Meet Our Board Members and Staff

BOARD PRESIDENT

Jamie Barton is a former corporate executive in the entertainment industry. She is also the former Owner/Chief Instructor of Fem Defend Personal Safety Training for Women & Girls, a passion project which began in the mid 80’s, where she instructed private and group classes. Jamie held valuable “Lunch & Learns,” and instructed for the YWCA, the Girl Scouts, and for the Burbank Unified School District.

VICE PRESIDENT

Jeff Crandell, his dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities began early in life, shaped by his experience growing up with an older brother who had cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability.  As a former competitive figure skater, Jeff began his coaching career in 2002. Today, Jeff continues his coaching journey at the Berger Foundation Iceplex in Palm Desert, where he shares his passion for figure skating with individuals of all abilities.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Russell G. Albright is a licensed attorney in California and Oklahoma currently practicing law in Indian Wells, California. He was “of counsel” to the law firm of Allan N. Lowy & Associates, APLC in Beverly Hills, California for many years.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Melissa Hoffman regularly plays sports with a focus on Wheelchair Tennis. She is dedicated to fostering sport as a way for athletes of all abilities to realize their deepest potential and to meaningfully connect with others in their pursuit of excellence.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William Rogers is a below-the-knee amputee. He lost vision in his left eye and has minimal vision in his right eye. Will is an athlete in cycling, archery and boccia.

BOARD SECRETARY

Oanh "Kim" Vuong was born in Vietnam, she arrived in the US in 1980. Living with cerebral palsy since childhood, she's overcome challenges to achieve her dreams. Earning a women's studies degree, she now empowers teens with disabilities at the Tichenor Clinic and advocates for inclusivity in Long Beach.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Courtney Doussett leads Norco Colleges Schools of Natural Sciences, Health, and Kinesiology, and Math/Engineering/CS/Game Dev. Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, 13 years of community college experience. Previously held leadership roles at College of the Desert and Santa Ana College.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Steve Ellyson, a Baltimore native and National Merit Scholar, earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology at 24. After a successful teaching career across the US, he "unretired" to join the faculty at CSUSB's Palm Desert Campus. A lifelong volunteer, Steve's passion for service extends from tutoring underprivileged youth to officiating high-level basketball games and supporting various Coachella Valley organizations.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tonya Chiu is the Community Coordinator at Desert Arc of the Morongo Basin, where she has worked for 12+ years.  She is passionate about working with adults and children with disabilities, finding joy in seeing their smiles. Her commitment has given her a role that has provided numerous opportunities to help individuals overcome obstacles and enrich their lives.

ADVISORY BOARD

Leslie Deason leads strategy, programs, and Iceplex management at Berger Foundation Iceplex, Acrisure Arena, and Coachella Valley Firebirds. Leverages 30 years in sports & entertainment across various facilities.

ADVISORY BOARD

Wes Hall has worked with non-profits since 1990, starting out at the YMCA. He advanced to director at YMCA of the Triangle Area, where he developed Aquatic and Operation Guidelines. He retired from full-time work to pursue adaptive sports. He started as a volunteer kayak instructor at Bridge II Sports progressing to Director of Programs. Wes has worked on the American Canoe Association’s committee to develop their Advance Communication Endorsement to train instructors how to teach people with visual, hearing, and speech impediments.

ADVISORY BOARD

James McRitchie retired after decades of regulating industry as an executive at Cal/EPA. Since 1995, he has helped make companies more responsible and democratic using the proxy power of shareholders. Jim has testified before the SEC and other government bodies and is a frequent commentator on corporate governance in the financial press.

TREASURER

is a 60% disabled veteran of the United States Air Force.  She works in the Facilities Planning & Development Department for the Palm Springs Unified School District.  Loni loves hiking and recently completed her 5th Spartan Race.

ADVISORY BOARD

Jim Rothblatt has worked in the field of prevention education and student support services for 42 years. He is a consultant and the owner of Redleaf Resources, which provides the Brief Risk Reduction Interview and Intervention Model, Student Assistance Program, training and technical assistance to school and mental health systems. He is a Vietnam War veteran and helped develop and provide

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/FOUNDER

Michael, MBA, MA, has extensive management experience and coaches a variety of adapted sports including wheelchair-basketball. He has worked for numerous adaptive-sports organizations and co-founded two. Michael started on the adaptive sports path in 2009 when he lived in India and then Nepal through 2016.

Heather earned her accounting degree from California State University, Fresno. She has worked in the public and non-profit sectors and has volunteered at several Desert Sands Unified School District schools, including Palm Desert High School, since 2009. She started working for SoCal Adaptive Sports in November 2022.

PROGRAM MANAGER/COACH

Joe earned his BA from Jackson State University where he majored in Mass Communication. Joe is an avid fan of all sports, whether coaching, playing or watching. He has been involved with some type of team sport since the age of 6. His background includes coaching girls travel fast-pitch softball, high school softball and travel basketball. Joe is

Jose Garcia, a Riverside, CA native, brings over 33 years of experience as a husband, father, and grandfather. With a strong background in community service, he has volunteered extensively in youth sports through Riverside Park and Recs, AYSO, and supported students with disabilities in Riverside Unified School District. Jose is passionate about using sports to develop children's social skills and is committed to providing a solid foundation for their growth and success.

Tyler grew up surfing and enjoys spending time with friends and family. After his recent spinal cord injury, he has found deeper meaning in life through relationships and the people around him. He is appreciative of others and the struggles they go through, which inspires him to continue moving forward. His education includes a Bachelor's s in business from Grand Canyon University.

MARKETING ASSISTANT

Meet Briana, our vibrant marketing assistant with a sociology degree and a knack for impactful work! From political campaigns to small business marketing, and volunteering with an environmental non-profit, she brings diverse experience to our team. Briana’s future goal is to combine her passion for the non-profit sector with the tech industry, and we’re excited to support her journey!