Our Team

Kenzie

Meet our founder, Makenzie. Growing up, Makenzie was always drawn to helping others. In her life experiences, she often noticed that many kids who might have unique and special needs did not get the same opportunities to participate and succeed. She decided early on that going to college for Special Education was her calling. She longed to have the knowledge and skills to serve these special needs while giving love and support in all areas to her students. After teaching Special Education in a school setting, she felt that many aspects of emotional and physical health were not being addressed for her students.

After much research, planning and prayer, Makenzie decided to start Kenzie’s Kids. She believes we are all a masterpiece by design, and wants to help her athletes thrive and be their best in every aspect of life. Her classes are tailored to fit a variety of unique needs and circumstances. We make sure every student reaches their potential and that they have FUN! Seeing the smiles and joy on her student’s faces is one of Makenzie’s greatest rewards!

Dallas

I have 10+ years of experience in coaching and personal training. I grew up being active, leading me to play collegiate basketball in PA. Health and fitness are not the only things I enjoy. I love coaching those who need a little extra help, patience, and motivation. I have worked in the Special Education and Behavioral health field for about 7 years! I have always loved helping people be the best versions of themselves. I have taken my love of fitness and education and combined them into my everyday life. Owning Kenzie's Kids with my wife, Makenzie has pushed me to not only challenge myself but challenge those around me to become the best version of themselves!

Alyssa

Hi there! I am an AZ native and I am so thankful to be a part of this team! I previously worked in the special education field for 4 years, which then led to a more administrative-focused role in helping families access autism therapy services. I have always had a passion for improving the well-being of our youth and being a voice for those in need. I am eager to continue my mission of bettering the lives of our youth and their families here at Kenzie's Kids!

Sean

Hello! My name is Sean Addison. Fitness and sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played collegiate soccer, and when my playing days came to an end, I discovered a new passion—coaching. It gave me the opportunity to help people unlock their potential and find ways to truly thrive.

For 12 years, I worked as a full-time soccer coach. Over the last decade, I’ve led a program called TOPSoccer, designed for athletes with physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. What began as a simple way to give back to a sport I love grew into something much deeper.

I’ve learned that saying “yes” can change lives. Saying yes to an idea led to building a program that now supports over 60 athletes with disabilities. Many of the people I’ve met had never been told yes in the sports world. They didn’t have a place to belong—until we made one for them. That’s what keeps me going: helping people feel seen, supported, and capable.

I joined the Kenzie’s Kids team because I wanted to say yes to even more people in new and exciting ways. I’m passionate about creating opportunities, meeting others where they are, and growing together. I’m not afraid of what I don’t know—because I believe success in fitness, and in life, is a collaborative journey. Together, we can find your “yes” and help you thrive.

Amanda

Hello! I am Amanda! Born and raised in the heart of sunny Phoenix, I grew up with a deep love for staying active and an even bigger passion for helping kids discover their own strength and confidence. From playing sports as a kid to turning fitness into a lifelong career, I’ve always believed movement is more than exercise it’s a way to build self-esteem, resilience, and joy. I became a certified fitness coach in 2018 and ever since then I’ve been dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and fun workouts for every age and stage of life.

Now, as a wife and mom of three amazing (and very energetic!) kids, I get to blend my love for family and my passion for fitness every single day. Whether I’m leading a workout, cheering on a young athlete, or chasing my own crew around, my goal is always the same: to inspire, encourage, and make movement fun!!!

Alexa

Hi there! I am Alexa, a trainer here with Kenzie’s kids. Growing up, I was always active and involved in sports, which had fostered a love for fitness. As a child, I realized the positive impact being active and healthy has on your mental, emotional and physical state. I also realized that I possessed a deep desire to help others around me feel less alone and more loved. With a degree in Education and several years of teaching experience, this desire had begun to be fulfilled, as I had the pleasure to encourage and work directly with children of varying abilities and their parents. Being a middle school teacher was such a blessing, yet with lingering effects from a severe concussion from playing soccer in high school, it became a very difficult task. By going through four years of brain therapy in high school and college, I felt what it was like to have your body work against you. But with time, consistency, staying active, and the help of others, I was taught how to assist my brain to create new neurological pathways so that I can have success in normal daily tasks. Even though I still have certain neurological struggles, I have reflected on some of what I had gone through; from barely being able to read post-concussion to teaching middle schoolers!

I decided to return to my first love; fitness. I am a certified personal trainer through NASM and have experience in Athletic Training. I look forward to walking through life, empathizing with and encouraging each client. You are more capable than you know!

Nicole

Hi there! My name is Nicole, and I am a born and raised Phoenix gal who loves the outdoors.

I have always loved finding unique ways to workout! For many years, I found this in organized sports like soccer and track. However, in college, I discovered rock climbing and trail running! I fell in love with these sports that challenged both my body and my mind - yet felt more like a hobby than a workout! I am huge on making workouts FUN and helping individuals discover what that looks like for them.

After experiencing a severe knee injury and learning to walk again twice in a year, I gained a new appreciation for the things in life I used to take for granted: walking, running, jumping and even driving! It enabled me to better appreciate how physical activity benefits every aspect of one’s health — mental, physical and emotional!

I graduated from GCU with a degree in Psychology and Social Work and have experience working with kiddos at week-long summer camps and group homes for foster kids and at-risk youth! With a certification through ISSA, I am excited to make a positive impact in the lives of kids and adults throughout the Valley!

Akayla

Hi!
I’m Akayla Dolezal, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve spent my life working with kids in many different capacities, and for the last three years I have been a high school teacher. I am also a licensed and certified athletic trainer and graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2022. I love learning about the body, how it moves, adapts, and grows stronger, and I am passionate about helping others discover what they are capable of! Supporting kids as they build confidence and reach their full potential is one of my favorite parts of this work.
Outside of work, I enjoy little things that bring balance to life. I am a cat lover with two of my own who keep me on my toes! I enjoy working out and getting stronger in the gym, which helps me care for both my physical and mental health. In my free time, I love to spend time reading or baking or watching a rom-com or Disney movie!
I am truly excited to be part of Kenzie’s Kids and to connect with families, share what I know, and support children as they grow stronger and more confident in their own bodies!

Matt

Hi there! My name is Matthew! I’m an Arizona native who has been “running around and being active since I could walk” according to my family.

I have always loved hiking and sports and just being active whenever I can. I grew up playing various sports and as I got older became a regular gym goer. I love trying new and fun ways to be active and stay healthy and share them with others! I have tons of experience with kids of all ages and with helping kids be active. From volunteering in various age groups within my church, to helping coach at youth football camps, to just running around A LOT of little ones in my family and helping my mom run her in home daycare, there is almost no age I haven’t spent a decent amount of time around.

Through my years since graduating high school I have received my degree in Exercise Science and an accompanying certificate of personal training. Being able to pair my education with real life experience that I have gotten from working alongside retired and current professional athletes and countless other wonderful mentors, I have learned how to tailor every workout and more than that every individual interaction i have with those I work with. I try to do this so whoever it may be can feel seen and heard by someone who genuinely is excited to be there and help them better themselves.

I joined the Kenzie’s Kids team because I have a cousin with Down’s syndrome who I am very close with. She is several years older than I am, but growing up with her showed and taught me so much about the capabilities truly everyone has no matter their situation. And discovering a place that not only has that same value but also wants to thrive in the space interested me immediately. I strive to help as many people as I can no matter a persons situation and to spread relentless love and kindness as my Faith instructs me. And if I am able to do that with whoever I work with while pairing it with my lifelong love of being active then I will do whatever I can to seize that opportunity!

Brayden

Hi! My name is Brayden, and I’m a trainer with Kenzie’s Kids who loves helping kids build confidence and develop a love for staying active.

I earned a double bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Arizona State University. While at ASU, I volunteered at several sports and health events where I had the chance to work with kids and families, which really grew my passion for helping young people learn healthy habits and enjoy movement.

Staying active has always been a big part of my life. I enjoy challenging myself physically and have even completed an Ironman, which taught me a lot about discipline and consistency. I tend to bring a lot of energy to what I do, and I love creating fun, engaging sessions that keep kids moving and motivated.

Being able to make a positive impact in the lives of kids and watch them grow stronger and more confident brings me a lot of fulfillment. I’m excited to work with families and help kids build healthy habits that can last a lifetime!

Teya

Hi! I’m Teya, and I’m so excited to be working with Kenzie’s Kids. I’m originally from Utah and have been certified for over a year. I grew up doing competitive dance, and during my freshman year I started attending group fitness classes and quickly fell in love with them, which inspired me to get certified.

I moved to Arizona at the beginning of August for school and have loved it so far. I’m currently a sophomore studying radiography with the goal of eventually earning a degree in radiation therapy.

I also work as a job coach, where I support individuals with special needs by helping them develop the skills they need to be successful in the workplace. I’ve been doing this for about three years now.

Kenzie’s Kids is such an exciting blend of two of my passions, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know my families and clients!

Gabe

Hi there! My name is Gabe. I’m originally from New York and moved to Tucson with my family in 2016.

Since moving to Tucson, I’ve dedicated my career to working with the neurodivergent community. This work holds a special place in my heart and continues to shape my patience, empathy, and approach to coaching. The kids and families I’ve worked with have taught me what real strength looks like, long before I ever picked up a barbell.

I’ve been married to my best friend for three years, and we’re currently enjoying the beautiful chaos of parenthood. These days, you can usually find me chasing PRs, soccer balls, and my 8-month-old.

At my CrossFit gym I’m known as “Burpee Gabe” because, believe it or not, I actually love burpees. I thrive where high intensity meets heavy lifting. As a dedicated CrossFit athlete and weightlifter, I’ve built my lifestyle around functional strength, resilience, and showing up for challenges head-on.

I believe fitness is about more than the workout. It is about building confidence, resilience, and the capacity to face the unknown. My goal as a coach is to create a supportive, encouraging environment where every athlete can grow stronger, both physically and mentally.