Jacqueline B. Mercado
CEO/Founder of Best S.T.E.P. Forward
City: Calipatria, CA
Titles/Certifications: Associates Degree in Transfer Studies, currently enrolled in the Masters program for Public Administration with National University, Sensory Fitness Coach level II, Mandated Reporter Training Certified, CPR/AED Certification
Experience: Coach for 10 years adaptive & competitive Baseball, Soccer,Independent Facilitator for Self Determination. Retired Paramedic.
Bio: I created BSF with the vision to enhance athletes at an adaptive level. Our county is limited in its activities to keep any kid active; however, the special needs community was a forgotten group with very little attention given to the need to integrate socially and in the community. Exposure and additional support can pave the way for keeping our kids active and social, leading to happy kids and, later, happy adults with successful life experiences. What started with just seven kids in our soccer program back in 2018 has now developed into over 200 individuals utilizing our adaptive sports programs and 200 using our sensory fitness programs at our El Centro, California, facility. BSF is an excellent example of dreaming it, taking action, and seeing daily rewards with each milestone our kiddos hit.
