ALC's Coaches
Coach April
Hello! My name is April Katz and I started ALC. I have been involved in the lives of children and adults with a wide range of disabilities since 2004. My journey began when I was in 2nd grade in San Diego, CA. I was diagnosed with dyslexia. And for the next 10 years, I struggled because I didn't have anyone to walk me through my disability. I was not challenged or guided in school. Socially, I struggled with communication. It wasn't until I met a teacher who gave me the tools to navigate this crazy path of life. He pushed me to not let my disability define who I am.
My first job was working at the Boys & Girls Club. I found myself loving to work with kids. Eventually, I began working at a day program that served youth and adults with developmental disabilities and Autism. I became passionate about individuals with IEP's, just like me. I developed a deep desire to be a voice and an advocate. This was something I was meant to do.
In 2008, I began one on one care for a young lady with developmental disabilities. With the freedom of working outside of a clinic, we found ourselves on numerous adventures! We enjoyed hikes, sporting events, swimming, horseback riding, shopping, riding in air balloons, joining the girl scouts, gymnastics, fitness, camping, concerts and more. Her parents and I wanted her to be included in as many activities as possible and I was there to be what she needed me to be. Adaptive Life Coaches is dedicated to her.
I am an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. I have worked at ABA therapy clinics as a Certified Behavioral Technician. I have also been an individual respite provider. Part of my routine is being active and having fun with my client while achieving their individual goals and milestones. I have found success with all of my clients with this method.
I am also the President of the AIROW Project, a local non-profit that provides adaptive and inclusive recreation to Whatcom County. 100% of all donations to AIROW goes towards providing adaptive gear, scholarships and events to the community.
My hobbies include anything active, reading, playing board games with my little family, puzzles, hikes with my dog Rogue and camping.
Coach Jared
Hello, my name is Jared. I am so happy to be part of the ALC team in Skagit County. I graduated from Washington State University in 2021. Upon graduation, I began the search for a meaningful job that combined my passion for the outdoors and serving others. Becoming an ALC coach has hit the mark completely. I grew up in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island, known for its many forest lands, lakes, and outdoor activities. I love hiking, kayaking, and exploring the islands many hidden scenic spots. I have had the privilege to work with young children as well as seniors in my community. I grew up with developmental delays myself. I was born with epilepsy, having frequent petit-mal seizures. The condition was not actually caught by my doctor, but by the wonderful pre-school teacher in my class for children with disabilities. My parents brought me to Children’s Hospital and got the diagnosis confirmed. After two years of treatment, I was removed from the special needs classroom and entered the public school kindergarten with the help of a para-educator. As I continued to catch up with the other kids, I had another health issue that removed me from school. At the age of seven, I needed kidney surgery. My family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Seattle during my treatment. I was visited by many members of my community and received countless handmade cards from my elementary school. After surgery, I eventually returned to the school system, but I was extremely behind the other students my age. I was taken out of the classroom for additional help in reading, math, as well as speech therapy; it was a long and difficult struggle. Though my journey wasn’t easy, I ended up graduating from high school with my original class. I made my way through two years of community college, receiving an Associates Degree in Applied Science. I was then accepted to WSU, and earned a Bachelor’s in Criminology. My parents always taught me to find lessons in difficulty, this is where you grow. My journey has given me strength, taught me to appreciate every day, and ultimately shaped the person I am today. My experiences have given me the ability to understand and empathize with my clients. I am both excited and honored to be a part of the ACL team.
- Jared
Coach Alastair
Hi Everybody! My name is Alastair Fowler. I have just recently graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Kinesiology. My passion for the outdoors & mountain bikes has brought me up to Bellingham, WA.
My journey began in Reading, UK, moving soon after to Menlo Park, CA. After high school, I obtained my diploma in Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Management at Capilano University in North Vancouver, BC. After graduating, I worked as an Adventure Tour Guide in places such as Bolivia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
After returning from my travels, I turned my focus towards helping other people, which led me to work at NeuroInternational as a Life Skills Coach working with people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. I found the experience to be rewarding, I have made it my goal to share my passion for the outdoors with people with disabilities, helping them achieve their personal goals. I decided to return to school where I got my bachelors in Kinesiology, during my time I had the opportunity to volunteer with Oregon Adaptive Sports up at Mt Bachelor.
Growing up with Dyslexia myself I always struggled in school, and when I found MTN biking, confidence in my own abilities grew and that has transferred to other aspects of my life. I would like to share this enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors with others who are in need.
I want to make everyone feel like they belong and that they are valued, treating everyone with respect.
I am honored to have the opportunity to work at ALC as an Adaptive Life Coach. I believe our goals and values align and I am looking forward to what the future holds.
Coach Ashley
Bio coming soon!