Help Shape Our Future
We're thoughtfully building a Board of Directors with diverse expertise, shared values, and a commitment to expanding opportunities for individuals with IDD.
We're currently seeking expertise in:
Legal
Attorney or legal professional with nonprofit or governance experience
Finance
Banking, accounting, financial planning, or corporate finance, with an interest in serving as Treasurer and supporting our Budget & Finance Committee
Administration
Strong organizational and administrative experience to serve as Board Secretary and help ensure thoughtful governance and documentation
These are our current priorities, but they're not the only expertise we value. If you have experience in another area and believe you could help strengthen Pickleball Superstars, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Board
Photo Credit: Forage Art House • Community Partner: Blossom
Samantha Bear, EDD, M.ED
Director
Samantha Bear brings more than 15 years of experience in inclusive education, postsecondary transition, and community-based programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work focuses on supporting adults with IDD as they navigate adulthood through meaningful community connection, person-centered planning, and self-determination.
With a background in special education and higher education, Samantha's experience spans K-12 classrooms, postsecondary programs, and nonprofit leadership. She is deeply committed to equity, disability justice, and reimagining what adulthood can look like for people with IDD.
Photo Credit: Forage Art House • Community Partner: Blossom
Gina Cilento
Director
Gina Cilento is a senior professional pickleball player, coach, and educator with a passion for helping players discover confidence through the game. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes meeting people where they are, creating early success, and building skills in a way that feels encouraging, accessible, and fun.
As a board member, Gina brings expertise in player development, coach education, and curriculum design while helping shape the future of Pickleball Superstars' adaptive programming. She is collaborating with the organization to develop a comprehensive adaptive pickleball curriculum and coach training program that can be implemented in communities across the country.
Through her respected career in professional pickleball, Gina also brings national visibility and meaningful relationships throughout the sport, helping expand awareness of Pickleball Superstars and create new opportunities for partnerships, collaboration, and growth.