under the Surface was created by a paramedic and a Veteran military nurse that know first hand the struggles of dealing with PTSD and chronic injuries. We are living through the rehabilitation process and understand the stress getting healthy can have on the family.
Scubapeutics ® offers an environment of camaraderie while creating social connections with others who understand the difficulties of everyday life when suffering from mental and physical injuries.
Why It Works
Mission Statement
Why It Works
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Underwater, we are all equal. Scuba diving is like entering another world, when you slip under the water's surface everything changes. Slow breathing promotes a state of calm, a weightless environment alleviates pressure and pain, atmospheric pressure while at depth creates a natural release of feel good endorphins.
Most of all, scuba diving provides an opportunity to explore new possibilities and builds a sense of identity that can lead to personal growth and a healthy lifestyle.
Our Story
Our Founders
Natalka MacKay
Founder CEO
Having an extensive background as a healthcare educator with 9 years working as a paramedic in Peel Region, and being a world travelling scuba diver since 2001, gives her the ability to not only teach scuba diving to a diverse group of people but also have the medical knowledge to easily adapt and accommodate for those with mental and physical disabilities. Natalka has been a PADI scuba instructor since 2011 and a Handicapped Scuba Association Instructor since 2018. She fully understands the effects of transitioning out of a first responder/military profession and the stresses PTSD, chronic injuries and pain has on family life.
Bob MacKay
Co-founder
A Military Veteran with 23 years of lived military experience as a medic and as a nurse, has gained an extensive insight into Veteran health. With multiple tours including Afghanistan, he understands the rigorous demands of military service. He understands the effects of PTSD and chronic back pain on daily life and knows how scuba can change your outlook. Bob has successfully gone through the transition from military to civilian life and has an intimate understanding of the process.
With a Nursing Degree and a Masters of Education with a Concentration of Health Profession Education, Bob is able to develop a Scubapeutic rehabilitative program in consultation with allied health professionals.
Our Team
Chris Goulet
A Critical Care CAF Nursing Officer with 8 years emergency medicine experience, member, coach and master instructor for National Lifesaving Society and International Lifesaving Cup Team Canada. He has extensive experience working as a coach and trainer in the water and on dry land, designing programs to facilitate success. A founding member of the National Lifesaving Society Technical Leaders Commitee and creator of the Caribbean Lifesaving Society makes him an integral part of the organization.
Heather Dawe
A lawyer and senior associate, a member of the Corporate Commercial Group who primarily practices in the areas of corporate commercial, charities and not-for-profit law. She is also a military spouse and a former director of Skate Canada Nova Scotia and Chair of Skater Development. Her involvement will have a positive influence on all parts of the program.
Our Flotilla
Did you know that a flotilla is the name for a group of sea turtles AND a small fleet of naval warships?
Under the Surface chose a turtle for a logo because seeing one on a dive always makes us smile. While turtles can be slow and cumbersome on land, when they are underwater, they transform into elegant swimmers, appearing calm and comfortable in their environment.
The transition is remarkable and reflects how many of us feel when we are under the surface of the water. Especially for those with mental and physical disabilities.
Freedom. Weightlessness. Peace.
Underwater, we are all equal.