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 Jessica
Well hello there, I’m Jess! I was lucky enough to join ALC and what an absolute wonder it has been! It has brought me so much joy.
My first love in life was and continues to be, the beauty of our captivating natural world. Getting to spend time working with the kids in the great outdoors is the realization of a dream I never dared to envision! Seeing them grow and thrive while playing in nature lights me up! Many of my own favorite memories from childhood involve coaches and mentors interacting with me outdoors. I am so thankful to get to switch sides now and be the coach creating memories with kids!
I am working towards my degree in psychology and political science. I have taken to mountain biking and it has helped me grow in ways I hadn’t realized I needed! The sport has pushed me to challenge myself physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. By next biking season, I hope to enter my first race and become a mountain bike coach!
Some quick and quirky facts about me: I bring a cape and dragon mask when I go camping, love lichens more than lace, call mushrooms and kitties squishes, and am a wobbly firm believer in the value of fully body wiggles for mental health!
I am here to support kids in finding joy, growth, release of the “wiggles” and empowered self-love. I have met so many wonderful kids and parents through ALC already and I look forward to meeting you and your kiddo too!
Coach Shawna
Hi! My name is Shawna and I am so excited to be joining Adaptive Life Coaches! I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and am in the process of applying to graduate school in hopes to obtain a Masters degree in School Counseling.
I absolutely love working with children and helping others has forever been a passion of mine. I have spent the last two years volunteering in a second-grade classroom and have learned so much. I am looking forward to diving deeper into experience working with kids/adolescents through ALC and cannot wait to see not only what I can teach them, but what they can teach me. I will be bringing my compassion, patience and upbeat nature in order to help our clients develop important life skills through outdoor recreation.
My hobbies include gardening, researching/reading, fishing, hiking, agate hunting, volunteering, cooking, and playing with my golden retriever named Bodie and two cats named Cheeto and Pinky. I am so proud to be a Pacific Northwesterner and blessed to reside in the San Juan Islands on beautiful Guemes Island, the same place I spent the first 20 years of my life. I love taking advantage of all that our wonderful region has to offer, and I cannot wait to share my love of the Northwest’s beauty with all of the great clients of ALC!