Who are Kinetic Kids?

Kinetic Kids are children from all walks of life who experience the daily struggles of life-long challenges including but not limited to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, down’s syndrome, autism, asperger’s syndrome, brain tumors, cancers, or other neurological disorders. These children have the desire to perform age-appropriate recreational and sports activities like their typically developing peers. They are children who may use wheelchairs as their primary mobility or they may use a walker or crutches. They may also be independent with mobility but for other reasons, are limited in their participation from recreational activities with their peer group.

Our organization was established to provide health, recreational, and educational services to these children and their families. Our mission is to provide unique experiences through physical and creative activities in a supportive environment to children with special needs who may otherwise be excluded.

Our vision is to enrich the lives of special needs children by creating programs that encourage mobility and activity. By providing physical and recreational programs not typically available to children with special needs, we intend to foster the development of courage, confidence, self esteem, pride, and joy so these children can achieve new possibilities previously unimaginable.

History

In 2001, Kinetic Kids was founded by Tracey Fontenot, P.T. and Kacey Wernli, P.T. based on the belief that all children regardless of ability should have access to recreational, group, and individual exercise options to maximize each child’s potential for movement. With a humble beginning of just one program which served 12 children and their familes, Kinetic Kids has grown tremediously in five years. We now serve over 350 children through 34 programs. Class offerings included t-ball, gymnastics, cheerleading, swimming, music, Kindermusik, dance, art, outdoor explorer, sign language, and Mommy & Me gymnastics. Kinetic Kids also provides the community educational opportunities through our "Try It Before You Buy It" equipment and resource day. Additionally, our staff participate in local elementary schools "discovering disabilities days."

Look How We’ve Grown! See our 2007 Annual Report

	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Number of Children Served	12	18	59	136	230	319	459
Number of Programs/Classes	1	1	4	11	26	350	416
Number of Scholarships Provided	2	3	6	13	63	127	188
Total Revenue Raised	$550	$1,080	$10,455	$83,782	$160,802	$205,691	$301,073

 

Founders

Tracey Fontenot, P.T. Co-Founder and Executive Director

Kacey Wernli, P.T. Co-Founder and Executive Director

Tracey Fontenot is a Physical Therapist who has practiced since 1996. Her background with pediatrics is strongly associated with inpatient, outpatient, and specialty clinics in a children’s hospital setting. Tracey has implemented exercise programs to a variety of specific diagnoses including spina bifida, brain tumor, childhood cancers, cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, and evaluations for treatment of spasticity. A strong interest in childhood obesity has led to her development of fitness and nutrition classes targeting obese and overweight children. Tracey is a public supporter and speaker on the importance of appropriate nutrition and exercise in the pediatric population. Tracey's strength lies in her extensive experience with such a wide variety of children with special needs at all stages of treatment and rehabilitation.

Kacey Wernli is a Physical Therapist and has practiced pediatrics since 1994. After working 7 years in a hospital setting, Kacey began focusing her training on tone management of children with cerebral palsy. Her experience in pediatrics has been strongly focused towards outpatient care of children with cerebral palsy. She also has extensive training in neurodevelopmental treatment. She has been involved with wheelchair and equipment evaluations for the last 12 years, and continues to consult for lower extremity bracing. She has a long history and many years of experience with wheelchair and adaptive seating evaluations which led to development of Wheelchair Seating Clinics over the last 12 years. Another strong passion of Kacey’s is orthotic management. She continues to consult and provide recommendations for orthotic intervention.

 

General Disclaimer

The information on this web site is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice on the management or care of children with special needs. Neither the Kinetic Kids organization nor any parties who supply information to this system make any warranty concerning the accuracy of any information found on or exchanged through this system. No endorsements of any products which appear on this web site are given or implied by Kinetic Kids. This organization does not endorse any specific medical regime or activity. You should not change your medical schedules or activities based on the information provided at this site. Always consult with a doctor/healthcare provider/medical professional before making any medical decisions. If you have a specific medical question regarding an individual's ability to participate in our programs, please contact your physician. By navigating this web site, you waive any and all claims relating to the usage of material or information supplied by the Kinetic Kids organization.