Born and raised in the heart of Western North Carolina, Loie grew up chasing waterfalls, paddling rivers, and diving into the freshwater wonder of Brevard. Her early connection to the water—and the wild—sparked a lifelong pursuit of in-water adventure, leading her into the worlds of professional mermaiding, freediving, and aquatic instruction.

Now a certified PADI Mermaid Instructor and Divemaster-in-training, Loie brings both precision and creativity to her coaching style. With a background in dance and a natural grace in the water, she blends art and athleticism in a way that makes mermaiding feel both empowering and accessible. She’s equally at home guiding first-timers or fine-tuning techniques for more advanced students.

Before stepping into fins, Loie spent years as a river guide, camp counselor, and Leave No Trace educator—roles that deepened her skills in youth leadership, outdoor ethics, and building confidence through challenge. At Mountains to Seas, she combines that experience with her passion for water-based exploration, helping others find strength, flow, and connection beneath the surface.

Known as The Blue Ridge Mountain Mermaid, Loie represents the freshwater soul of the Appalachians—bringing creativity, compassion, and an unwavering love for the natural world to everything she does.