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AIROW's Mission
The AIROW Project's Mission: We aim to create adaptive & inclusive recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
In 2019, April Katz, owner of Adaptive Life Coaches, was passionate about providing free adaptive events for those with special needs and disabilities in Whatcom. The funds donated to AIROW go towards providing adaptive gear, scholarships, and creating free events for those within Whatcom.
The AIROW Project is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code. Charitable gifts are deductible as allowed by this code.
Thank you April Katz and the team for ALL you are doing to help provide more inclusive, adaptive opportunities in our community. Forever grateful for all that you have brought to Max's life!!!!!!
Amy McKinley
Publications
The Airow Project Proves Riding, Recreation Are for Everyone
Click to read the article in Whatcom Talk
April Katz, the founder of the AIROW project, is working to help people with disabilities embrace and enjoy the outdoors.
Meet The Board Members
April- Executive Director
Hello! My name is April Katz, and I started the AIROW project in 2020. I am interested in helping people reach their health and helping local individuals with disabilities enjoy more access to recreation. I have worked in the lives of children and adults with a wide range of disabilities since 2004. I am a Certified Life Coach. I have worked at ABA therapy clinics as a Certified Behavioral Technician. I have also been an individual respite provider. My goal for the AIROW project programs is to make recreation fun for EVERYONE.
My hobbies include anything active, surfing, being an outdoor enthusiast, and being an avid bike rider.
Ashley - Chair
My name is Ashley Rowles. I originally come from South Dakota but have called Bellingham home for a little over 3 years. I am currently an elementary special education teacher (grades TK-2), and love working with this wonderful community of people! When I am not teaching, I love to spend my time mountain biking, flyfishing, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing, and pretty much anything that gets me outside (and spending time with the wonderful people of the Airow Project! I met April nearly 3 years ago and have since become great friends who love working together to serve the special needs community of Whatcom County and beyond! It brings me such joy to be able to support/work with these people in building the skills to become successful and independent adults who love to safely and joyfully recreate in the outdoors and their local community!
Jill - Vice Chair
Jill has lived and worked in Bellingham as a pediatric physical therapist for the past 20 years. She is an avid mountain biker and advocate for accessible outdoor recreation. She works at PeaceHealth Children's Therapy clinic in Bellingham, and she is a certified Ride Leader through Bike Instructor Certification Program.
Ava - Secretary, Communications Committee Chair
My name is Ava Larsen. I was born and raised near the Chuckanut mountains in beautiful Bellingham, WA. A couple of things I call myself include: a hiker, water-sports enthusiast, photographer, artist, and volunteer. In 2020, I started my own business, Wildcat Cove Paddle, instructing and guiding paddle boarding in Bellingham, WA. In addition to The Airow Project, I volunteer for North Sound Stewards and am an ambassador for multiple outdoor groups. I am currently pursuing a master's in clinical mental health counseling. I am seeking to explore a future career in adventure therapy due to a keen interest in the human mind and the healing aspects of nature and adventure.
Brooke - Treasurer
My name is Brooke Friesen. I grew up in Flint, Michigan, where I was deeply connected to a nonprofit called The Disability Network, whose mission is to revolutionize communities to be inclusive and accepting, where all people thrive in the quality of life they create. Entering college, I knew I wanted to focus on creating accessibility to the outdoors for all people and the recreation that happens in the outdoors.
I love recreating in the backcountry; for the day or for long expeditions. Rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and kayaking are some of my favorites, but I’ll do anything that gets me outside and connects me to the people around me.
Kari - Board Member
I am a long time Whatcom county implant/resident, meaning I moved here just in time for the big winter of ‘98, pipeline explosion of ‘99 and "lane changing" critical mass bike rides of ‘00. I graduated from WWU/Fairhaven College with Environmental and Place Based Education and have been teaching in some form ever since. I am now a Special Education teacher for Bellingham Public Schools. I am happy to work with AIROW and blend my passion for outdoor play and profession with individualized education. There are no limits to the Joy and Empowerment I see people gain as they learn new ways to be in their body outside and I am thrilled to help make that happen. I’ve raised my kids here and watched Bellingham blossom into this bustling little city of subdued excitement! I am so grateful to be able to hike a glacier in the morning, pick fresh berries by day and paddle with bioluminescence in the bay at night! I share my love for big play and open space with my husband Peter, boys Milo and Noah and side kick dog Tahra.
Geneva - Board Member
My name is Geneva Ascher. I grew up in Breckenridge, Colorado with a big love for the outdoors. I moved to Bellingham just over 4 years ago to study Recreation Management and Leadership at Western Washington University.Since then, I have immersed myself into the world of adaptive recreation. I graduated in March 2022 and soon after got my Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential. I love spending my time outdoors skiing, biking, fly fishing, and sunsetting! I met April just over 2 years ago to chat about AIROW and the two of us babbled, sharing our love for inclusive recreation possibilities in Whatcom County. The support and love this program brings to individuals with disabilities brings the brightest smile to my face!
Ali - Board Member
My name is Alison Fontaine! I’m from the Vancouver, WA area, but have lived in Bellingham for over ten years. I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration and am actively completing a Master’s degree in Public Health. I have worked at PeaceHealth now for two years, and am incredibly passionate about public health awareness, health education, and outdoor activities including gardening, fly-fishing, kayaking, skiing, scuba diving, and hiking. When I’m not outside, I love to travel and have been to over fifty countries. I am so passionate about all that AIROW brings to the incredible PNW community, and so grateful to be part of this amazing group!