Tim Yates
Chief Executive Officer
Tim having previously served as Project Walk’s Director of Operations for 2 years now leads the world’s largest nonprofit spinal cord injury recovery center as its Chief Executive Officer. Tim plans to expand Project Walk into North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East over the next couple of years to better service the global SCI community. Prior to joining Project Walk, Tim held the title of CEO for a Southern California-based technology firm as well as President of a regional real estate firm. Out of college, Tim had a brief stint in law enforcement before an injury sidelined his career thus turning his attention and energy to business. Tim carries a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and has completed over 40 units of graduate work at National University™. He enjoys spending time with his 3 children, playing the drums in various rock bands, camping, fishing and flying airplanes.
Eric Harness, CSCS, CSRS III
Co-Founder / Director of Research and Development
Eric graduated from San Diego State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training and a Minor in Psychology. He then received a post-graduate certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. In 1998, he met Ted and started training high school, college, and Olympic athletes in Ted’s facility. Six months later Ted began seeing Mike Thomas, his first SCI client. Eric watched as Mike began to progress and became intrigued; people with spinal cord injuries were not supposed to be able to gain function below the level of injury. He began assisting Ted and learning what he was doing with Mike. Project Walk had begun…
Eric is now the Director of Research and Development for Project Walk and a Level III Certified SCI Recovery Specialist. In the past 11 years, he developed many of the exercise techniques used with our clients, he was responsible for developing the Home Program, he designed a new evaluation scale (Developmental Activity Scale™ or DAS), and he built the database Project Walk uses to track client’s workouts. In 2006 he began collaborating with the University of California, Irvine and California State University San Marcos on multiple research projects focusing on the Project Walk program and spinal cord injuries. His first paper arising out of these collaborations was published in 2008. He has now published multiple papers in peer-reviewed journals. Eric has also worked with manufacturers and independent engineers to design unique equipment for the benefit of Project Walk’s clients.
Kimberly Renna
Chief Financial Officer
Kimberly graduated from the University of San Diego where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. After graduating from USD, she joined Deloitte, an International Accounting Firm. At Deloitte, she specialized in the industries of non-profits, private schools and real estate in Deloitte’s San Diego and San Francisco offices. After seven years as an Audit Manager, Kimberly left Deloitte, to start a family. She has spent the last 10 years working as a consultant to many small businesses. In 2009, she joined Project Walk. She feels very fortunate to be a part of an amazing place where she sees miracles happen every day. Kimberly is a Certified Public Accountant.
Brian Malkinson, MA, CSRS I
Director of Licensing and Certification
Brian graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in Physical Education and minors in both exercise science and coaching. He continued his education at CSU Chico by earning a M.A. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pedagogy. During his graduate work, he taught teacher education courses to undergraduates and held the title as Senior Editor of the non-profit organization devoted to improving physical education programs nationwide. At the completion of his M.A. Brian discovered Project Walk and joined this amazing organization in September of 2007. After obtaining his CSRS Level I he stepped into the role of Education Coordinator where he helped to develop the Project Walk Institute of SCI Recovery. His work during time focused on the expansion of the current certification program and our Licensed Facility program.
In 2009 Brian left Project Walk to attend Arizona State University in pursuit of his PhD. During his stay in Arizona Brian taught courses in child development, teacher education, and management at ASU. Brian also worked at Anthem College Online as the Administrator of Faculty Development. Within this position, he developed training and evaluation programs for online faculty as well as managed a faculty of about 65 instructors. In the winter of 2010, Brian returned to Project Walk to continue managing the certification program and advancement of the Institute. His primary focus continues to be the expansion of our Licensed Facility program as well as the individual certification program.
Gigi Betancourt
Client Services Manager
Gigi joined Project Walk in 2009, and is currently the Client Services Manager. She is motivated to provide the best service possible to all clients and is inspired daily by the efforts of all who come to Project Walk.
Jason Wanstreet, MS, CSCS
Floor Manager
Jason has been involved with health, fitness, and nutrition for most of his life. From a young age he has participated in athletics. At Orange Glen High School he lettered in three sports: football, baseball, and volleyball. For 10 years he participated in the FVBA (Florida Beach Volleyball Association) and the CBVA (California Beach Volleyball Association) earning a ranking of an AA beach volleyball player; and winning/placing in the top three of tournaments such as the Clearwater Beach Open, Holmes Beach Open, Manhattan Beach Open, and Mission Beach Open. In addition to volleyball, Jason played quarterback at Palomar College.
Jason earned a BS Degree in Kinesiology with emphasis in physical education and a minor in science from San Diego State University. He obtained his Masters of Science Degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University and holds personal training certifications through the NCSF (National Certification of Strength and Fitness), AAFA (American Aerobic and Fitness Association), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), and YogaFit as a certified yoga instructor.
In 2004, Jason became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Over the past seven years, he has trained and developed many high school, college, and professional athletes. Further, Jason has four years of experience coaching high school football and volleyball.
Most recently, Jason was a professor of Kinesiology, Health, and Wellness at Mira Costa College, and a professor of Nutrition for the University of Phoenix.
All of Jason’s experience has culminated in providing the utmost quality and professionalism in training, rehabilitating, coaching, and managing the world class center here at Project Walk.
