Meet the Dreamers Team!
We’re proud to have a majority Timorese team, including the country’s first and only local instructors, Melky and Terezinha. Our crew is passionate about sharing Timor-Leste’s incredible ocean life—whether they’re guiding visitors through their first dive or helping fellow Timorese discover the wonders beneath the surface.
Kate Barker – UK
Owner & SDI Instructor Trainer
At DDA since 2018
Kate co-founded Dreamers Dive Academy in 2018 with a clear vision: to create a dive business where Timorese staff are at the heart of it all. Her mission is to ensure every team member builds skills, confidence, and knowledge during their time on the team. Kate sets the bar for professionalism on every course and trip—while always making it fun for everyone.
Melky – Maubisse
SDI Instructor & Workshop Manager
At DDA since 2018
A founding member of Dreamers and a cornerstone of our team—we couldn’t do it without Melky! As Timor’s first dive instructor, he paved the way for future Timorese professionals by helping to develop and test the first SDI teaching materials in Tetun. Now our resident equipment expert, Melky continues to lead with skill, dedication, and a deep love for the ocean.
Terezinha – Oecusse
SDI Instructor & Finance Manager
At DDA since 2020
Known by most as Tequila, she is Timor’s first and only female dive instructor, as well as our finance coordinator and resident creative spark. A key piece of the Dreamers team, she brings precision, passion, and personality to everything she does. Small but mighty—and not to be underestimated—Tequila keeps things running smoothly both above and below the surface, always with a smile.
Atinhu – Oecusse
Dive Guide & Driver
At DDA since 2019
Atinhu joined Dreamers in 2019 as a driver and has since become an essential part of the team. With no prior dive experience, he has since completed his Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver training, and is now nearly finished with his Divemaster course. Calm and observant, with a keen eye for critters, Atinhu is a fantastic guide—always ready with a smile (or a joke) and bringing steady support and great energy to every trip.
Apoky – Viqueque
Dive Guide & Support Staff Lead
At DDA since 2023
Apoky first connected with Dreamers through an Open Water course in late 2022 and quickly stood out during his internship the following year. With a natural aptitude for technical training and strong underwater skills, he approaches every task with calm focus and quiet determination. As the first team member from our local community, his passion for the ocean has also inspired his family—planting the seeds for the next generation of Timorese underwater explorers.
Atay – Baucau
Driver & Security
At DDA since 2024
Soft-spoken and steady, Atay has been part of the Dreamers journey since his early days helping with transport. He became a full-time team member in 2024 and brings a calm, helpful presence to the everyday flow of work. Always easygoing and quietly reliable, Atay is someone you’re glad to have nearby.
Josua – Maliana
Intern – Rescue Diver
At DDA since 2024
Josua first joined Dreamers through a collaboration with UNTL, earning his Open Water certification. He returned in 2024 as a dedicated intern, completing his Advanced and Rescue training. He continues to show up every day with quiet commitment and a kind heart. Thoughtful and observant, Joshua is always the first to notice when someone needs a hand—and the first to offer it.
Selcio – Atauro
Intern – Rescue Diver
At DDA since 2024
Celsio first connected with Dreamers through an Open Water course during a collaboration with UNTL. He became an intern in 2024 and has completed his Advanced and Rescue courses so far. He brings a burst of energy to every trip, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. Whether he’s in the water, dancing on shore, or singing along on the drive home, we’re always glad to have Celsio around.
Dreamers Dive Academy 