Contact

Our Team

SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes (S4EA) was founded by a group of coaches, parents, volunteers, and community members who determined that there was a need for a community-based sports program for athletes with and without developmental disabilities in San Diego County. Many in this group have 10, 20, or more years of experience serving the needs of people with developmental disabilities.

Walter Jackson
Executive Director

Walter has over 50 years experience working in sports programs for persons with developmental disabilities. He helped found SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes 17 years ago.

Clara Downes

Associate Director

Clara has over 50 years experience working with persons with developmental disabilities. She helped found SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes 17 years ago.

S4EA Board of Directors (2025-26)

Executive Committee

President - Ron Choularton (Retired)

Vice President - Kathy Nelson (Residential Care Facilities Owner)

Treasurer - Skip Covell (Retired)

Secretary - Diana Rathbun (Retired)

At-Large - Nicole Alvarez (San Diego Unified School District)

Members–At–Large

Joe Alvarez-Salas (Athlete Council President)

Kelly Choularton (Athlete)

Isaac Hernandez (Athlete)

Carissa Nelson Zink (Residential Care Facilities)

Matthew Rathbun (Athlete)

Mia Ryans (Therapy Services)

Corie Sonnenberg (AAA)

Shay Thomas (Border Patrol)

Graphic Designer - Mary E. Cunningham

S4EA Athlete Council (2025-2026)

President - Joe Alvarez-Salas

Vice President - Evan Perrero

Treasurer - Rachel Goldbaum

Secretary - Matthew Rathbun

Sergeant–At–Arms - Michael Stein

S4EA Board Meetings

S4EA Board meetings & Executive Committee meetings are via Zoom.

The S4EA Board of Directors meets on the 2nd Thursday of every odd numbered month at 6pm on Zoom as follows in 2025: January 9, March 13, May 8, July 10, September 11, November 13.

The S4EA Executive Committee meets on the 2nd Thursday of every even numbered month at 6pm on Zoom as follows in 2025: February 13, April 17 (moved from April 10), June 12, August 14, October 9, December 11.

The following are S4EA Policies as approved by the S4EA Board of Directors:

S4EA Whistleblower Policy

S4EA Code of Conduct/Safe Sports

S4EA Fair Play

S4EA Transportation Form