In the News - Details
Meet the Specialists!!
2014-03-13 •
Project Walk Paralysis Recovery Centers are the pioneer in activity-based recovery with nearly two decades of experience working with spinal cord injuries, paralysis and mobility related disorders.
As Project Walk prepares to open its doors March 24 to its newest location in San Francisco, CA, we took some time out to sit down with the heart and soul of the Project Walk brand - its Specialists. See what the San Francisco team has to say and what you can expect when working with this tight-knit group.
Kyle Yamauchi: Project Walk San Francisco - Lead Specialist
Samantha Okumura: Project Walk San Francisco - Specialist
Chris Kinsey: Project Walk San Francisco - Specialist
What have you liked most about working/training here at the Project Walk - Carlsbad facility?
Chris: “Other than it being a dream come true, meeting wonderful people. I’m excited at the prospect of helping as many people as I can.”
Samantha: “The chance to learn from people here, the clients, and the opportunity to do something meaningful.”
What are you looking forward to MOST about working at the San Francisco center?
Samantha: "I am most excited to meet my clients and getting started! Seeing where we can take their recovery and see the kind environment we create as a team."
Chris: "I am most excited about new clients! Creating our own unique experience for them."
If you could give a client any piece of advice, what would it be?
Kyle: "Red Bull and hot Cheetos don’t mix. No, seriously, without sounding corny, while it may be hard, don’t stop trying, don’t give up"
What can a client expect when working with you?
Chris: "My complete attention and helping clients surpass their goals."
Samantha: "A safe environment to push boundaries and limits"
Three interesting things clients should know about you:
Samantha: "I’m a flower designer on the side, I am addicted to cheez-its and I’m the oldest of three girls."
Chris: "I’m not a quitter. If my clients are willing to try I will be right there with them. I’m also afraid of failure so that's part of my work ethic. OH, and I love my morning coffee."
Samantha: "I think Chris needs his morning coffee now. The hotel was out this morning."
Now that you (Chris and Samantha) have had an opportunity to come to Carlsbad for training and meet Kyle, what was your first impression of him?
Chris: "He has colors in his hair! No, he’s a really nice guy, super helpful, and really knows what he’s doing."
Samantha: "He makes everything creative and fun, he really cares about the disability community; and I like his music choices. Oh wait- and I thought it was bizarre because he is my “uncle” in the younger form. If you would have met my uncle twenty years ago you would have thought they were twins. It’s awesome."
Kyle: "That guy Kyle? Yeah he scares me."
As Project Walk prepares to open its doors March 24 to its newest location in San Francisco, CA, we took some time out to sit down with the heart and soul of the Project Walk brand - its Specialists. See what the San Francisco team has to say and what you can expect when working with this tight-knit group.
Kyle Yamauchi: Project Walk San Francisco - Lead Specialist
Samantha Okumura: Project Walk San Francisco - Specialist
Chris Kinsey: Project Walk San Francisco - Specialist
What have you liked most about working/training here at the Project Walk - Carlsbad facility?
Chris: “Other than it being a dream come true, meeting wonderful people. I’m excited at the prospect of helping as many people as I can.”
Samantha: “The chance to learn from people here, the clients, and the opportunity to do something meaningful.”
Kyle: “Obviously the clients. Being able to work with the Specialists here and our joint efforts towards the progression and improvement of our clients.”
What are you looking forward to MOST about working at the San Francisco center?
Samantha: "I am most excited to meet my clients and getting started! Seeing where we can take their recovery and see the kind environment we create as a team."
Chris: "I am most excited about new clients! Creating our own unique experience for them."
Kyle: "Personally, being with my family. Professionally? Bringing Project Walk and its services to an area that needs it."
If you could give a client any piece of advice, what would it be?
Chris: "Don’t give up."
Samantha: "Hey, that’s what I was going to say!"
What can a client expect when working with you?
Chris: "My complete attention and helping clients surpass their goals."
Samantha: "A safe environment to push boundaries and limits"
Kyle: "Energy, Enthusiasm and Extraordinary Events! No seriously, working hard to help them to do something they never thought they could."
Three interesting things clients should know about you:
Samantha: "I’m a flower designer on the side, I am addicted to cheez-its and I’m the oldest of three girls."
Chris: "I’m not a quitter. If my clients are willing to try I will be right there with them. I’m also afraid of failure so that's part of my work ethic. OH, and I love my morning coffee."
Samantha: "I think Chris needs his morning coffee now. The hotel was out this morning."
Kyle: "I consider myself a dedicated person. I’m dedicated to my clients and my craft. I’m dedicated to keeping my hair a new shade of something fun. I’m dedicated to keeping Sam and Chris on their toes and pushing their development. I’m dedicated to making sure my pet iguana, Steve has a loving and nurturing environment to grow up in."
Now that you (Chris and Samantha) have had an opportunity to come to Carlsbad for training and meet Kyle, what was your first impression of him?
Chris: "He has colors in his hair! No, he’s a really nice guy, super helpful, and really knows what he’s doing."
Samantha: "He makes everything creative and fun, he really cares about the disability community; and I like his music choices. Oh wait- and I thought it was bizarre because he is my “uncle” in the younger form. If you would have met my uncle twenty years ago you would have thought they were twins. It’s awesome."
Kyle: "That guy Kyle? Yeah he scares me."
Project Walk - San Francisco officially opens March 24. Want the opportunity to work with the San Francisco team? Act now to participate in the “Grand Opening Special.” Clients can lock in a special rate GOOD FOR A YEAR by booking a new program today. For more information on Project Walk and the latest offerings, visit ProjectWalk.org OR contact Project Walk - San Francisco Facility Manager, Heather Newcom at 925.276.0943
