About CoachArt
CoachArt connects kids impacted by serious illness with caring mentors for free adaptive arts, athletics, and STEM lessons.
Our Founding Story
25 Years of Bringing Joy and Possibility
to Kids Facing Serious Illness
Founded 25 years ago by childhood friends Zander Lurie and Leah Bernthal, CoachArt began in honor of Zander’s father, Art Lurie, a cardiac surgeon, after his cancer diagnosis. Art found strength by seeing the courage and resilience of the children around him.
Today, we serve families nationwide through in-person and virtual programs, helping kids create, connect, and thrive within a community that lifts and empowers every child.
Zander Lurie & Leah Bernthal
Our mission is to bring joy and possibility to every child impacted by serious illness.
Our Manifesto
We believe every child deserves the chance to live fully.
To express themselves.
To discover a talent.
To feel pride in who they are.
We believe our volunteers aren’t just instructors —
They are lifelines. Role models. Coaches. Mentors. They are the spark and the joy.
We believe chronic illness does not define a childhood.
A diagnosis does not determine dreams. That isolation should never be a side effect.
We believe in showing up, one hour at a time.
In potential over prognosis.
And in every child’s right to play, create, and grow.
We believe in the life-altering power of friendship.
The magic of movement, music, and making. And the healing that happens through connection and community.
We are CoachArt.
Here for every child, every day, in illness and in life. Because when you belong, you believe.
The CoachArt Board
Today, innovative leaders from top companies are driving the mission forward:
Our Staff
Today, innovative leaders from top companies are driving the mission forward:
Molly Dirr
Executive Director
San Francisco Bay Area
Favorite Activity: Biking
Emily Leising
Program Manager
Los Angeles
Favorite Activity: Drawing
Jessica Wynn
Senior Program Manager: Group Programs
Los Angeles
Favorite Activity: Gardening
Colton Alexio
Growth Director
San Francisco Bay Area
Favorite Activity: Football
Kristi Reynardus
Program Manager:
Group Programs
Miami
Favorite Activity:
Art & Theater
Victoria Gavia
Operations Manager
San Francisco Bay Area
Favorite Activity: Photography
Erick Rodriguez
Program Director:
Group Programs
Los Angeles
Favorite Activity: Painting
Sarah Huizar, SHRM-SCP
Director of People & Finance
Los Angeles
Favorite Activity: Hiking
Puppy Tsai
Senior Product Manager
New York City
Favorite Activity: Piano
JaQwan Kelly
Program Support Manager
Meriden, CT
Favorite Activity: Cooking
Sarah Williams
Brand Manager
Northampton, MA
Favorite Activity: Crafting
