Executive Staff
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 has more than 10 years of experience in the field of education and exercise physiology. His tenure with Project Walk dates back to 2007 when he started as an SCI Recovery Specialist and worked to establish the foundation for Project Walk’s current Institute of SCI Recovery. Since then he has built a certification program that has certified over 150 individuals across the world and helped expand the licensed facility program to 17 different locations. Beyond the certification and facility program, he has managed the launch of Project Walk’s new online Home Program, and a telehealth program that is the first of its kind in the field of activity-based recovery.
Previously Brian has held the title of Administrator of Faculty Development for an online university where he built and managed their online training program for more than 65 faculty members across the United States. Previous work experience also includes teaching positions at CSU, Chico and Arizona State University where he taught courses in child development, teacher education and management. These positions were held in conjunction with his role as Senior Editor for a non-profit organization that advocated for the improvement of health and wellness programs for children.
Brian has a MA in Kinesiology and a BA in Physical Education with an emphasis in both coaching and exercise physiology. He has also completed more than 40 units towards a PhD in curriculum development through Arizona State University. His passion for spinal cord injuries, education and business development have provided him with the opportunities to help Project Walk expand and effectively help those within the SCI community.
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.
