About Live Free Diving

Kaleigh “Keke” McBride — Co-Founder & Instructor Trainer

Keke is a native Floridian with roots in Trinidad & Tobago. Her freediving journey began in 2014, blending her love for the ocean with yoga, meditation and mindful movement. She holds four national freediving records for Trinidad & Tobago, is a PADI Freediver Instructor Trainer, and is the first and only female Molchanovs Instructor Trainer in the continental U.S.

Her credentials include:

• Molchanovs Instructor Trainer
• PADI Instructor Trainer (Freediving & Mermaid)
• PADI Master SCUBA Instructor
• 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher
• Emergency First Response Instructor
• Vertical Blue Safety Diver

Keke’s teaching style blends safety, patience, mindfulness and joy. She’s passionate about creating an uplifting, welcoming and supportive environment where students can build confidence, connect with their breath and discover their own potential in the water.

Beyond teaching, Keke is the owner of Freedive Girls, a women’s ocean community and wetsuit brand, and shares her love for the sea through @underseakeke.

Farrell Tiller — Co-Founder, Instructor & Captain

Born and raised in South Florida, Farrell has explored local reefs and currents since childhood. At FAU he founded and led the Freediving & Spearfishing Club — the start of the community that became Live Free. He’s known for his storytelling, enthusiasm, and making even challenging dives feel fun and attainable.

His credentials include:

• U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain
• PADI Master Freedive Instructor
• PFI Freedive Instructor
• PFI Spearfishing Instructor
• Oxygen Advantage Functional Breathing Instructor
• Emergency First Response Instructor

Follow on Instagram: @freedivingfarreall

Nick Giannola — Instructor, Safety Diver & Chief of Sustainability

Raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Nick earned the nickname “part fish” as a kid and spent his summers exploring the lakes of Wisconsin. He studied fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University, then moved to Florida, where he spent years in the native plant industry turning yards into wildlife habitats.

Discovering Florida’s springs pulled him back underwater — he completed his scuba and freediving courses in 2018 and hasn’t looked back. Today he shares his love for Florida’s ecosystems, above and below the surface, with every student he guides.

His credentials include:

• PADI Freedive Instructor
• Emergency First Response certified (CPR & First Aid)
• Vertical Blue Safety Diver

Follow on Instagram: @nature__nick

Stevie Gordon — Social Media Coordinator, In-Water Guide & Divemaster

Raised along Florida’s west coast, Stevie grew up chasing perfect days on the water. She earned her PADI Divemaster rating in Key Largo and now guides guests along Florida’s east coast, sharing the reefs and marine life with locals and visitors alike.

Stevie splits her time between Florida and the mountains of Colorado. When she’s not in the water, you’ll find her at a beach cleanup or swimming with sharks — she’s passionate about protecting the ocean for future generations.

Follow on Instagram: @steviewanders__

Laurent Kramer — Boat Captain, Mechanic & Swiss Army Knife

Born in Switzerland and raised across Europe, Laurent grew up traveling with his parents and learning about boats and photography from his father. He earned his first scuba certification at 18, then spent 22 years as a professional lifeguard and police officer in Switzerland.

In 2007 he moved to San Diego, trained as a boat mechanic, and later joined Florida’s yachting industry as an engineer. He started freediving in the Keys in 2018. Today he’s an advanced freediver and USCG OUPV Captain who drives and services our boat, Apnea — and captures many of the underwater photos you see on this site.

Follow on Instagram: @urakphotography