LIFE IS SHORT AND I WANT TO ENJOY EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE. I AM ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK AT READY TO ASSIST EMERGENCY ROOMS DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDAL ISSUES. I LIVE MY PASSIONS.
Robert Knapick, Ph.D.
Growing up, Robert had family support. His parents instilled the concept of self-reliance, focus and passion. He grew up in a 2-bedroom home with an accomplished father who was a Tool and Die Maker and a talented stay at home mother who was a creative artist and craft designer. Both parents came from large families that struggled through the Great Depression and World War II. Survival and personal responsibility for your success was important core values.
Robert had a sister who was 16 years older than him and completed a college degree in education. She married in the early 60’s to a talented man who worked as an accountant in the oil industry. He and my sister lived overseas in the mid 60’s. He also had a brother who was 3 years older than him. He did well in school and attended Texas A&M University and completed his Medical Degree at UTMB in Galveston, Texas. Upon the completion of his degree, he had a successful career as a pediatrician. Because both graduated from college, I was determined to go to college.
My focus was on the ocean and wanted to become a marine biologist. My junior year, I was appointed to go to the Naval Academy by senator Bill Archer. At age 17 my life was focused on success and a good career path. In November 1974, I had a few setbacks or as I call them Speed Bumps.
I was passionate about sports and put 110% into anything I did. My fist day at school in my 4th grade year, I reported to the same room I was in in 3rd grade. After spending the first day looking at 3rd grade books and instruction, I ask the teacher why I was not in the 4th grade wing of the school. She said, “Didn’t your mother tell you, you have been held back a grade because you need help with your reading comprehension.” This was a devastating blow to my ego and I did not know what to do. I never failed a class, my brother and sister were accomplished and awarded in their academic endeavors, and I felt like a failure. For my entire academic years, I never felt good enough. So, I tried to over achieve at everything I did to prove to myself that I was intelligent.
My self-esteem was always challenged and I never felt like I was good enough. I did excel in extra-curricular activities like, football, track and field, choir, and much more. Anger was one of my driving forces. I was mad a God for not saving my father and causing me such a difficult time. Upon my father’s death, I became an atheist. I did not trust in a God that would allow the negative things that I experienced. It was at this point that I started my spiritual journey. I was asked by a coach to attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting because he could see that I was struggling. I grew up Catholic, but never attended church. I went to this meeting and found my peers supporting me and showing me a direction from my life. That night was given my fist bible by my coach. It was a small new testament bible. That night I read the new testament, I did not sleep, but I did have the most peaceful and relaxing night of my life. Throughout the night I listened to what God had to say to me. The next day, I was a changed person. I had a true relationship with my God/Father. My peers did not know what to think. I drank heavily, cursed, physically hurt people and damaged property the day before I received the bible. The next day I changed. I no longer harmed people and was driven to have compassion for people. People did not know how to deal with my new behavior. I hit people hard on the football field and picked them up and told them they did a good job. I stopped drinking, cursing and hurting people. I did this not because I learned it at church, I did it because my new Father gave me a new focus. My favorite verse in the bible is, (Philippians 1:21-24) “21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
This new attitude put me in a no-lose situation and I was able to deal with mistakes and drawbacks to life. My educational goals began to change. I found a youth minister who connected to me. I began working in the church as a recreation minister, youth minister and a pastoral intern. When I was asked to get a place to leave my mother I ended up going to an expensive private university with degrees in Christianity. My Father paid for the school, though financial aid, scholarships and work study programs. Not bad for a young man that was held back for not being able to read.
I earned a degree in Christianity and Psychology with a minor in Speech. I then went to University of Houston at Clear Lake City and received a master’s in Behavioral Science with a specialty in Family Therapy. I enrolled in a doctoral program and the University of Houston, but I did not have the time needed to devote to my studies. In 1982 I received a $750 K grant to open a residential treatment center (RTC) for substance abusers after spending 2 years working with heroin addicts. I applied my master’s thesis on helping heroin addicts with assertiveness training skills. I presented my thesis at the Association of behavioral science in Los Angeles. I was Licensed as a Chemically Dependency Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. Following working with the RTC, I started a private practice in a pediatric center. During the 90’s I began designing and creating Day Programs and Inpatient Programs at psychiatric hospitals. I managed a training program for chemically dependency student and gave numerous lectures for professionals. Programs I created included:
In Jun of 2018 I stepped on a sea shell with flesh eating bacterial. The medical term is necrotizing fasciitis, or “death of the fascia.” I was in the hospital for 7 weeks and could not put pressure on my foot for 7 months. The doctor told me I was going to loose my toe, my toes, my foot, my leg and on the 4th day he told me I need to get my effects ready because I was going to die 4 times. I told him I had too much to do and did not have time to die and he needed to fix me. On the 5th day they found an antibiotic that worked and my toes on my left foot was amputated, but I had my foot.
While lying in bed for 7 weeks I came up with three life goals. 1) finish my Ph.D., 2) Move to Belize and 3) Publish a Book on how to deal with chronic stress. I graduated from the University of Sedona in Arizona with a BS in Metaphysical Science, a Masters in Metaphysical Science and a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling. Like I said, I put 110% into reaching my goals.
It was at this time, I was motivated to write books on good mental health. My fist book “Choose to be Happy”, deals with Chronic Stress, its affect the body, mind and soul and activities you can do to lower your stress levels.
I currently work at a children’s hospital in the Emergency Center 24/7 helping assess mental health and determine a disposition. When I am not in the EC department, I am working on my books and the production of a television show on ocean conservation.
Yes, I do live a very active life. I did not forget my love with the oceans. In 1979 I became a scuba diver and in 1984 I became a diving instructor. I currently have over 7,000 dives, was awarded best diving instructor in 2002, a member of the platinum pro 5,000 divers, a scuba ranger instructor (children ages 8-12), Adaptive Diver Instructor, and numerous specialty instructor ratings to include underwater video and photography. In 2004 I had taught over 3,000 students and needed a new challenge. Friends and co-workers told me to start a TV show on diving. I began researching ways to produce a tv show and I found a station that could train me an help me show my programs on tv. From 2005-2010, I produced over 350 episode and received 3 awards for best documentary, best community film and best producer. I distributed my show, “Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest” to several stations around the country.
Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest is a television and educational program that is designed to promote ocean conservation, marine awareness and a commitment to make a difference. Our goal is to be politically neutral and acknowledge that we as humans are the cause and solution to many global problems. Conservation is the solution. We need to use our common sense to come up with creative solutions that benefit both mankind and our planet. If we do nothing many of species will be written into the book of Extinction and Extinction is forever and for all…
This mission has been developed out of the compassion and dedication from Scuba Bob. Scuba Bob has been diving for 30 years and has over 6,000 dives. He was voted the best scuba diving instructor in 2002 by the Houston Press. He is dedicated to educating youth and adults on the importance ocean conservation. Over the years he has seen habitat destruction and the extinction of several marine creatures. He is concerned that past predictions of extinction are coming true. Each episode of Ocean Quest will help make people aware of the marine crisis at hand.
The goal of Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest is to turn ignorance into understanding and carelessness into compassion and concern. As stated in one episode a person cannot kill what he or she comes to love. Through each episode of Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest, he hopes to use the lens of the camera to show his audience what he observes and values. Man must change to meet the conservation needs of the present and future. If we do nothing, we will find ourselves beautifully prepared for a world that no longer exists.
The creator of Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest is Dr. Robert Knapick who is trained in behavioral science and human/animal behavior. Born a native Houstonian, Scuba Bob grew up around the waters of Galveston. With an avid angler as a father, he spent most weekends and summer vacations at his family’s beach house on Bolivar, Texas. He quickly learned how to swim at age 5 and loved to explore the tidal pools looking for unique creatures to put in his homemade aquariums. From the first time he entered the water, he preferred being under the water than on the surface. Come experience the beauty, mysteries and adventures the oceans have to offer through Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest.
Mike Nelson (Sea Hunt 1950’s) got people involved in the underwater world… Cousteau (Underwater World of Jacque Cousteau 1970’s) brought the underwater world into their living rooms… Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter 2000) introduced us to the passion of conservation and Scuba Bob brings the underwater world to the people, while communicating the passion for ocean conservation and motivating people to take an active role in conservation efforts.
My passion for diving and travel is one way that I balance my life. I work hard in Emergency Rooms and I play hard in our oceans. Be sure to take care of yourself. Through a balance, I experience success every day of my life. I hope that my experiences in life will help you deal with your speed bumps of life. I will end this bio with my ending statement in my tv show. “This is Scuba Bob saying, Keep it Safe, Keep it Smart, and Keep her Clean… Until we Dive Again.
I hope my books will help you enjoy life as you make your journey through life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Knapick
AKA Dr. Scuba Bob
Robert Knapick, Ph.D.
Growing up, Robert had family support. His parents instilled the concept of self-reliance, focus and passion. He grew up in a 2-bedroom home with an accomplished father who was a Tool and Die Maker and a talented stay at home mother who was a creative artist and craft designer. Both parents came from large families that struggled through the Great Depression and World War II. Survival and personal responsibility for your success was important core values.
Robert had a sister who was 16 years older than him and completed a college degree in education. She married in the early 60’s to a talented man who worked as an accountant in the oil industry. He and my sister lived overseas in the mid 60’s. He also had a brother who was 3 years older than him. He did well in school and attended Texas A&M University and completed his Medical Degree at UTMB in Galveston, Texas. Upon the completion of his degree, he had a successful career as a pediatrician. Because both graduated from college, I was determined to go to college.
My focus was on the ocean and wanted to become a marine biologist. My junior year, I was appointed to go to the Naval Academy by senator Bill Archer. At age 17 my life was focused on success and a good career path. In November 1974, I had a few setbacks or as I call them Speed Bumps.
- Knee injury on the last game of the season in my Jr. Year in High School.
- Two weeks later, my father had a heart attack and died. I attempted to revive him by giving him CPR.
- Because of the knee injury, I did not qualify for the Military Academy.
- I had to work in a machine shop to support myself.
- I hand no way to pay for college.
- I had to talk my mother out of committing suicide.
- My senior year, I was given two suit cases for Christmas and was told my mother that she was going to get married and I had 6 months to find a place to live.
I was passionate about sports and put 110% into anything I did. My fist day at school in my 4th grade year, I reported to the same room I was in in 3rd grade. After spending the first day looking at 3rd grade books and instruction, I ask the teacher why I was not in the 4th grade wing of the school. She said, “Didn’t your mother tell you, you have been held back a grade because you need help with your reading comprehension.” This was a devastating blow to my ego and I did not know what to do. I never failed a class, my brother and sister were accomplished and awarded in their academic endeavors, and I felt like a failure. For my entire academic years, I never felt good enough. So, I tried to over achieve at everything I did to prove to myself that I was intelligent.
My self-esteem was always challenged and I never felt like I was good enough. I did excel in extra-curricular activities like, football, track and field, choir, and much more. Anger was one of my driving forces. I was mad a God for not saving my father and causing me such a difficult time. Upon my father’s death, I became an atheist. I did not trust in a God that would allow the negative things that I experienced. It was at this point that I started my spiritual journey. I was asked by a coach to attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting because he could see that I was struggling. I grew up Catholic, but never attended church. I went to this meeting and found my peers supporting me and showing me a direction from my life. That night was given my fist bible by my coach. It was a small new testament bible. That night I read the new testament, I did not sleep, but I did have the most peaceful and relaxing night of my life. Throughout the night I listened to what God had to say to me. The next day, I was a changed person. I had a true relationship with my God/Father. My peers did not know what to think. I drank heavily, cursed, physically hurt people and damaged property the day before I received the bible. The next day I changed. I no longer harmed people and was driven to have compassion for people. People did not know how to deal with my new behavior. I hit people hard on the football field and picked them up and told them they did a good job. I stopped drinking, cursing and hurting people. I did this not because I learned it at church, I did it because my new Father gave me a new focus. My favorite verse in the bible is, (Philippians 1:21-24) “21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
This new attitude put me in a no-lose situation and I was able to deal with mistakes and drawbacks to life. My educational goals began to change. I found a youth minister who connected to me. I began working in the church as a recreation minister, youth minister and a pastoral intern. When I was asked to get a place to leave my mother I ended up going to an expensive private university with degrees in Christianity. My Father paid for the school, though financial aid, scholarships and work study programs. Not bad for a young man that was held back for not being able to read.
I earned a degree in Christianity and Psychology with a minor in Speech. I then went to University of Houston at Clear Lake City and received a master’s in Behavioral Science with a specialty in Family Therapy. I enrolled in a doctoral program and the University of Houston, but I did not have the time needed to devote to my studies. In 1982 I received a $750 K grant to open a residential treatment center (RTC) for substance abusers after spending 2 years working with heroin addicts. I applied my master’s thesis on helping heroin addicts with assertiveness training skills. I presented my thesis at the Association of behavioral science in Los Angeles. I was Licensed as a Chemically Dependency Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. Following working with the RTC, I started a private practice in a pediatric center. During the 90’s I began designing and creating Day Programs and Inpatient Programs at psychiatric hospitals. I managed a training program for chemically dependency student and gave numerous lectures for professionals. Programs I created included:
- Youth drug abuse treatment programs.
- Continuing Education Training programs.
- Inpatient psychiatric programs for children and teens,
- An effective day program for teens.
- Outpatient programs for children in CPS custody.
In Jun of 2018 I stepped on a sea shell with flesh eating bacterial. The medical term is necrotizing fasciitis, or “death of the fascia.” I was in the hospital for 7 weeks and could not put pressure on my foot for 7 months. The doctor told me I was going to loose my toe, my toes, my foot, my leg and on the 4th day he told me I need to get my effects ready because I was going to die 4 times. I told him I had too much to do and did not have time to die and he needed to fix me. On the 5th day they found an antibiotic that worked and my toes on my left foot was amputated, but I had my foot.
While lying in bed for 7 weeks I came up with three life goals. 1) finish my Ph.D., 2) Move to Belize and 3) Publish a Book on how to deal with chronic stress. I graduated from the University of Sedona in Arizona with a BS in Metaphysical Science, a Masters in Metaphysical Science and a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling. Like I said, I put 110% into reaching my goals.
It was at this time, I was motivated to write books on good mental health. My fist book “Choose to be Happy”, deals with Chronic Stress, its affect the body, mind and soul and activities you can do to lower your stress levels.
I currently work at a children’s hospital in the Emergency Center 24/7 helping assess mental health and determine a disposition. When I am not in the EC department, I am working on my books and the production of a television show on ocean conservation.
Yes, I do live a very active life. I did not forget my love with the oceans. In 1979 I became a scuba diver and in 1984 I became a diving instructor. I currently have over 7,000 dives, was awarded best diving instructor in 2002, a member of the platinum pro 5,000 divers, a scuba ranger instructor (children ages 8-12), Adaptive Diver Instructor, and numerous specialty instructor ratings to include underwater video and photography. In 2004 I had taught over 3,000 students and needed a new challenge. Friends and co-workers told me to start a TV show on diving. I began researching ways to produce a tv show and I found a station that could train me an help me show my programs on tv. From 2005-2010, I produced over 350 episode and received 3 awards for best documentary, best community film and best producer. I distributed my show, “Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest” to several stations around the country.
Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest is a television and educational program that is designed to promote ocean conservation, marine awareness and a commitment to make a difference. Our goal is to be politically neutral and acknowledge that we as humans are the cause and solution to many global problems. Conservation is the solution. We need to use our common sense to come up with creative solutions that benefit both mankind and our planet. If we do nothing many of species will be written into the book of Extinction and Extinction is forever and for all…
This mission has been developed out of the compassion and dedication from Scuba Bob. Scuba Bob has been diving for 30 years and has over 6,000 dives. He was voted the best scuba diving instructor in 2002 by the Houston Press. He is dedicated to educating youth and adults on the importance ocean conservation. Over the years he has seen habitat destruction and the extinction of several marine creatures. He is concerned that past predictions of extinction are coming true. Each episode of Ocean Quest will help make people aware of the marine crisis at hand.
The goal of Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest is to turn ignorance into understanding and carelessness into compassion and concern. As stated in one episode a person cannot kill what he or she comes to love. Through each episode of Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest, he hopes to use the lens of the camera to show his audience what he observes and values. Man must change to meet the conservation needs of the present and future. If we do nothing, we will find ourselves beautifully prepared for a world that no longer exists.
The creator of Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest is Dr. Robert Knapick who is trained in behavioral science and human/animal behavior. Born a native Houstonian, Scuba Bob grew up around the waters of Galveston. With an avid angler as a father, he spent most weekends and summer vacations at his family’s beach house on Bolivar, Texas. He quickly learned how to swim at age 5 and loved to explore the tidal pools looking for unique creatures to put in his homemade aquariums. From the first time he entered the water, he preferred being under the water than on the surface. Come experience the beauty, mysteries and adventures the oceans have to offer through Scuba Bob’s Ocean Quest.
Mike Nelson (Sea Hunt 1950’s) got people involved in the underwater world… Cousteau (Underwater World of Jacque Cousteau 1970’s) brought the underwater world into their living rooms… Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter 2000) introduced us to the passion of conservation and Scuba Bob brings the underwater world to the people, while communicating the passion for ocean conservation and motivating people to take an active role in conservation efforts.
My passion for diving and travel is one way that I balance my life. I work hard in Emergency Rooms and I play hard in our oceans. Be sure to take care of yourself. Through a balance, I experience success every day of my life. I hope that my experiences in life will help you deal with your speed bumps of life. I will end this bio with my ending statement in my tv show. “This is Scuba Bob saying, Keep it Safe, Keep it Smart, and Keep her Clean… Until we Dive Again.
I hope my books will help you enjoy life as you make your journey through life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Knapick
AKA Dr. Scuba Bob
