Born from the ocean.
Built for second chances.
Surface to Success is a Southern California nonprofit on a mission to transform the lives of justice-impacted individuals through the healing power of the ocean — combining PADI scuba certification, trauma-informed counseling, and real career pathways into one life-changing program.
Why we exist.
To provide justice-impacted individuals with transformative ocean-based experiences that heal trauma, build professional skills, and open pathways to meaningful careers — creating a cycle of lasting change in our communities.
A Southern California where every person — regardless of their past — has access to the healing power of the ocean and the opportunity to build a life of purpose, dignity, and contribution.
Dignity First
Every participant is treated with unconditional respect. We see the whole person, not the record.
Trauma-Informed
We understand that incarceration, poverty, and systemic injustice leave deep wounds. Healing is built into everything we do.
Ocean as Teacher
The ocean demands presence, trust, and courage. These are the same qualities that transform lives on land.
Community Over Competition
Our cohort model builds deep bonds. Participants rise together — and alumni lift the next generation.
The ocean doesn't care about your record. It only asks: are you willing to go deeper?
Chrysanthus Thomas
Founder & Executive Director
I founded Surface to Success after witnessing firsthand the revolving door of the criminal justice system — and the profound lack of programs that address the whole person. As a certified PADI divemaster and advocate for restorative justice, I've combined my passion for the ocean with my commitment to community transformation.
My own journey through adversity gave me a unique understanding of what justice-impacted individuals truly need: not just job training, but healing. Not just skills, but community. Not just a second chance, but a reason to believe in themselves again.
Under my leadership, Surface to Success has developed a nationally recognized model that integrates clinical mental health care, professional dive certification, and workforce development into a single, immersive 12-week program.
This isn't a program I built from a distance. It's one I live inside of, every single day — and I'm just getting started.
How it all began.
Surface to Success was born from a single observation: the ocean changes people. Chrysanthus had seen it happen on dive trips — the way the underwater world strips away ego, demands presence, and creates a profound sense of peace and possibility. He began to wonder: what if that experience could be made accessible to the people who needed it most?
What started as an idea became a business plan, then an approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit, then a growing movement. Surface to Success is now preparing to welcome its first cohort — up to 20 participants, many of whom have never seen the ocean up close — when the program launches in January 2027, combining PADI scuba certification with trauma-informed counseling and marine-industry career development.
Today, Surface to Success operates across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, partnering with reentry organizations, parole offices, social workers, and marine industry employers to build a pipeline from incarceration to ocean-based careers.
501(c)(3) Approved
Surface to Success is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization (EIN 42-4008252). All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We are committed to full transparency with our donors and partners.
The people behind the mission.
Surface to Success is powered by a dedicated team of clinicians, dive instructors, workforce development specialists, and community advocates — all united by a belief that transformation is possible for everyone.
Chrysanthus Thomas
Founder & Executive Director
PADI Divemaster, reentry advocate, and the visionary behind Surface to Success.
Lakesha Thomas, DSW, LCSW
Mental Health Counselor
Licensed clinical social worker providing trauma-informed individual and group therapy throughout the program.
Douglas Hayes
Lead Diving Instructor, PADI Master Instructor
Professional dive instructor who guides participants from pool training through open water certification.
Angela DiDia
Job Placement Coordinator
Connects graduates with marine-industry employers, internships, and further certification pathways.
Join us in the water.
Whether you want to volunteer, partner, donate, or refer someone to the program — there is a place for you in this mission.