David Geslak, BS, ACSM EP-C, CSCS
Founder & President
David Geslak began teaching exercise to children with autism and other cognitive disabilities in 2004, and went on to become a paraeducator and Fitness Coordinator at a school for children with autism. As he witnessed both physical and emotional breakthroughs, David made it his mission to reach more children, adults, families, and professionals.
By understanding that students with autism learn differently, he developed a system that has become a breakthrough in effectively teaching exercise. 12 universities have incorporated ExerciseBuddy into their Adapted Physical Education and Special Education Programs.
Before Dave knew it, his students were old enough to get jobs. In an effort to help one such student, Anthony, find employment, David realized he spent more time educating managers and co-workers than working with Anthony directly. This experience revealed the outdated approaches used to help employ those with autism. David needed to find a way to show businesses the strengths of those with autism in the workplace – and did. Autism Workforce is now one of the only research supported employment programs in the country.
Coach Dave is widely recognized for his affection to the community, his dynamic presentations, pioneering of visual exercise programs, and business focused employment programs. Not only has the autism and special needs community embraced Dave’s message, they are especially encouraged by his results.
AMBER PANTALEO, LBS I
Director of Development
Amber’s experience as a special education teacher and autism exercise specialist help to improve all aspects of the Can-Do Group. She created the “Teaching Tools” section to better help professionals using ExerciseBuddy. She developed the protocols to improve operations for Exercise Connection and Autism Workforce.
AMY WILLER, M. Ed
Director of Recruitment
Amy’s experience as a special education teacher allowed her to take best practice teaching methods from the classroom and apply them to the workplace. Amy helped create the Autism Workforce (AW) model and build AW’s Mock Interview and Employment Prep Programs.
KEITH COFFINDAFFER
Workforce Coordinator
Keith has been working with those with autism in their homes, recreation settings, and on-the-job for over 10 years. He has a degree in graphic design which has enabled him to contribute to the development and communication of Autism Workforce, Exercise Connection, and ExerciseBuddy.
MARY ANGELICO, PT
Physical Therapist
Mary is a school-based physical therapist and has a son with autism. Her insight as a parent, professional, and disability advocate has proven valuable in creating the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate for ACSM. She continuously supports the Can-Do Group ensuring the message is thoughtful and sensitive to a variety of perspectives.
ERICA CUPURO, SSP
Autism Exercise Specialist
Erica, a specialist in school psychology, has over 20 years experience working with children with autism. She leads parenting classes and consults with teachers on behavior management and the importance of nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Erica assists in the training and development of EC’s group and in-home exercise programs.
TOM MARCH
Autism Exercise Specialist
Tom has a degree in psychology and child development and has been working with those with autism and other special needs for over 10 years. In addition to being a Head Coach for a Special Olympics Swim Team, he assists in the training and development of EC’s group exercise and in-home training programs.
JESSICA GESLAK, M. S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Jessica began her career as a paraeducator and is now a speech-language pathologist at an elementary school. Having expertise in language development, Jessica contributes to the development of ExerciseBuddy, while advancing our exercise programs. Her toughest job, by far, is managing her husband, Coach Dave.
CHERYL SMITH
Accountant
Cheryl oversees the financials for S. Rosen’s Bakery, who makes Chicago’s famous poppyseed hotdog buns. She volunteers her expertise to help the Can-Do Group be financially responsible to reach more children and families.
JAY GOLTZ
Senior Advisor
Jay is a well-known Chicago entrepreneur who owns four businesses. He has a nephew with autism. After reading about David, he was inspired to help build the company’s infrastructure to reach more people. Jay’s understanding of business has proved invaluable to the Autism Can-Do Team.
