INDIVIDUAL ABILITIES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Board Member Admin 2023 - 02 - 05T14
Elizabeth (Libby) Doyle was introduced to I AM as a physical therapy graduate student at the University of Scranton in 2018, when she and other volunteers spent a lovely spring day on local bike trails with I AM members eager to take advantage of the adaptive handcycles and great weather. As student Service Learning Coordinator for the Physical Therapy department, Libby rallied a student volunteer base for I AM events, and worked with I AM's president and other community members to increase access to recreational equipment. Libby graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2020 and settled in Northeastern Pennsylvania with her new husband, where they enjoy mountain biking, hiking, spending time on the lake, and cuddling with their two cats; Lady and Puppy.
Libby remains active with I AM, serving as a clinical supervisor to physical therapy student volunteers trained in safe transfers at various events. Libby joined an I AM committee in 2022 focused on adaptive cycling program development to enhance training for safe and effective transfers on and off equipment, as well as ensure all parties are prepared and excited to incorporate biking into their own wellness goals. Libby was honored to be nominated as a Board Member in 2022, and is looking forward to utilizing her physical therapy background and advocating for accessible recreational activities.
Born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania Joe always had a strong connection with physical activity and the outdoors. Along with his five siblings he participated in several sports growing up and was active in all stages of scouting, ultimately attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Upon graduating from Bishop O'Hara in Dunmore he pursued a career in residential construction which offered him a way to explore his creative nature for the better part of nine years. It was in this capacity that a fall in 2004 resulted in a C5 - C6 spinal cord injury.
Once stabilized from the initial physical trauma Joe begin rehab in Mount Sinai hospital in New York before coming back home where he continued both inpatient and outpatient therapy at Allied Services in Scranton PA. Eventually, with time, effort, and support he was able to regain his independence, along the way meeting new friends and experiencing many things never viewed as possible in those early days. It was through these experiences and connections, along with the understanding that, sadly, not everyone has access to the same opportunities or support, which led to his becoming one of the founding members of Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM).
Serving as a member of the Lackawanna County Disability Action Committee and in his role as president of I AM, Joe has a strong desire to provide support for individuals as they discover, develop, and celebrate abilities. In an effort to continue his own personal development, while simultaneously helping develop the organization, he has recently completed a year-long certificate program in Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Scranton. Utilizing this training, together with the drive of his fellow board members, volunteers, and supporters, he will work towards continued growth of the organization in its ability to enrich lives.
Mr. Joshua Hess was born and raised in beautiful Northeastern Pennsylvania, in his youth he explored the state's vast forests, and developed his love of the outdoors. After he graduated from high school he went on to attend college in Durango, CO. In 2001 he sustained a spinal cord injury at the C-7 level during a motor vehicle accident. Rehabilitation began at Craig Hospital in Denver, than after returning to his hometown he attended Allied Rehabilitation Hospital's outpatient therapy program. It was through these programs, friends, and family that he received the support needed while transitioning into his new life in a wheelchair. He overcome the challenges and found employment in speech analytics and data analysis via a remote position, which provides flexibility for him to follow his passions. Shooting sports being one interest, he also holds chairman positions at a local sportsmen's club, where he assists in management of the Sporting Clay and Small-bore Silhouette departments. It was through Allied's outpatient program that he met Mr. Salva, the president of Individual Abilities in Motion, in 2013 and agreed to join the board of directors as a founding board member. Having always enjoyed outdoor recreation himself, he enjoys sharing his passion for the outdoors with others, be it through hand-cycling, kayaking, shooting sports, fishing, or hunting.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Board Member Admin 2024 - 04 - 14T15
Tyler Kapinus is a lifelong resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania who became involved with I AM Individual Abilities in Motion after taking part in adaptive waterskiing and mountain biking in 2023. He joined the board of directors at I AM Individual Abilities in Motion in 2024. Tyler earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Lycoming College in 2016. In 2022 Tyler earned his master's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. When Tyler was 21 years old in May of 2015, he was involved in a serious truck accident which resulted in his right leg being amputated above knee. With hard work and determination, Tyler returned back for his senior year of college in August 2015 and graduated on time in 2016. Tyler started his career in the banking industry after successfully completing the Sales Development Trainee Program at M&T Bank in 2016. After gaining valuable sales, marketing, and customer service experience, Tyler started his career in the industry working as a member of the Business Development team for The Center for Orthotic & Prosthetic Care in 2018. His territory included Northeastern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. In January 2019 Hanger Clinic acquired The Center for Orthotic & Prosthetic Care. In Tyler's first year with Hanger Clinic he earned President's Club Honors and led the organization in lower extremity prosthetic growth. In March of 2020 he was promoted to Community Care Coordinator for Pennsylvania & Delaware Region. Tyler provides education and support to new patients and their family members. He promotes AMPOWER and provides in-services for various medical professionals in Pennsylvania. He facilitates multiple limb loss support groups in the region. Tyler also follows up with patients daily to ensure they are receiving the best care possible for their prosthetic devices. In 2023 he was selected to the EmpoweredCare Champions Team by Hanger Clinic. Tyler also serves as a volunteer assistant football coach at his alma mater, Valley View High School since 2017.