MEET TEAM AMP
AMP proudly builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, Adaptive Adventures (AA). Founded in 1999 by two adaptive athletes with a passion for outdoor adventure, AA spent 25 years delivering impactful programming. In October, 2024, AA transitioned its Midwest office to its National Headquarters in Westminster, Colorado. To continue serving the Midwest, three dedicated volunteers established AMP, receiving AA’s Midwest equipment to carry the mission forward.
With a clear vision and ambitious plans, AMP is ready to thrive for the next 25 years and beyond, starting with its Ski & Ride program at Wilmot Mountain Resort in January, 2025. AMP IS HERE TO SERVE YOU!
DAVE KNAPP
Co-Founder and President
Dave is a retired career entrepreneur who has volunteered for adaptive sports ever since an alpine/adaptive ski instructor helped him teach his son, who has autism, how to ski in 2012. He has been an avid alpine skier for 60 years, a ski instructor for 20 years, and he received his Professional Ski Instructors of America’s (PSAI’s) Level 2 Alpine/Adaptive certification in 2023.
Dave’s mission in life is to provide opportunities for people to reach their highest potential. Since being a part of a high performing team is an essential part of this outcome, and a team is “greater than the sum of its parts”, a duality emerges that builds the ultimate leverage of human potential. For AMP the team includes athletes, volunteers, and leadership who will endeavor to create and amplify positive life-changing experiences for everyone involved! As AMP’s chairman of the board of directors, Dave will diligently help to build trusted relationships and partnerships that execute on the mission which is to “advance and facilitate the life-changing power of adaptive sports.”
HANS HELLER
Co-Founder and Secretary-Treasurer
Hans Heller is the Treasurer of AMP, bringing a wealth of experience in leadership, engineering, and adaptive sports to the organization.
With eight years as a certified ski instructor at Brodie Mountain in Massachusetts and a track record of managing a 30-person sales team for a major corporation, Hans blends technical expertise with a passion for teamwork and mentorship.
As a mechanical engineer and competitive sailing yacht racer, Hans channels his love for sports into empowering individuals with disabilities. A lead adaptive ski instructor, he has dedicated countless hours to making skiing accessible and transformative for all.
Based in Germantown, Wisconsin, Hans continues to inspire through his commitment to adaptive sports and his vision for AMP.
Alex Flesch
Program Coordinator
Alex has been an active adaptive sports volunteer for several years while completing his associate’s degree in Automated System Technologies, earning his PSIA Alpine certification, teaching skiing, managing a public beach, and coaching youth swimming.
During AMP’s inaugural season, he was named Volunteer of the Year after logging the most hours across snow, water, and land programs. His energy, leadership, and commitment to inclusion have made a lasting impact on our community.
It quickly became clear that adaptive recreation is more than a passion for Alex—it’s his chosen career. AMP is proud to support his journey by welcoming him as our first official employee as we expand year-round outdoor opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
JULIE DAVIS
Co-Founder and Vice President
For Julie Davis, the journey to co-founding AMP began with a deep-rooted passion for helping others and a lifelong love for outdoor adventure. With a background in business, hospitality, and resort management, Julie combined her professional expertise with her heart for service in the adaptive sports community, where she has been involved since 2007.
While raising her three children—now grown—Julie found joy and purpose volunteering with adaptive athletes. Whether on land, ice, snow, or water, she has spent countless hours inspiring individuals, discovering again and again how rewarding it is. Her hands-on experience, from program support to serving on executive boards, has prepared her to guide AMP as a trusted leader in adaptive sports.
Julie believes in the power of paying it forward and building connections. To her, the adaptive sports community isn’t just a cause—it’s a place where resilience, joy, and camaraderie thrive. With every step, ski, or paddle, Julie is driven to make AMP a welcoming and empowering space for all.
Traci Fernandez
Board Member
Traci has owned and operated numerous organizations throughout her career and has held Executive positions at several Fortune 500 companies. Currently, Traci is a Founder and Managing Partner at TRYAbility in Chicago. TRYAbility provides Intensive Activity Based Rehabilitation services to individuals with Paralysis. TRYability’s mission is to help patients optimize their recovery, maintain long term health and foster a connected community.
Prior to TRYAbiity, Traci was a Founder and President of 3C Compassionate Care Center. As a founder of 3C, Traci successfully opened and operated two of the largest Medical Marijuana dispensaries in Illinois. Traci also was a Founder and President of Operations at iGenMedia, an application software and development company.
Before opening iGen, Traci held Technical and Executive roles at Arthur Andersen, IBM and the Tribune Company. Throughout her career, Traci has excelled at both Technical and Executive positions and was twice awarded Employee of the Year for her contributions.
Traci received her bachelor’s degree in Information and Decision Sciences from the University of Illinois. In addition to working with U2FP, Traci founded the United Paralysis Organization after becoming paralyzed in 2008 from Transverse Myelitis.
Since founding the charity, Traci has worked as an advocate, raising monies to find a cure for neurological conditions and promoting therapies for those with Spinal Cord Injuries.
KAREN ATKINSON
Board Member
Karen Atkinson Karen Atkinson brings extensive experience, resilience, and passion for adaptive sports to AMP. Raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm, she grew up riding horses, playing sports, and working hard with her family. She joined the Army at 17, deployed in support of Desert Storm, and later retired from the reserves in 2009 after a distinguished 20-year career.
In June 2014, a car accident left her an incomplete paraplegic and wheelchair user. For years, she believed her new reality confined her to paved paths—until she discovered adaptive sports.
Karen has since become a strong advocate for accessibility. In December 2023, she was appointed a Warfighter Ambassador for Move United, joined the Stand Up and Play Foundation board, and launched its Tampa chapter, providing golf clinics for disabled veterans and first responders.
Her drive, adaptive sports knowledge, and legal expertise make her an invaluable asset to AMP. She is excited to help others experience the transformative power of adaptive sports.
SHELLEY HAYES
Board Member
A life-changing accident in mid-life left Shelley a thoracic spine-level paraplegic, drastically altering the course of her life. Prior to her injury, Shelley built an impressive career in finance and accounting, holding progressively senior roles at Arthur Andersen, International Truck and The Heico Companies. Most recently, she served as the Operations Controller at Treehouse Foods, where she was responsible for overseeing the finance and accounting operations of the company’s more than 50 global locations.
Shelley’s personal and professional experiences uniquely position her to contribute to AMP’s mission as a Board member. Her passion for adaptive sports is deeply personal—having experienced firsthand the empowerment and transformation that comes from participating in sports with a disability. She understands the profound impact these activities can have on individuals, not just in terms of physical ability but also in building confidence, independence, and a sense of community.
Shelley’s extensive background in finance and operations equips her with the expertise to provide strategic guidance and leadership in AMP’s financial and accounting functions. She is dedicated to helping AMP continue to grow and fulfill its mission, ensuring that the organization remains financially sustainable while expanding its life-changing programs for athletes with disabilities.
As a member of AMP’s Board of Directors, Shelley is committed to leveraging her skills and passion to help AMP reach new heights, empowering even more individuals to experience the joy, strength, and independence that adaptive sports provide.
TOM DAILY
Equipment Manager
AMP is delighted to introduce Tom Daily as its inaugural seasonal employee. With over three decades of dedicated experience in adaptive sports, Tom is the cornerstone of AMP’s on-the-ground operations.
His professionalism, warm smile, and kind demeanor have earned him the reputation of being AMP’s “jack of all trades.”
Beyond his role at AMP, Tom is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His commitment to going the extra mile ensures that AMP’s programs are both accessible and enjoyable for all participants.
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF AMP’S SUCCESS
AMP launched its inaugural Alpine Ski & Ride program at Wilmot Mountain Resort in January 2025.
By the end of the season, AMP had activated 43 volunteers who contributed 1,333 hours toward 105 adaptive ski and ride lessons, classroom sessions, and on-snow training.
Thanks to their dedication and gift of time—combined with Vail Resorts’ Epic Promise Grant and the collaborative support of Adaptive Adventures—AMP’s mission has come to life, and our athletes are thriving.
Thank you, volunteers!