The thought process behind traditional rehabilitation is designed to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) survive in a wheelchair. This is the status quo in the industry, and it has been institutionalized for years. The Project Walk-Austin program with The Dardzinski Method™ works to change the status quo. Keith-Ann and her husband, Chad, opened Project Walk-Austin in December of 2008 as a non-profit organization and a Certified Provider of Project Walk®.

Project Walk-Austin has become a nonprofit organization in order to achieve three goals:

• make recovery-based training the standard
• make our training program more accessible
• change the perception of SCI recovery—that recovery is possible.

Project Walk-Austin is a physical training program for people with spinal cord injuries where hard work leads to greater: confidence, independence, mobility …and Hope. Our exercise-based program is tailored to the individual client, with hands-on attention from one or more of our trainers every step of the way. 

The cornerstone of our program is Active Nervous System Recruitment (ANSR), which helps maintain muscle mass, build range of motion, and find/strengthen the controlled movements in the legs. Weight-bearing, nutritional counseling, gait training, and most importantly hard work are at the center of every recovery program.

While we cannot promise every client will walk again, we do promise that everyone who comes through our doors will leave with increased function and the tools to control their own physical well-being.

Our Certified Spinal Cord Recovery Specialists

Our Certified SCI Recovery Specialists (CSRTs) go through extensive training in The Dardzinski Method at Project Walk®’s headquarters in Carlsbad, CA.

Keith-Ann Steed

Keith-Ann received her Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Texas Christian University in 2002. She is works full-time as a CPA for Glass and Company, P.C. and serves as Executive Director for Project Walk-Austin.  She was a client of Project Walk in California for three years before returning to Texas to open Project Walk-Austin.  Her goal is to help others regain hope and realize their full potential. keith-ann.steed@projectwalkaustin.org

Chad Steed

Chad started as an assistant and advanced to an apprentice trainer, working for two years at Project Walk® in California. In December of 2008, he brought the Dardzinski Method to Texas with Project Walk-Austin. He is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and earned his Level I Certification with Project Walk.  Chad enjoys building his clients' confidence and seeing them gain strength with each workout. chad.steed@projectwalkaustin.org

Kendrah Buckley

Kendrah is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a degree in Kinesiology and a degree in Applied Development. Kendrah's passion to work at Project Walk-Austin is driven by her clients, as they will stop at nothing to reach their goals. She believes optimism benefits both one's health and life, and she strives to create this positive atmosphere in which her clients can excel. kendrah.buckley@projectwalkaustin.org

Nicole Thompson

After completing a summer internship with Project Walk-Austin, Nicole joined the Project Walk-Austin staff as an assistant trainer.  She received her personal trainer certification from Austin Community College in 2010 and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.  Nicole is currently in school pursuing a degree in exercise science and plans to visit Project Walk to begin her Level I Certification training.  Her desire is to help people hurdle their biggest road block - their own minds. nicole.thompson@projectwalkaustin.org

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors are elected every odd year for a two-year term.

Alex Dingman

Chairman

Rolland Wagner

Treasurer

Amy Loar

Secretary

Dustin Hicks

The Project Walk Connection

Project Walk® Providers are located throughout the world and are not owned or operated by Project Walk®. The majority of them are small nonprofits created by people who have been affected by SCI and have been involved with Project Walk® either as a client, family member, or trainer/therapist working with one of our clients. Project Walk® provides intense training and continuing education in The Dardzinski Method.