Christa has spent her career helping people see what’s possible, not just for organizations, but for themselves. Today, as a leadership and life coach specializing in career development for people who are neurodivergent or neuro-unique, that mission continues in deeply personal and impactful ways. But her connection to Special Olympics, and the passion that drives her work, started long before her professional journey took shape.
Growing up, Christa was surrounded by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but like many communities, there was little understanding of what true inclusion looked like. That changed when she met a family connected to Special Olympics. Through them, she witnessed something different, an environment where differences were not treated as limitations, but simply as part of who someone is.
It was a turning point.
For the first time, she saw what it meant to be part of a community where everyone belonged equally, where individuals were not defined by what they couldn’t do, but empowered by what they could. That early experience opened the door to a broader movement, one focused on ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage, contribute, and be welcomed.
That belief has stayed with her ever since.
Over the years, Christa built an impressive career across government and nonprofit sectors, eventually serving in senior leadership at Special Olympics International. In her role as Senior Vice President of Global Development and Government Relations, she worked to influence policies, engage governments, and secure funding to expand inclusion on a global scale. While her work operated at a systems level, her passion consistently pulled her closer to people, especially athletes.
“I was always a little jealous,” she admits, reflecting on colleagues who worked directly in sport and athlete programming.
So, she found ways to bridge that gap.
While still in her leadership role, Christa became a certified coach and dedicated her time to developing athlete leadership and creating more inclusive workplace environments. She helped pilot a unified mentoring program that paired employees with and without intellectual disabilities, fostering understanding, communication, and shared growth. She also contributed to leadership coaching initiatives within the Leadership Academy, working directly with Athlete Leaders to build confidence and capability.
Through these experiences, Christa saw firsthand the challenges athletes can face when transitioning into professional roles and the opportunity to better support them.
That insight continues to shape her work today.
As a member of the Alumni Network, Christa remains deeply engaged in advancing inclusion beyond sport, particularly in the workplace. She currently provides one-on-one coaching to athletes and Athlete Leaders, focusing on areas like self-advocacy, executive functioning, career transitions, leadership, and communication. She is also helping to design a multi-year coaching program aimed at supporting athletes, youth leaders, and supervisors in building more inclusive and effective work environments.
Her goal is simple, to help people succeed, not by changing who they are, but by unlocking their strengths.
Special Olympics, she says, fundamentally changed how she sees the world. It deepened her belief that everyone has leadership potential and reinforced the importance of not just including people, but creating environments where they can truly thrive.
It also introduced her to something just as powerful, joy.
Not just the joy that comes from being included, but the joy that comes from including others.
Looking ahead, Christa hopes her legacy is one of empowerment, helping people recognize their own strengths and believe in what’s possible for their lives.
“If I’ve helped create more opportunity, confidence, and a sense of belonging,” she says, “then I’ll feel like I’ve made a meaningful difference.”
Through the Alumni Network, she’s making that impact every day by ensuring that her connection to Special Olympics is not just something she was part of, but something she continues to build.
For those looking to engage, collaborate, or grow, Christa offers not just experience, but partnership and a deep commitment to helping others reach their full potential.
Learn more about the Alumni Leadership Network
