Mike Lesyk: Co-founder/Lead Coach
Mike has an undergraduate degree from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) with a Bachelor of General Studies focusing on Kinesiology. After receiving that degree, he went on to Pennsylvania to complete his Master of Science (MSc) in Adapted Physical Activity from Slippery Rock University (SRU). During this degree, Mike worked with many different types of disabilities (physical & developmental) and has extensive knowledge in using the best evidence based practices.
Mike’s strong passion in the field of sports, mixed with his education makes adapted sports and activities a perfect fit. The education he has received was specifically geared toward altering physical activity to best suit the needs of individuals with disabilities. He has extensive knowledge in creating, implementing and altering programs to fit the specific needs of each individual.
Mike believes that physical activity can be a major stepping stone for children and young adults, not only for health and recreational benefits, but for the social benefits that come from participation in sports. Through his studies and experience, Mike is proficient in modifying and adapting skills/activities for individuals with disabilities to promote a lifetime of physical activity and wellness. His comprehensive understanding of disabilities across the lifespan results in an ability to work with individuals of all ages.
E-mail: mike.lesyk@adaptedsd.com
Phone #: 604-751-5457
Mitch Lesyk: Co-founder/Lead Coach
Mitch received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). While balancing out his academics, he played Varsity Football for the UBC Thunderbirds for 5 seasons. Playing football while balancing his school work has taught him the core principles of hard work, sacrifice, time management and accountability.
He previously worked at Monarch House, running one on one intensive therapy sessions based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (one of the most effective evidence-based interventions for children with autism). In this role he also provided support for the summer camps and Intensive Peer Therapy (IPT) group sessions. Other related roles include coach and support worker at the Canucks Autism Network for the soccer, swim, basketball, and skate programs.
Mitch wants to integrate his passion of working with children (with ASD and other disabilities) and his strong love for living a healthy lifestyle in order to help others join him in being an active member of the community. He hopes to use sport and physical activity to motivate and inspire others while building confidence and self-esteem during the process.
E-mail: mitch.lesyk@adaptedsd.com
Phone #: 778-808-2664
Brady Arsenault: Abbotsford/Chilliwack Coach
Brady received a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) where he also took part in numerous different programs. He volunteered with an afterschool physical activity and motor skills program that engaged children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in individually prescribed programs. Furthermore, he volunteered with BC Wheelchair Sports where he participated and assisted in drills and games. Brady has a strong athletic history and his educational background make him a perfect fit for Adapted Sports Development.
He was previously employed as a Behavior Interventionist where he implemented individualized therapy plans to gather behavioral data on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through his time as a Behavior Interventionist, he developed many important skills. He learned the importance of taking a client-centered approach, listening to individual needs, as well as building trusting relationships to help each child reach their full potential. He also had the privilege to volunteer with SOAR Athletic Training which specializes in elite training for high level athletes. This propelled him into working as the athletic trainer for the UFV men’s soccer team.
Brady is certified in High-five training which is a certification directly related to the development and coaching of children in a recreational/sports setting. He has worked as a coach for a multi-sport camp for elementary school aged children where he developed, organized and carried out lesson plans.
Email: brady.arsenault@adaptedsd.com
Steven Martinez: Surrey/Langley Coach
Steven has been with our team since the beginning of 2017. He obtained his Child & Youth Care Worker diploma in 2016 as well as his Early Childhood Educator Assistant diploma.
He worked as a personal trainer for 3 years and his knowledge in the weight room is tremendous. Steven has an immense passion for giving people who require specialized instruction the opportunity to participate in physical activity. He has worked as a community support worker and a youth support worker. In both positions, he worked with individuals with developmental disabilities.
He has the education and certificates to aid in his already remarkable passion and experience:
- Child and Youth Care Worker Diploma - 2016
- Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate - 2016
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training - 2016
- First Aid Certificate - 2016
Steven has played many sports which include: Soccer, basketball, rugby, ultimate frisbee, track & field, and football. He went on to play football for four years with the Langley Rams, winning two provincial championships and playing in two national title games.
Enmanuel Rosales: Vancouver/Burnaby/Richmond Coach
Enmanuel received an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University (SFU) with a bachelor of Geography focusing on Urban Studies. Post university, he attended The British Columbia Institute of technology (BCIT) and received a diploma in International Business.
During Enmanuel’s time at BCIT he began working at the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) as a support worker. This is where his passion for coaching and working with children and young adults developed. In CAN, Enmanuel was involved in the soccer and swimming programs where he coached the participants at skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced.
Enmanuel is an active individual who has a passion for playing sports. In addition to playing volleyball in multiple leagues throughout the lower mainland, Enmanuel has been a volunteer and player for the Vancouver Dodgeball League (VDL) for the past 5 years. On top of coordinating league nights for players, Enmanuel acts as a coach and a mentor for new dodgeball teams entering the dodgeball community.
Enmanuel’s goal is to bring enthusiasm to every session and to create a fun learning environment.
Aidan: Abbotsford/Chilliwack Coach
Aidan is one of our Abbotsford/Chilliwack coaches, and he is currently in his final year at UFV. He is majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology. Combining these two subjects is a great asset for someone working in this field and more specifically, with us.
He has worked as a tutor for middle school, and high school aged students, and now currently works another job part-time. Aidan was also a volunteer at the Fraser Valley Child Development Center working alongside Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, as well as Speech Therapists. He learned about movement, speech and caretaking for people with disabilities. He also has volunteered his time coaching and training track athletes at a local highschool and club team. He was responsible for creating workouts, mentoring, motivating, and advising athletes.
Aidan trained and competed as an elite long distance runner. He competed in higschool, as well as some time at university. He loves being active anyway he can and wants to share that with the people he gets to work with.
We could not be happier to have Aidan be apart of our team. He loves what he does and understands that each person we work with is different and unique. With that, every approach and session should be treated as that. If you are looking for sessions in the Abbotsford/Chilliwack area, Aidan is a great coach/mentor for you!