John Alred – Owner/Recreational/Technical Instructor
My diving journey began on January 9, 2016, and from the moment I took my first breath underwater, I knew I had found my true passion. The thrill of exploration, the beauty of the underwater world, and the feeling of flying through the water felt more like home than dry land ever did.
I earned my Open Water certification in the same lake where I now have the privilege of training my own students. Using my GI Bill benefits, I became a Recreational Diving Instructor in 2017. As my passion for diving grew, so did my curiosity—leading me to expand into the technical side of diving. My thirst for knowledge continues today as I pursue advanced training in public safety diving, cave diving, and other specialized disciplines.
In early 2019, I founded Just Breathe Scuba Adventures, driven by a desire to share the underwater world with others. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to helping both new and experienced divers grow their skills, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of diving in some of the world’s most stunning locations, including Bonaire, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Mexico, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas—exploring everything from freshwater lakes and saltwater reefs to caves, caverns, and shipwrecks.
Of all the courses I teach, my favorite is the Rescue Diver Course, where I help students gain the confidence and skills to assist others and manage emergencies in a fun and challenging way.
My teaching philosophy is simple: Be safe, have fun, and look cool doing it.
With Just Breathe Scuba Adventures: “Your next adventure is JUST one BREATH away!”
Instructor Credentials:
- SDI/TDI/FRTI Instructor
- NAUI Instructor
- SSI Instructor
Additional Credentials:
- US Army Medic
- EMT
- Firefighter
- First Aid Instructor
Amber Alred – Co-Owner/Medical aficionado
Amber once confidently declared, “I will never be a scuba diver.” I can personally attest to that—she said it to me, her husband, on our very first date. But as she watched my passion for the sport grow, her curiosity began to take hold. Eventually, she decided to experience it for herself, and from the moment she took her first dive, she was completely captivated by the underwater world.
Since becoming certified, Amber has explored the vibrant coral reefs of Bonaire and Cancun, as well as undertaken freshwater dives across various lakes in Texas. Among her most memorable experiences are wreck dives, particularly the renowned Hilma Hooker in Bonaire, where vibrant marine life now thrives among the remnants of a sunken vessel.
Amber is a valued member of the Just Breathe team, bringing over 12 years of experience in the medical field as both a Registered Nurse and a Family Nurse Practitioner. She plays a critical role behind the scenes—researching and scouting new dive destinations and offering a distinctive perspective on how to make the underwater world more approachable and enjoyable, particularly for female divers.
For those seeking an authentic and relatable viewpoint—one not shaped solely by the lens of an instructor—Amber offers a refreshing and knowledgeable perspective. Her blend of medical expertise, adventurous spirit, and dedication to inclusive diving makes her an exceptional advocate for those newly exploring the sport.
Meet Henry Borders – Assistant Instructor & Ocean Enthusiast
Henry’s journey beneath the surface began in 2021, but his connection to the water started long before. A lifelong snorkeler, boater, and water enthusiast, he grew up on the water and eventually felt the call to explore deeper. That year, he earned his Open Water certification and took his first dive trip to the vibrant reefs of Hawaii.
Since then, Henry’s passion for diving has taken him across the globe to destinations like Aruba, Roatan, and Mexico—where he discovered his favorite dive sites: the mystical Cenotes. His love for the underwater world drove him to quickly expand his skills, earning multiple specialty certifications and titles, including Advanced Diver, Advanced Adventure Diver, and NAUI Master Diver—all within his first few years.
Within two years Henry became a certified Rescue Diver, and just a year later, he completed his Dive Master training. Today, he holds a wide range of certifications.
Henry’s next goal is to become an instructor. He’s passionate about sharing the magic of diving with others and hopes to build a community of skilled divers and lifelong friends through mentorship, exploration, and adventure.