Leonie and Lillian met when they were both new to diving, having only done about 20 dives each. Since then, they have enjoyed many dives together and, after discussing their individual passions (Leonie for education and Lillian for photography), decided they would join forces to create Come Dive with Me. They hope to share their enthusiasm for diving and marine life with kids, adults, students, educators, and enthusiasts alike. By weaving together stunning photographs, scientific insights, literature and so much more they invite readers to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery, as well as to raise awareness of the perilous precipice the ocean is currently facing.
About Leonie
Hi, my name is Leonie McIlvenny and I am an educator with over four decades of experience. As a teacher librarian, I have always believed in the power of inquiry to inspire students and nurture their intellectual curiosity and have also advocated for the integration of literature into the educational experience, recognizing its ability to ignite imaginations and broaden perspectives.
It has been in the last six years, however, that these learning approaches have been crystallized into a new focus; I discovered the beauty and majesty of the underwater world by learning to scuba dive, and this new personal passion for diving is what has truly set me on this new course. This fascination with the ocean and its mesmerizing marine life has allowed me to explore new ways of merging my love for literature and inquiry learning with my underwater adventures, and together with the inspirational Lillian Heidel, whose beautiful images and videos bring Come Dive with Me to life, we have embarked on a mission to create a unique range of original resources that would not only educate but also inspire a profound appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants. If you want to find out more about my body of work please visit. https://www.leoniemcilvenny.com/ |
About Lillian
Hi, my name is Lillian Heidel. For 55 years I told people water was not my element. When I moved to Australian that all changed. I started doing some snorkeling and became fascinated with the underwater world. Once I learned how to duck dive and came face to face with some fascinating creatures, I knew I wanted to learn to scuba dive. Since gaining my initial certification as an Open Water Diver I have also completed Advanced, Rescue and other certifications. I was fortunate enough to travel the world as an expat due to my husband's job and because I lived in countries where I was unable to work, I took up photography as a hobby. For many years I practiced photography on land and when I finally took that dive into the ocean, I realised I could combine the two passions. Since then, I haven't looked back.
I am excited to share my passion for the underwater world with you and hope my images and film footage bring the underwater world to life for you. |