What happens when we stop deciding what someone is capable of—and give them the opportunity to lead?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Cameron ‘Coach Cam’ Kocurek.
Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and later competed in Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence, communication skills, and discipline he developed as an athlete to help coach others at Upstream Fitness.
Nathan explains how Upstream Fitness uses movement, games, coaching cards, and step-by-step instruction to make exercise more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and his continued progress toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
In this conversation:
• Cameron’s growth through gymnastics and adaptive sports
• How Coach Cam connects with and leads fitness participants
• Nathan’s journey from boxing and powerlifting to inclusive coaching
• Making fitness accessible for people with autism and Down syndrome
• Creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities
• Building confidence, strength, independence, and belonging
• Upstream Fitness’s plans for coaching certifications and expansion
This episode is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people with disabilities are given genuine opportunities to contribute, lead, and succeed.
Learn more about Upstream Fitness:
https://upstream-fitness.com/
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Host Mike Bolland welcomes Brittany Dejean, founder of Inclusion Jumpstart and former Airbnb accessibility leader. Brittany opens up about how her father’s spinal cord injury at age 12 inspired her lifelong passion for disability inclusion. She shares insights from her 6.5 years at Airbnb working on accessibility and diversity initiatives, her nonprofit work with Able Thrive, and her current mission as an entrepreneur and advocate. Brittany’s training programs help people overcome awkwardness around disability and build more inclusive, empathetic spaces in both personal and professional settings.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland gets real about the challenges of finding a job while living with a disability. Born without his right hand, Mike has firsthand experience navigating interviews, workplace bias, and the self-doubt that can creep in during the job search. He shares tips that helped him—and that can help you—stand out for the right reasons, from understanding your rights under the ADA to deciding when (or if) to disclose your disability. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure where to start, this episode offers encouragement, strategies, and real-world advice from someone who’s walked the walk. 🛠️ Topics include: How to highlight your strengths, not your limitations Disability-friendly job boards and resources Why owning your story is your greatest strength Whether you were born with a disability or acquired one later in life, this episode is for anyone ready to pursue meaningful work and thrive.
In this uplifting episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Latonyia Billops, a bilateral above-knee amputee, who shares her remarkable story of surviving a traumatic car accident that changed her life forever. While helping a stranded motorist, Latonyia was struck by a truck that crossed the highway median—resulting in the loss of both her legs. Despite unimaginable trauma, Latonyia never lost her faith. She opens up about how her spiritual foundation guided her recovery, her refusal to fall into depression, and how she’s used her experience to advocate for others navigating prosthetic care and life with limb loss. Latonyia also shares insights into the adaptive equipment she uses to maintain independence—such as a sliding board, bath bench, and commode topper—and how these tools have helped her live with greater comfort and dignity. Plus, she reveals her dream of entering a wheelchair pageant, showcasing her confidence and self-love.
