Leadership Team

Awesomeness Personified

Brandon Quaintance

President/Founder

Brandon is a service-driven leader who doesn’t just aim for success—his calling is to create a movement. Driven by a bold high school pledge to make one million impacts in his lifetime, he has dedicated his entire career to the art of disruption and the science of "awesomeness."

As the visionary behind Awesome Life Academy, Brandon works at the intersection of inspiration and action. He founded ALA with the mission to create the inclusive world we all deserve by igniting awesome lives and torching limitations. His leadership style is defined by a commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to exceed their potential.

Brandon’s professional journey is a testament to the power of a lifelong promise. He views "awesomeness" not as a fleeting feeling, but as a standard for living that everyone can achieve with focus, purpose and consistency.

Email Brandon

Stella Fitzgerald RN

Board Member

Director of Special Projects

Medical Advisor

Stella is a co-founder of Awesome Life Academy. In making the most positive impact she can, she plans special projects for all of our participants to further torch their limitations. Additionally, Stella is an RN, where she brings her expertise as the ALA Medical Advisor.

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Dwayne Eriksen

Board Member

Volunteer Coordinator

Dwayne is Awesome Life Academy's kindhearted volunteer coordinator. Dwayne onboards, trains, and mentors both new and existing volunteers. At every special event, you will find Dwayne happily volunteering, ensuring that special festivities are set-up, and putting a smile on our participants' faces! Making a difference in the worlds of our participants is Dwayne's specialty!

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Program Staff

Senior Program Lead

Trevor Quaintance

Trevor is a dedicated and highly effective leader known for a calm and approachable demeanor. Though often quiet, his thoughtful presence and reputation as an exceptionally good listener make him highly valued by colleagues and team members. He is hard-working, driven by a deep care for others, and he channel this passion into his professional life, particularly in working with adult individuals with special needs. He also possess a strong interest for coaching, which will lend itself well in the future as ALA continues to grow and adds programs like Special Olympics. His gentle, funny personality helps create a supportive and engaging environment for everyone he interact with. Outside of work, Trevor maintains a balanced life, finding joy and relaxation in sports and fishing.

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Program Lead

Raphael Marsden IV

Raph is defined by a combination of genuine dedication and effortless cool. Known universally as a great friend, his actions consistently speak louder than words, as he is fiercely committed to the people and tasks in his life. He is an exceptionally hard-working individual who has accrued significant experience, not just professionally, but also in the art of building reliable, supportive relationships. For Raph, the simple act of putting others before himself is a natural instinct, cementing his reputation as a dependable and selfless leader within his circle. When the workday is done and the dust settles, Raph trades his commitments for adrenaline. He has a passion for high-speed hobbies that demand focus and skill, including lacing up his skates for a game of hockey, heading to the slopes to go snowboarding, and mastering the tracks on his dirt bike during motocross.

Program Lead

Sam Burke

Sam is the quintessential blend of creativity and calm, known for his kind, chill, and friendly nature. His charisma and sharp wit mean he's often the center of a group, ready with a funny anecdote or an insightful observation. With a genuine curiosity about the world and a smart, creative mind, Sam constantly seeks out new challenges and ways to express himself. Whether he's leading a brainstorming session or just hanging out, his positive energy and warmth make everyone feel instantly at ease. When he's not connecting with others, Sam's world revolves around his diverse and hands-on hobbies. He's a true maker, equally comfortable with the precision of 3D printing and the tactile artistry of woodwork. This drive to create is balanced by his love for music—he's a great guitar player, often using his instrument as a medium for both relaxation and creative expression. After a busy day of building and playing, he's also a committed gamer, enjoying the challenge and escapism of video games. Despite his many active pursuits, Sam deeply values downtime, cherishing his sacred time dedicated to sleeping to recharge his batteries. His ability to move seamlessly between intensive creative projects and simply relaxing is a testament to his balanced and easygoing personality. Sam is more than just a talented individual; he is a charismatic, supportive, and endlessly fascinating friend who enriches every space he enters.

Program Lead

Kambria Hoskins

Kambria is a bright and dedicated Nursing Student bringing significant practical experience to her medical studies. Her background is centered on providing high-quality, compassionate care to high-need and medically challenged individuals, where she has developed a deep understanding of participants requirements. This experience has instilled in her an exceptional level of skill, focus, and willingness to help in any challenging situation.Professionally, Kambria is known for her outstanding personal qualities. She is kind hearted, easy-going, and remarkably patient, making her an immediate asset to both participants and the team. She approaches obstacles with a helpful and innovative mindset, often relying on her creative spirit to find solutions and enhance everyones experience. When Kambria steps away from the work floor and her textbooks, she is passionate about exploring the world and enjoying downtime. She loves to fuel her curiosity through travel, spend cherished moments with her family and friends, and unwind by reading and shopping

Program Lead/Admin

Payton Quaintance

Payton is an exceptionally hard-working and committed individual, characterized by his task-driven nature and unwavering focus. In any professional setting, he quickly establishes himself as a strong leader who is naturally inclined to be vocal and take charge, ensuring projects move forward efficiently. With significant problem-solving experience rooted in custom service, Payton excels at navigating complexity. His colleagues value him not only for his drive but also for his ability to be a caring and unselfish teammate. Furthermore, his good sense of humor helps lighten the mood and build strong rapport within the team. When he steps away from work, Payton remains active and engaged. He is an avid fan of sports, enjoys his regular sessions going to the gym, and loves the thrill of watching racing.

Program Lead

Makayla Williams

Makayla is an accomplished specialist in Therapeutic Recreation, holding a Bachelors degree in the field. Her foundational academic knowledge is supported by practical, hands-on experience across diverse healthcare environments. She has successfully managed and implemented comprehensive day programs, demonstrating expertise in adapting activities and support systems for a wide range of needs. Makayla’s experience spans from working with higher-functioning individuals who benefit from complex social and cognitive engagement to providing specialized, medically-informed recreational support for those with more complex medical conditions. What truly sets Makayla apart is her natural aptitude for leadership and her highly creative approach to therapeutic programming. She is a natural leader who confidently guides teams and inspires participants, fostering environments that encourage participation and growth. She believes strongly that recreation is a vital tool for achieving therapeutic outcomes, and she leverages her creativity to design innovative and personalized activities that not only address clinical goals but also bring joy and meaning to the lives of the individuals she serves. Outside of work she enjoys shopping, crafting, loves reality TV, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her dog.

Vocational Program Coordinator

Paul Fedorchuk

With over 40 years of experience under his belt, Paul has a wealth of knowledge in both the manufacturing and staffing industries. For 25 years, he worked in the world of metal stamping, spending 15 of those years as a Production Manager for a Tier One automotive supplier. It was here that he embraced the Japanese approach to manufacturing, focusing on constant improvement, effective leadership, and daily team training. In 2009, Paul brought his expertise to the staffing world, starting as a Recruiter before climbing the ladder to Business Development Manager and eventually Regional Manager. Throughout his career, Paul has been a champion for growth, leading his teams to record-breaking sales and building strong relationships with clients by truly understanding their needs. All this experience fueled by his service driven heart will lend itself well to the development of the ALA vocational program. When he's not leading teams or streamlining processes, Paul is likely out enjoying nature. He’s a passionate volunteer with the Cook and Will County Forest Preserve Districts, where he helps restore native plants and clear brush. To keep up with his wife Marilyn’s incredible cooking, Paul stays active through biking, weightlifting, hiking, and gardening.
After 45 years of marriage, Paul and Marilyn are excited to start their next chapter, which includes their involvement with the Awesome Life Academy.

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ALA Rockstars

Social Media Manager

Administrative Assistant

Juliana Fitzgerald

Dedicated to the art of care and the science of compassion. By day, Juliana is clinically focused going to nursing school; by night, she is leveraging social media to amplify our mission and connect with the community we serve. Bridging the gap between service and digital storytelling. Juliana also helps alleviate some of the unrelenting workflow of our president & founder by assisting in day-to-day administrative tasks. When Juliana is not at school or behind her computer she enjoys an active lifestyle. She loves going to the gym and is an avid pickleball player.

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Program Assistant

Devin Quaintance

A natural relationship-builder, Devin is dedicated to serving others with empathy and intentionality. His extensive experience working with the special needs community has taught him that true impact is built through genuine connection. A lover of sports, fishing, and gaming, Devin balances his passion for service with quality time spent alongside his family and friends.

Program Assistant

Mia Fitzgerald

Dedicated to the idea that everyone deserves a front-row fan, Mia uses her varsity-level teamwork mentality to help others "win" in life. Her time working at camps for individuals with disabilities has taught her the perspective and empathy needed to serve her community with intention. Whether she on the sidelines or in the community, her goal is to lead with heart and ensure no one is left out of the game. In her spare time Mia enjoys, tumbling, stunting and is a diehard book connoisseur & collector.