As the “fearless” leader, Kirk Bauer has directed DSUSA since 1982. Under his tenure, the organization has seen tremendous growth. Besides helping create the first nationwide program to work with parents of disabled children, he also helped establish the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project (WWDSP), a program providing year-round sports rehabilitation programs for service members, severely wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kirk, who holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley and a law degree (Juris Doctor) from Boston University, knows first-hand what the wounded warriors are enduring as he too was injured in combat. An above-the-knee amputee, Kirk was injured in the Vietnam War. He is active in skiing, running, biking, hiking, and swimming . For a complete bio, please click here.

Kirk Bauer – Executive Director
kbauer@dsusa.org 301-217-9838

Cheryl has been providing support and leadership for all administrative aspects of DSUSA since 2001. She is responsible for keeping the national headquarters office operating smoothly, managing the insurance/risk management program and the chapter formation process. Cheryl is an avid music fan who cannot resist a good laugh and enjoys family, friends and fishing.

Cheryl Collins – Administrative Services Manager
dsusa@dsusa.org 301-217-9841

Kyleen Davis plays a significant part in DSUSA programming, including overseeing many of the Warfighter Sports Programs, which provide year round nation-wide sports programs for severely wounded service members. Kyleen also plays a role in the management of other programs/projects, including DSUSA’s signature event: The Hartford Ski Spectacular, which is one of the largest adaptive skiing events in the country. A graduate of St. Mary’s College and The George Washington University, she holds a B.A. in History (cum laude) and an M.T.A. in Sports Management, respectively. Kyleen joined the team in 2005 as an intern and transitioned into her current role shortly thereafter. She enjoys watching ice hockey and is active in various sports, including running, hiking, and camogie, an Irish field sport.

Kyleen Davis – Senior Programs Coordinator
kdavis@dsusa.org 301-217-9839

Karalyn Stott is the primary military medical facility liaison for Disabled Sports USA, assisting military personnel with Warfighter Sports programs. She joined Disabled Sports USA in the fall of 2010 as an intern and transitioned into her role in April of 2011. Karalyn earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Iowa before moving to Washington D.C. to complete an M.P.S. in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University. An Iowa native and avid college sports fan, Karalyn spends Saturdays in the fall cheering on the Hawkeye football team. The rest of the year she can be found hiking, watching grand slam tennis and dreaming of new adventure travel destinations.

Karalyn Stott - Program Services Assistant
kstott@dsusa.org 240.268.2180

Orlando Gill has been with the organization since 2006, first serving as a volunteer, then a Program Assistant Coordinator, and currently as a Field Representative. Orlando acts as the face of the organization, going to various hospitals speaking to wounded soldiers about DSUSA’s mission. He is a peer mentor for many of the soldiers as he knows first-hand what they are experiencing, considering he too was wounded in Iraq; he is an above-the-knee amputee. Orlando, whose favorite sports are snowboarding and SCUBA, describes his favorite part of the job as “actually getting the patients out participating in sports.”

Orlando Gill –Field Representative
ogill@dsusa.org 254-319-8242

Huayra Gomez-Garcia is the “right hand” to the Executive Director. She helps the executive director direct the organization by assisting with everything from meetings with the Board of Directors to sponsorship proposals. A graduate of the University of Florida, she has been with the DSUSA team since 2006, serving in her current role since 2008. She enjoys spending time with her two children, playing volleyball, and watching college football.

Huayra Gomez-Garcia – Executive Assistant
hgomezgarcia@dsusa.org 240-268-0864

Having served in the field of sports rehabilitation for people with disabilities since 1980, Kathy Laffey has contributed significantly to the development and program direction of Disabled Sports USA. Since she joined DSUSA in 1998, Kathy has functioned as Program Services Manager, Operations and Program Services Manager, and Special Projects Manager. In her present role, Kathy works directly for the Executive Director in the creation and management of new programs; provides support and program opportunities for our sponsors; and serves as the managing editor of Challenge Magazine. Prior to joining DSUSA’s staff, she volunteered for eight years at The Hartford Ski Spectacular in an administrative role, five years in administrating the Eastern Regional Championship Level 2 race, and assisted in the development of a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, Three Rivers Adaptive Sports. Kathy is a native of Pittsburgh, her favorite spectator sport is downhill ski racing, and she loves to garden.

Kathy Laffey – Special Projects Manager
klaffey@dsusa.org 724-265-2546

Julia Ray is instrumental in getting wounded warriors and other people who have a disability involved in sports. She heads up DSUSA’s initiative to assure injured service members have the ability to participate in sport. Having served in this role since 2003, the most enjoyable aspect of her job is getting to know the athletes and volunteers. Additionally, she oversees most of DSUSA’s programs including SkiTour, Summer programs, and The Hartford Ski Spectacular. A graduate of Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom, Julia enjoys watching the Paralympics and the Olympics, and participating in outdoor recreation activities such as camping, hiking, cycling, and SCUBA. Among her other favorite things to do are traveling and “hanging out” with her daughter May.

Julia Ray – Programs Manager
jray@dsusa.org 301-217-9840

Dave Simonson began with DSUSA in 2010 and focuses on development, sponsor relations and social media. He has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors, and also served for eight years in the US Air Force. Dave’s favorite sports are running, cycling and swimming and each July he watches every minute of the Tour de France on TV.

Dave Simonson – Development
dsimonson@dsusa.org 301-217-9837

Bill is responsible for maintaining and managing accounting records, preparing financial reports, and coordinating the annual audit. He is also responsible for overseeing human resources and administration. Having served in his current role since 2010, Bill holds an undergraduate degree from Penn State University and a graduate certificate in non-profit studies from Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, he brings 15 years of experience in non-profit management to the team. Bill loves the outdoors, specifically hiking, and enjoys watching college football. He cites his favorite sport to play as “keeping up with [his] nine and six year olds!”

William “Bill” Snyder – Chief Financial Officer
wsnyder@dsusa.org 301-217-9843