Mr. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Clarkson University is Vice President of Ronald J. O’Mara P.E., P.C. Consulting Engineers and holds a professional engineers license in several states. Mr. Anderson also holds scuba instructor trainer certificate through Scuba Schools International, an adaptive scuba instructor, A Diver Safety Instructor Trainer certificate for Divers Alert Network, and is a CPR and First Aid instructor. In addition Mr. Anderson has a Merchant Marine 100 ton master’s license to operate commercial vessels. Mr. Anderson is co-owner of Phoenix Scuba and Water Sports, Inc. in Lackawanna, NY and has extensive experience in recreation programs. Mr. Anderson has served the community as co- founder and Vice president of the Sisterhood Wellness Center, which provides retreats, counseling and activities for breast cancer survivors. He is Co-founder and trustee for the Great Lakes Water Sport Institute Inc. (DBA Western NY Adaptive Water Sports.) as well as trustee for the S. S. Canadiana Preservation Society. Mr. Anderson and his wife initiated the national “First Dive” Program for the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund and operate the local chapter of Dive Pirates a charity that provides Scuba opportunities to Disabled Military and other physically disabled individuals. The main focus of Mr. Anderson’s charitable endeavors, is “quality of life” programs for the physically disabled.
Scuba and watersports provide an excelant source for physical therapy, fitness and recreation, for both able bodied and physically disabled individuals. The seminar will discuss the physical and psycological benefits to the individual and family of this form of recreation.