About Us

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and community. With over a century of combined experience, our team brings expertise across education, advocacy, assistive technology, athletics, and supported living services to create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. From spearheading initiatives in positive behavior support and assistive technology to revolutionizing inclusive recreational programs, we are dedicated to fostering environments where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Our work is driven by a shared passion for breaking barriers, ensuring accessibility, and providing the support needed for individuals to achieve independence and success in all aspects of life.

Eric Shepard

Co-Founder, My First Leap

With a lifelong passion for gymnastics and a dedication to fostering inclusion, Eric Shepard brings over 17 years of experience as a competitive gymnastics coach to his work supporting individuals with disabilities. Starting gymnastics at the age of 12, Eric’s journey has been marked by both personal achievement and a deep commitment to helping others excel. He has coached gymnastics for 17 years, serving as the Recreational Director for gymnastics programs for 3 years, and has currently holds the position of Vice President of SoCal Men’s Gymnastics.

Eric’s expertise extends beyond competitive gymnastics. For the past 15 years, he has worked with adults with disabilities, offering support in recreational environments and sports. His work is rooted in his own upbringing in an inclusive environment, where he learned the importance of accessibility, empowerment, and community for all people. Through coaching individuals with disabilities in gymnastics and other sports, Eric has cultivated a unique understanding of how to create supportive, engaging, and positive experiences.

Familiar with Positive Behavior Support, Eric focuses on enhancing each individual’s ability to participate fully in recreational activities, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and encouragement to thrive. His commitment to inclusivity and personal growth continues to drive his work as he helps create opportunities for individuals of all abilities to succeed.

Capri Sano

Co-Founder, My First Leap

With a rich background in competitive athletics and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive communities, Capri brings a unique perspective to the world of recreational programs for children with disabilities. A former Division 1 gymnast at UC Berkeley, Capri spent 15 years training and competing at the highest level, which laid the foundation for his dedication to both excellence and inclusivity in sport.

Upon graduating from Cal Berkeley, earning degrees in Economics and Japanese, he transitioned into coaching at Gymnastics Olympica USA, where he serves as the Men's Program Coach, guiding multiple athletes to collegiate and international success, including representing Team USA on the world stage.

In addition to his coaching career, Capri also runs International Management Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in helping Japanese corporations boost productivity and enhance operational efficiency. His diverse skill set extends beyond athletics and into the world of business, allowing him to create meaningful, sustainable solutions for companies and communities alike.

Recognizing a significant gap in the recreational space for children with disabilities, Capri co-founded this initiative with his former teammate, Eric Shepard. Together, they saw firsthand how many programs fail to prioritize safety, flexibility, and a true sense of community, leaving children with disabilities excluded. Their vision was clear: create an inclusive environment that offers children with disabilities not only professional instruction but also a supportive community where they can grow, connect, and thrive.

Capri's passion lies in giving children the opportunity to experience the joy, growth, and connections that come through participation in recreational activities, while ensuring they feel welcome and empowered every step, every leap of the way.

Scott Shepard, M.A., Ed.

Executive Director, Avenues SLS

With over 30 years of experience as a part-time faculty member at CSU Northridge, and 40 years in the field, Scott Shepard is a seasoned educator and advocate for individuals with disabilities. He teaches courses on Positive Behavior Support, Functional Assessment, and Transition Issues for individuals with disabilities. Scott’s professional impact extends beyond the classroom as he actively contributes to several committees and boards, including the Santa Clarita Mayor’s Committee for Employment of Individuals with Disabilities, the NLACRC Vendor Advisory Committee, and the Cal-TASH Board of Directors.

As the Executive Director of Avenues SLS, a non-profit organization, Scott is dedicated to coordinating supported living services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley areas. Through Avenues SLS, Scott ensures that individuals receive the tailored supported living and day services they need to thrive in their communities.

A respected national educator and presenter, Scott regularly speaks on topics like Positive Behavior Support, Supported Living, and Transition Issues, and has even led workshops in Canada and Guatemala. His work is driven by a passion for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, advocating for their inclusion, and fostering greater opportunities for employment and community engagement.

Lori Shepard, M.S., ATHS

Director of Operations, Avenues SLS

With over 40 years of experience supporting individuals in community-based settings, Lori Shepard has dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities. As the Director of Operations at Avenues SLS, Lori plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization’s day-to-day activities, ensuring high-quality care and support for individuals in the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley areas.

In addition to her work at Avenues SLS, Lori is a Consultant in Assistive Technology, specializing in helping students, adults, and seniors use technology to communicate, access education, control their environment, and fully engage in all aspects of life. Her work also focuses on aging and end-of-life planning for people with developmental disabilities, advocating for their independence and quality of life at every stage.

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