The People Behind Your Dive Journey
PADI Elite Course Director · 4 Owner-Instructors · 14 Instructors · 10 Divemasters · Serving Connecticut since 1977
Meet the Owners
Four passionate divers. One shared mission. Serving Connecticut since 1977.
Monty Fitzpatrick
Owner · PADI Elite Course Director
Over 40 years diving experience, including 10+ years as a commercial diver in the Gulf of Mexico. PADI Course Director & Public Safety Instructor Trainer.
Bill Mitlehner
Owner · PADI Elite Master Instructor
Started diving in 2019 — a Manta Ray night dive in Hawaii turned interest into passion. Now one of New England’s most dedicated dive educators.
Mike Manzi
Owner · PADI Master Instructor
Hooked from his very first dive. Worldwide travels have taken Mike to legendary dive sites across the globe, all while building Scuba Shack’s community.
Nancy Klatt
Owner · PADI Assistant Instructor
A cornerstone of the Scuba Shack family, Nancy keeps the shop running and brings warmth and expertise to every customer and student she works with.
Instructors
Our certified PADI instructors — ready to guide you from your first breath underwater to advanced certifications.
Alex Marchenko
PADI Instructor
Certified at Scuba Shack in 2012, now dedicated to helping students discover the underwater world.
Alfred Croteau
PADI Instructor
Coryn Ferguson
PADI Instructor
Coryn began diving at the University of Miami, and now teaches as an instructor with a passion for marine conservation and helping divers discover the underwater world.
George Keech
PADI IDC Staff Instructor
Isaac Burtis
PADI Instructor
Jay Dinho
PADI Instructor
Joel Toohey
PADI Master Instructor
Diving since 1982. Inspired by Jacques Cousteau — passionate about Cayman walls and sharing the sport.
Lizzie Weller
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Certified in 2014, became an instructor alongside her Dad Ron. Loves helping new divers build confidence.
Ron Weller
PADI IDC Staff Elite Instructor
Diving since 1995. Completed his Instructor certification alongside his daughter Lizzie in 2018.
Shea Mitlehner
PADI Instructor
Discovered scuba on a Hawaii family trip in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since.
Sonja Kos
PADI Instructor
Tom Allen
PADI Instructor
First certified Labor Day 2021, officially turned pro just a few years later — a true fast-tracker.
Tom Janesky
PADI IDC Staff Instructor
Certified in 2007, rapidly advanced to the PADI professional ranks. Passionate about every level of diving.
Peter Katz DMD
PADI Master Instructor
Diving since 1987. Loves Block Island wrecks and Bahamas diving.
Assistant Instructors
Experienced professionals supporting every student’s learning journey.
Deb Dauphinais
PADI Assistant Instructor
A PADI teaching professional for over 30 years with a deep passion for New England diving and marine conservation.
Divemasters
Our divemasters keep every dive safe, organized, and memorable.
Baris Kancoglu
PADI Divemaster
Cheyenne Dibble
PADI Divemaster
Connor Martin
PADI Divemaster
Ian Dakers
PADI Divemaster
Max Hernandez
PADI Divemaster
Ned Pendleton
PADI Divemaster
Inspired by Sea Hunt and Cousteau. Became a Divemaster to share the sport with a new generation.
Sam Santaniello
PADI Divemaster
Steven Klatt
PADI Divemaster
Wes Jones
PADI Divemaster
Wesley’s connection to the ocean began as a U.S. Navy submariner and grew into a passion for scuba diving. As a PADI Divemaster, he enjoys helping others build confidence in the water while fostering a deeper appreciation for the underwater world.
Emerita
We honor those who dedicated years to building the Scuba Shack community.
Jeff Cinciripino
PADI Master Instructor · Retired
Diving since 2004, Jeff reached the PADI professional ranks in 2006. His passion for helping new divers discover underwater adventure made him a beloved figure at Scuba Shack.
Donna Cinciripino
PADI Divemaster · Retired
Certified in 2004, Divemaster in 2006. Loved sharing her experience with new divers on group trips — scuba divers are an adventurous bunch!
Matt Cinciripino
PADI Instructor · Non-Teaching
Certified in 2004, Matt’s passion spans marine ecology, sub-aquatic history, and underwater photography.
Learn from the Best.
Our team has helped over 11,000 Connecticut divers find their underwater adventure. You’re next.