The Adaptive DECL (Division Education and Clinic Leader) team is a group of highly trained instructors who are responsible for running the various Adaptive clinics and assessments that the Division offers.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Snowboard Instructor at Mammoth.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Adaptive skiing opens doors for people with unique challenges that can improve their quality of life.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Marriage.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How long I’ve been doing it now ; )
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Hollerin’
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started as a volunteer with Crested Butte’s Adaptive program and then got a position with AmeriCorps that landed me with the National Ability Center in Park City. I have been an instructor ever since!
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I fell in love with the creativity teaching involves, connection with others, and the ability to work in the mountain environment. I have always loved snowsports since I was a child and decided to make it my career.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Scuba diving! I have so many different sports and hobbies that I love, but have still never tried scuba diving.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? When I began my career as an instructor I didn’t realize that I would have the opportunity to work in other countries. Working in the industry has allowed me to travel and connect with others all over the world.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? I am grateful to learn that all abilities and body types can slide on snow and enjoy the mountain environment. Adaptations can be made to allow everyone the same opportunity.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Outside of the snowsport industry I have climbed peaks over 20,000 ft, guide adventure mutli-sports trips around the world, and love rowing a boat down rivers.
Biography
Originally From: Dixon, CA
Years Instructing: 27
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Muffy Davis HOF 2022
Why do you work in the ski industry? Passion to instruct adaptive lessons
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Recreation Therapist instructing multiple sports with the favorites being Fly Fishing, Biking, Snowsports, Watersports, Wheelchair Sports and more.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Sir Ludwig Guttmann and discuss the beginnings of adaptive sport.
Kristen Caldwell
Adaptive Discipline ManagerBiography
How did you get your start in this career field? I first volunteered at an adaptive ski program at Greek Peak in Upstate NY in 1995 and fell in love with the idea of getting everyone on skis! I then moved to Park City to complete a recreational therapy internship with the National Ability Center in 1999 and have been teaching ever since!
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Skiing and outdoor recreational pursuits were and are so important to me, I was horrified at the idea of people thinking they couldn’t participate due to disability. I decided that I needed to be sure that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation!
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Scuba Diving.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? That people who can barely walk to the ski area are sometimes more fluid and free when on skis!
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? That it is all just skiing, no matter what adaptation you use.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Doing a toe touch split leap while cliff jumping
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? College job.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Sharing the mountains with others.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Telemark, I’m worried I’ll like it.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? After 10 years I like skiing even more than when I started.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? How to snowboard.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Unicycle.
Alex Davenport
Adaptive DECLBiography
How did you get your start in this career field? I was convinced by a high school friend to work at THE Arizona Snowbowl for a free season pass while attending college at Northern Arizona University.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? My inspiration for becoming a career instructor came from a combination of my love for learning and my desire to make a positive impact on others. Early in my career, I had a few incredible mentors who not only taught me how to be an effective educator, but showed me the importance of patience, encouragement and dedication. Their influence sparked my passion for education and motivated me to want to give back in the same way. As an instructor, I have the opportunity to inspire, guide and support students in discovering their potential and achieving their goals – on and off the snow.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I want to take a true stab at playing guitar. I don’t have a musical bone in my body, but I want to give it a shot!
What surprised you most about working in this industry? What surprised me the most about working in this industry is how much I’ve learned from my students. While I expected to be the one imparting knowledge, I quickly realized that teaching is a two-way street. My students continually challenge me to see things from new perspectives, adapt my teaching methods, and stay curious. Their unique insights, questions, and experiences have enriched my own understanding of skiing and riding and have made me a more reflective and empathetic educator. Teaching snowsports is not just about delivering content, but about growing together as a learning community.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Understanding who you are teaching is much more important than what you are teaching.
Please list your hidden talent(s): 1) Snooze Button Ninja – In complete darkness and without fully waking up, I have mastered the art of hitting the snooze button on my alarm. 2) Remote control Finder Extraordinaire – My 1 year old has a funny habit of hiding the TV remote. Couch cushions are for amateurs… have you ever found your remote in an outdoor flower pot? I have!
Shawn Jimerson
Adaptive DECLBiography
I moved to Utah and began teaching Adaptive Skiing in the winter of 2003. It has been a constant interest of mine to expand my knowledge base and share what I have learned.
Notes
Home Resort: National Ability Center Park City, UT
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Adaptive Volunteer.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Adaptive Individuals.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Exploring the Great Pyramids of Egypt.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? More things than I can list here.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Its all about the student.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Solving Adaptive Problems.
Notes
Home Resort:
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