Staff Spotlight
Alexis Castro , CCASC Program Supervisor — Seeing adaptive sports participants improve and become more confident as they enjoy outdoor activities is something I truly enjoy .
I recently graduated from California State University , Fresno with a bachelor ' s degree in Recreation Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation .
I began working with CCASC as a volunteer in the spring of 2021 and then joined the paid staff later that season as the Volunteer Coordinator . In 2022 , after serving a short period of time as the Program Coordinator and completing a winter internship at the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte , Colorado , I returned home to Central California . This summer , I became the Program Supervisor at CCASC .
My goal is to provide safe and purposeful adaptive programs to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities . I am also always looking for opportunities to increase my knowledge and skills in the outdoors . I enjoy reading and hiking and looking for my next adventure in life .
Jill Rafel , Lead Climbing Instructor — There is nothing more rewarding than providing someone with an opportunity to challenge themselves physically , and then seeing their face shine with pride and excitement when they experience success ! Especially when the experience is something they are doing for the first time ! When a participant climbs to the top of Shoreline Wall and sits to take in their accomplishment , the expression on their face is priceless . I am very thankful to CCASC for allowing me to combine my passion for teaching with my love of climbing .
Most of my life I was very involved in team sports , playing softball through college , and then participating in soccer and distance running into my 40 ’ s . I also spent a lot of time at Lake Tahoe mountain biking and snowboarding . After a few knee surgeries , the doctor said “ no more running ” and I began to spend more time kayaking and climbing . I climb indoors at Metalmark Gym in Fresno , and try to go outside as much as I can . Climbing the Grand Teton in Wyoming is my biggest climbing accomplishment .
I have been a Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education teacher for 30 years . For the last 25 years , I have worked in Mendota at the Junior High and High School . I have been fortunate to lead an afterschool Adventure Club at my school where students learn to hike , kayak , climb , and mountain bike . There is no place I ’ d rather be than up in the mountains , near a lake or creek , surrounded by nature . Being able to share this with others makes me very happy !
Some other things about me : I try to experience something new at least once each year ; I am NEVER without a book to read ; and I want to climb Mount Whitney !
Staff
Executive Director / Lead Instructor : Randy Coffman Business & Web Manager / Instructor : Lisa Coffman Program Supervisor / Instructor : Alexis Castro Media Assistant / Instructor : Adriana Castro Instructors : Steve Berman , Mia Gonzalez , Brittany Stoneman , Michael McDonald , Jill Rafel , James Samples , Tony Spada , Carol Yohannes
Board of Directors
Randy Coffman , President Bill Morse , Vice-President Debra Neely , Treasurer Lisa Coffman , Secretary Reggie Cake Beth Brown Nicole Jones
13