Coaching Staff
Welcome to the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF) Coaching Staff page, where excellence in skiing meets unparalleled professional expertise. Our coaching team comprises highly skilled, dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the sport. Each coach is committed to nurturing young athletes, fostering their growth, and guiding them to reach their full potential on and off the mountain.
At KSEF, our coaches are not just instructors but mentors and role models who embody the highest standards of athleticism and integrity. With a focus on personalized training, cutting-edge techniques, and a supportive environment, our coaching staff is dedicated to delivering the finest in ski education. Together, they drive our mission to develop confident, resilient athletes who excel in competitive skiing and embrace a lifelong love for the sport.
Coach Jim Reilly - Executive Director at KSEF
Experienced Leadership in Ski Education
Jim Reilly has been at the helm of the KSEF as Program Director since 2009, bringing a lifelong passion for ski racing to our community. With a background in competitive skiing that reaches back to his NCAA-level participation in college, Jim has a deep understanding of the sport.
Certifications and Contributions
Jim holds a USSA Level 100 certification and is extensively qualified with additional USSA certifications, including Chief of Race, Chief of Course, Race Official, and Referee. He is also certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). These qualifications underscore his comprehensive expertise in ski racing and coaching.
Dedication to Kirkwood and Family Involvement
A true enthusiast of the Kirkwood community, Jim is committed to enhancing the program and actively contributes to the area's sporting life. He and his family are deeply integrated into the KSEF, with his wife Lisa and their younger daughter actively participating in the program. Their elder daughter is a proud alumna who advanced to join the University of Utah after graduating from KSEF.
Jim’s passion for skiing and his leadership in maintaining an exceptional coaching staff have been pivotal in advancing KSEF's mission to foster athletic excellence and personal growth through skiing.
Coach Jim "JB" Bell | Kirkwood Ski Team
Dedicated Coaching Expertise
Jim "JB" Bell brings over 15 years of dedicated coaching experience to KSEF, specializing in alpine ski racing. JB is a USSA Level 100 coach with additional certifications as a competition official, race administrator, referee, and timing official. His extensive training and certification underline his deep commitment to developing competitive skiing at KSEF.
Educational Background and Recognition
During the weekdays, JB serves as an Adapted Physical Education teacher at Sequoia Union High School in Redwood City. He earned a BA in Kinesiology and Physical Education and has been recognized for his innovative teaching methods, including receiving the prestigious Teacher of the Year award by the State of California.
Passion for Skiing and Athlete Development
JB's enthusiasm for skiing extends beyond the race course. He is particularly fond of Kirkwood’s unique conditions, often taking athletes off-piste to explore new chutes and terrain on powder days. His passion for introducing young skiers to challenging environments is a testament to his dedication to enhancing their skills and experiences.
Coach Patrick Traynor | Masters Coach at KSEF
Bringing Expertise and Passion to KSEF
Dr. Patrick Traynor has been an integral part of the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation since December 2015, serving as the Masters Coach. With a rich background in coaching and competition, Patrick brings a deep well of experience from his previous role as the Masters Coach at Team Mountain High in Wrightwood, California. As a dedicated USSS Masters competitor, when his schedule permits, Coach Patrick stays deeply connected to the sport. He is a Level 300 USSS certified coach and adept in various leadership roles, including Referee, Chief of Course, and Chief of Race.
In addition to his extensive racing certifications, Patrick is a Level II ski instructor with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and is actively pursuing his Level III certification. He also holds a Special Children Specialist 2 certificate and enjoys sharing his expertise with young skiers as a Jets Coach at Kirkwood Ski Resort, further demonstrating his commitment to the skiing community.
Diverse Leadership in Education
Dr. Traynor transitioned from public education in 2024, following a distinguished career that included roles such as high school teacher, elementary and middle school principal, district office director, assistant superintendent, state director of assessment, and superintendent of schools. His extensive experience in education equips him with the skills to create successful learning environments, fostering growth and development in every setting.
Patrick’s passion for teaching extends beyond the slopes. He has taught college courses in biology, statistics, and education at institutions like Brandman University, Argosy University, and UC Riverside, sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of learners.
A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
Dr. Traynor’s commitment to health and wellness is foundational to his approach as a coach and educator. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from UC Riverside, a Master’s of Public Health with an emphasis on Nutrition from UC Berkeley, and a Registered Dietitian (RD) certification through Iowa State University. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis, where he double-majored in Nutrition and Entomology.
Patrick’s dedication to wellness extends beyond his academic achievements. As a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), he integrates his expertise into his coaching, promoting a balanced lifestyle for himself and his athletes. He also operates an insurance-based registered dietitian practice with offices in South Lake Tahoe and Minden, where he continues to support others in achieving their health goals.
Coach Dana Keith | Kirkwood Ski Team
Bringing Passion and Expertise to KSEF
Dana Keith is entering her fifth season as a coach for the Kirkwood Ski Team, bringing a unique blend of local expertise and enthusiastic coaching to our community. Originally from the Big Island of Hawaii, Dana moved to Truckee, California, at the age of four, where she began her skiing journey with the Mighty Mites team at Squaw Valley.
Experienced Competitor and Educator
Throughout high school, Dana competed in CNISSF races and transitioned into coaching roles shortly after graduation. She served as a coach for the ski team at Amador High and worked as a teacher at Pioneer Montessori. Her educational background and firsthand experience in competitive skiing have equipped her with the skills necessary to mentor young athletes effectively.
Certifications and Commitment to Safety
Dana holds a PSIA Level 1 and USSA Level 100 coach certification, ensuring she is well-prepared to offer high-quality training. Additionally, her background as an EMT and certifications in CPR and First Aid underscore her commitment to safety and preparedness on the slopes.
Inspiration and Offseason Adventures
Dana is dedicated to continuously improving her coaching abilities and inspiring a lifelong passion for skiing in her athletes. Her love for the outdoors extends beyond the winter season, as she actively engages in exciting outdoor adventures throughout the year, enriching her connection to the natural world and enhancing her coaching perspective.
Coach Kristin Thomas | Kirkwood Ski Team
Early Beginnings and Career Transition
Kristin Thomas hails from Sloatsburg, NY, where she started skiing in the Northeast at the age of eight. A career move later brought her to Sacramento, California, where she embraced the opportunity to enhance her skiing skills on the renowned slopes of Lake Tahoe.
Professional Development and Certifications
Kristin has dedicated three seasons to intensive weekly training with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), consistently participating in PSIA clinics to refine her techniques. She has successfully achieved her PSIA Level 2 ski certification and is currently pursuing her Level 2 teaching certification. Her commitment to professional development is a testament to her dedication to excellence in ski instruction.
Teaching Philosophy and Passion
Kristin feels privileged to share her knowledge with others and thrives on observing her students’ progress and enjoyment on the slopes. Her enthusiasm for teaching is paralleled by her ability to foster a fun and supportive learning environment, making her a beloved instructor among her students.
Active Lifestyle and Personal Interests
Off the slopes, Kristin leads an active and adventurous life. She enjoys traveling, street bike riding, dirt biking, camping, and hiking. Her passion for the outdoors enriches her personal life and enhances her understanding and appreciation of the natural settings in which she teaches skiing.
Coach Alisa Ferrier | Kirkwood Ski Team
Background and Competitive Skiing
Alisa Ferrier's journey in skiing began in the Pacific Northwest, where she developed her skills through competitive racing. She concluded her competitive years as a Western Washington University Ski Team member in Bellingham, Washington. Driven by her passion for skiing, Alisa moved to the Lake Tahoe area, where she now resides with her three sons.
Professional Development and Certifications
Since graduating from college, Alisa has been an active Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) member, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to the skiing community since 1995. She holds a PSIA Level 2 certification and a Child Specialist Certification. In addition to her PSIA credentials, Alisa is also a USSA Coach 100, Race Official, and Race Referee, showcasing her comprehensive understanding and proficiency in ski racing and coaching.
Lifestyle and Personal Interests
Off the mountain, Alisa is employed by Barton Healthcare in South Lake Tahoe. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, hiking, paddle boarding, and cheering on her boys in various high school sports. Alisa has a particular fondness for the color white, reflecting her love for fluffy powder snow and her bunny, Sugar.
Coach Tomasz Kalkowski | Masters Coach at KSEF
International Skiing Background and Coaching Expertise
Tomasz Kalkowski brings a wealth of international experience to the KSEF, having spent his early years skiing across Europe. After becoming a certified ski instructor overseas, Tomasz joined the KSEF master program, where he has been coaching for the last two years. His role at KSEF has allowed him to train regularly and participate in USSA Far West masters races.
Certifications and Professional Development
Tomasz currently holds a USSA Level 200 certification. He is passionate about using his extensive skiing knowledge and experience to enhance the skills of KSEF athletes. His dedication to skiing instruction and athlete development is evident in his enthusiastic approach to coaching.
Diverse Interests and Community Engagement
Beyond the slopes, Tomasz has a passion for various outdoor and sporting activities. He is an avid rock climber, surfer, and windsurfer. Additionally, Tomasz contributes to his local community in Cupertino by coaching karate, demonstrating his commitment to fostering physical fitness and discipline across multiple disciplines.
Coach Haley Louis | Kirkwood Ski Team
Early Beginnings and Competitive Skiing
Haley Louis began her skiing journey with KSEF at the tender age of five as a Mighty Mite and progressed to racing in the Far West circuit by age ten. Her passion for competitive skiing led her to attend Sugar Bowl Academy for high school, where she traveled extensively to compete in various races.
Academic Pursuits and Leadership
Haley is currently a senior at UC Davis, where she is majoring in Communication with a focus on Coaching Principles and Methods. As the UC Davis Ski Team captain, she competes in USCSA races and demonstrates strong leadership both on and off the slopes.
Coaching Philosophy and Personal Interests
Haley is enthusiastic about her role at KSEF and eager to share her love and passion for skiing with the athletes. Her coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in fostering a positive environment where young skiers can thrive and develop their skills. Haley enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle outside of skiing, including hiking, surfing, skateboarding, and playing guitar.
Coach Paul Bradshaw | Masters Coach at KSEF
Extensive Coaching and Instruction Experience
Paul Bradshaw has been an integral part of the KSEF community. He coached the Masters’ Ski Team during the 2019/2020 season and is eagerly anticipating his return for the 2020/2021 season. Paul is a seasoned ski instructor with over a decade of teaching experience at Kirkwood, where he has honed his skills and mentorship capabilities.
Professional Qualifications
Certified as a Level II instructor by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), Paul has demonstrated a profound commitment to ski education. Further enhancing his expertise, he participated in a Level 100 USSA certification class led by Darryl Whitaker, broadening his coaching skills to include competitive aspects of skiing.
Life Beyond the Slopes
Living at Kirkwood on weekends during the winter, Paul enjoys coaching, skiing, and snowboarding with his family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren. As the seasons change, Paul’s passion for water continues—he's an avid water skier found carving through slalom courses on lakes, replacing winter’s snow gates with summer buoys.
Coach Shaunda Vasey | Kirkwood Ski Team
Coaching and Instruction Experience
Shaunda Vasey brings over two decades of experience from her teaching and counseling career in the Douglas County School District to her "outdoor classroom" on the race course. The 2024-2025 ski season marks her third year as a coach with the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF), where she seamlessly translates her expertise in education to the development of young athletes.
Professional Qualifications
Shaunda is a certified USSS Alpine Level 100 coach and holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her strong educational background provides a solid foundation for her holistic coaching approach, emphasizing both the physical and mental development of her athletes. Her dedication to education was recognized when she was honored as Douglas County School District's Teacher of the Year in 2015 and Distinguished District Counselor of the Year in 2019.
Life Beyond the Slopes
Outside of coaching, Shaunda is a proud mother of three athletes, all of whom have been part of the KSEF skiing program. She embraces a life filled with outdoor adventures, from backpacking in the Sierras to rafting, fly fishing, and, of course, skiing. Shaunda's passion for the outdoors and her commitment to her family and community shine through in everything she does.
Coach Chris Vasey | Kirkwood Ski Team
Experienced Leadership
With 29 years of leadership experience as the Conservation Administrator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Chris Vasey brings his extensive leadership skills to the race course. His supportive and hands-on approach covers every aspect of ski racing, from course setup and inspections to training, race day logistics, and mental preparation.
Professional Qualifications
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from Chico State University and has completed the USSS Alpine Level 100 certification course. His ski racing experience is deep-rooted, beginning with his work from 1993 to 1995 at the Big Mountain Race Department in Whitefish, Montana, where he set local, regional, and NorAm race courses. He continued to hone his skills from 1996 to 1998 at Kirkwood Ski Resort, where he was responsible for setting the daily Nastar courses. After some time away from the racing scene, Chris has returned with renewed passion, and the 2024-2025 season marks his third year coaching with the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF).
Life Beyond the Slopes
Outside of skiing, Chris is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys rafting, biking, fishing, and hunting, often sharing these adventures with his three children. His love for the outdoors and dedication to family are central to his life, both on and off the slopes.
Coach Brent Springbett | Kirkwood Ski Team
Early Skiing Beginnings and Competitive Background
Brent Springbett's skiing journey began at age five with the Heavenly Ski team, where he started with the “Blue Angels” training team. He continued to compete in USSA events throughout high school, laying a solid foundation in competitive skiing.
Transition to Coaching and Teaching
After his competitive years, Brent transitioned into coaching, gaining experience at notable locations, including Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sugar Bowl, where he coached both youth and masters. His early coaching career was complemented by several years as a ski instructor, further broadening his expertise in ski education.
Retail Experience and Equipment Expertise
Brent ventured into the retail side of skiing, initially managing the Kirkwood Mountain Outfitters before opening his own shop, Tahoe Boot and Ski Works, in South Lake Tahoe. His retail career also included global travel with companies like Dynastar/Lange and Salomon in their race and competition services departments, where he acquired extensive knowledge about ski equipment and tuning.
Current Role and Future Aspirations
Currently, Brent is collaborating with Blue Zone Sports and is excited about his upcoming return to Kirkwood. He looks forward to contributing to the KSEF program by coaching on the hill and assisting with equipment fitting needs, leveraging his vast experience to enhance the program’s success.