About Us
Our
Staff
Admin Team
Kate Wolfe
Executive Director
Kate is excited to start her new journey as the Executive Director at Push to Walk. Joining PTW in 2016, Kate has already worn several hats, starting with her role as a part-time Administrative Assistant, which evolved into her becoming the Client and Event Coordinator in January 2020. Kate attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She then worked as an event planner for various organizations such as Meeting Partners, planning corporate special events. She has been an active volunteer in the school community since 2006. Kate’s new role as the Executive Director will focus on Fundraising, Donations, and Outreach while continuing to build important relationships with our clients.
Amy Bialek
Operations Director
Amy is new to our staff. She is a physical therapist with experience in research, robotic technology for people with neurological impairments and program development. Amy will work with the robotic technology at Push to Walk, and her goal is to expand the program offerings to provide accessible wellness to all who need it. Amy earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at New York Medical College and is excited to be at Push to Walk!
Julia Swajger
Development Assistant
Julia joined the Push to Walk team in October 2021. A MBA-Marketing graduate from William Paterson and former intern at Susan G. Komen North Jersey, Julia is excited to share her flair for marketing and passion for non-profit work as Push to Walk’s new Development Assistant. Julia’s role here includes keeping you informed through PTW’s social media channels, blogs, and newsletters and helping the team create and host our annual fundraising events.
Hope Edelman
Bookkeeper
Hope Edelman started working at Push to Walk of Oakland in the Spring 2014 as the organization’s bookkeeper. She has worked for various companies including ITT World Communications as a Senior Accounting Analyst, The Law Firm of Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty as the Legal Administrator and the Law Offices of Peter Van Aulen as the Accounting Manager. Her focus is on automating and updating accounting and office systems to improve daily operations and efficiency. She is responsible for administering Push to Walk’s daily accounting.
Vivian Kiggins
Grant Writer
Vivian joined Push to Walk in April 2018 and brings experience as a grant writer/development associate for several organizations. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and numerous years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. Her current role at PTW will encompass a range of development duties including researching new funding opportunities as well as applying and completing grant applications. She will continue to promote the mission and vision of Push to Walk.
Cynthia Templeton
Founder & Community Partnerships Coordinator
Cynthia Templeton, an experienced entrepreneur
and administrator, founded Push to Walk in January 2007 with her son Darren,
who sustained a C5 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in July 2004. Cynthia was
responsible for the daily operation of Push to Walk until 2017. She continues
to stay involved and maintain contact with clients and family members, assist
with fund raising efforts, building collaborative partnerships and working on
special projects to build the Push to Walk brand in the community.
Program Team
Matt Lasky
Neuro Exercise Trainer & Education Manager
Matt started interning at Push to Walk in January 2012 and transitioned into a part-time training position in July 2012. He successfully completed the Certified Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Apprentice program at Project Walk in California in June 2012. Matt earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Rutgers University and currently holds a certification in Strength and Conditioning through the NSCA, as well as in CPR training.
Ariana Hawkins
Neuro Exercise Trainer
Ariana started at Push to Walk in 2021 as an intern at William Paterson University. Upon completion of her internship, she was hired as an aide and has progressed to a Neuro Exercise Trainer. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and has aspirations to attend PT School. Ariana is also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Health Coach.
Karla Ruaya
Neuro Exercise Trainer
Karla began working at Push to Walk in May 2010 and left to work full time in NYC in December 2013. She remained involved with the organization during her hiatus by volunteering for fundraising events and conducting adaptive tennis workshops for Push to Walk clients each year. Karla returned to Push to Walk in February 2018. She graduated with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Northern Michigan University and is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist. Karla completed the three-day NeuroRecovery Network (NRN) Locomotor Training Workshop in March 2018 and maintains her CPR/AED certification. She is also certified in Pilates, yoga, and spin, and is a USPTA certified Tennis Professional.
Fernando Febus
Neuro Exercise Trainer
Fernando is a senior at William Paterson University majoring in Health Sciences. He is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and American Heart Association CPR certified. After finishing his bachelor’s, he has aspirations of going to Physical Therapy School. He started as an aide at Push to Walk in 2023 and progressed to a Neuro Exercise Trainer.
Ahmed Aboudayya
Neuro Exercise Trainer
Ahmed is a dedicated personal trainer, he brings a blend of education, certifications, and a genuine passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine from William Paterson University and an ACSM certification, he is equipped with the knowledge and skills to design personalized workout plans tailored to each individual’s needs. Beyond fitness, his ultimate career goal is to transition into nursing, where he can continue to make a positive impact by caring for people in need. When Ahmed is not in the gym or studying, you can find him at home with his beloved cat, Kitty, or diving into a new subject to expand his knowledge.” Let’s embark on this journey to better health and wellness together!”
Calli Long
Aide
Calli recently graduated from William Paterson with a degree in Exercise Science and a double minor in Cognitive Studies and Disability Studies. Calli played collegiate soccer and frequently volunteered with the Wayne YATP program (Young Adult Transition Program). Calli is currently working as an Aide but is in the process of joining the team as a trainer. Calli hopes to become a physical therapist and work in Neuro.
Abigail Vernaud
Aide
Abigail joined Push to Walk in January of 2024 as an aide. She is currently going to school for Biology at St Thomas Aquinas College. She is hoping to get into dental school after she graduates!
