About Moffitt’s Mermaids
Moffitt’s Mermaids (MM) is a small woman-owned business currently located on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, dedicated to certifying and educating new and seasoned scuba divers on the importance of dive safety and how we can all do our part to help in ocean conservation.
Meet Your Instructor, Katie!
Moffitt’s Mermaids is owned and operated by Katie Moffitt, a combined 8+ years PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) scuba diving and Master Scuba Diver Trainer whose passion is opening the eyes of everyone she certifies and teaches to the magical world of scuba diving.
Katie was born and raised in the great state of Texas where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston before moving to Hawaii in 2019.
While attending university, her knowledge of ocean animals, the marine environment, and ocean conservation expanded exponentially. Before her senior year, she participated in an International Student Volunteer (ISV) trip to Southern Africa where she learned more about what she could do to play a part in helping the world with conservation. The trip impacted her life so much that she made the conscious decision to become a vegetarian to help in the battle of conservation.
“Conservation is my passion, and I love sharing different ways on how my mer-students can help the ocean while becoming certified and furthering their education.”
Katie has also worked for multiple companies and aquatic parks in animal care, some of them include a local aquarium in Galveston, Texas, Disney’s College Program at Animal Kingdom in Florida, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, SeaWorld in San Antonio, and as a dolphin trainer at the Hilton on The Big Island, Hawaii.
Throughout her years of experience she has worked closely with penguins, pinnipeds, beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, pacific white-sided dolphins, otters, birds of prey, and dogs.
Fun Facts About Katie!
Where were you born? Where is your hometown?. . .
Born and Raised in Texas.
What are some of your hobbies/passions outside of Scuba Diving? . . .
I love to read, and play ukulele in my free time.
What is your favorite color, food, time of the season of the year, favorite destination or vacation place, etc.? . . .
Fav time of your is Fall and my fav food is pumpkin pie.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? . . .
Live underwater, of course :)
If you could leave behind something for the world what message would it be? . . .
The South African saying I learned on my volunteer internship was: Ubuntu~We are who we are because of other people~ I’ve learned everything we do matters and affects others so make it a positive one.
What is one item you can’t live without? . . .
My Aggie Ring, I am a part of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2017, WHOOP!
The Aggie Ring is one the most honored traditions at Texas A&M University. You receive your Aggie Ring after you complete 90 hours of coursework at A&M. Then once you complete your hours, there’s an official ceremony to have your Aggie Ring presented to you. (Basically to give a reference of the importance of this tradition, you are more excited for your ring than your actual graduation and the importance is up there with your wedding day.) There are lots of traditions regarding the Aggie Ring itself, but what it really represents is the connection to the Aggie Family that you will have for the rest of your life. You continue to wear your Aggie Ring forever, not just until you graduate. I’ve actually spotted Aggies while I’ve been traveling and it’s been the coolest immediate connection to have all around the world. Anytime I’m not diving, you will see me wearing my little piece of gold!
What is your favorite marine animal? . . .
I am currently obsessed with Nudibranchs (aka: Sea Slugs)!!
Dream spot to go diving? . . .
If I had to choose only one place it would be to dive off the Ningaloo Reef in Australia. Their wildlife looks so expansive and it holds so many of my favorite marine animals all in one location.
Help Us Do Our Part!
Did you know Moffitt’s Mermaids donates a small portion from every new certification to conservation organizations worldwide? Check out who we’re currently supporting and more information on how you can get involved.