Founder & President
Dawn Berkowitz-Ader
As a child, Dawn never played sports, struggled with her weight and hated gym class. Regardless of successes in other areas of her life as she grew, those feelings of inadequacy (in terms of physical activity and body image) resurfaced time and time again.
When Dawn became a mother, she did not want her daughters carrying the same insecurities as she did. She was determined to ensure they prioritized health and wellness. After watching her girls not respond favorably to any structured athletic activity, she was adamant about figuring out why. Through lots of research, she realized the importance of self awareness, and how developing emotional skills could help children thrive in all aspects of their lives. After seeking programs that would teach these critical skills and coming up empty-handed, Dawn created GAALS.
Prior to GAALS, Dawn worked in various capacities with cable companies throughout the world, from writing, producing and directing, to marketing and branding. A 20-year veteran of the television industry, she has garnered dozens of prestigious industry awards.
As the head of on-air creative for History Channel’s international division, Dawn successfully launched more than a dozen international channels and oversaw their local on-air creative teams. Following her five years at History, Dawn produced the rebranding of Bravo and Oxygen, and worked alongside executives at USA, A&E and Syfy on large-scale projects.
Dawn graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. from Ithaca College. In her free time, Dawn enjoys working out, writing, being outdoors and spending time with her daughters, husband and dog Ziggy.
Dawn lives with her family in Port Washington, Long Island, although she is counting the days until she is able to move back to Manhattan, where she lived after college for 17 years. Although Dawn is grateful for the suburban life since it has allowed her to slow down and to develop a daily ritual – hiking with her dog Ziggy – which started her off on her journey to practicing mindfulness. Dawn enjoys writing, bicycling, learning and spending time with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Assistant Coach
Aimee Fox
While Aimee’s professional career is in Computer Programming and Consulting (where she runs her own company) what fulfills her is giving back to her community. Over the past 10 years she has volunteered with several children’s organizations
Researcher & Writer
Morgan Fuller
Morgan Fuller, recently graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Sports Psychology. She’s continuing her journey and pursuing a Master’s at Boston University.
Morgan grew up as a competitive athlete,
Graphic Designer & Assistant Coach
Jenna Hecht
Jenna is a student at the University of Boulder Colorado studying Finance, and minoring in Technology and Media Sciences. As a go-getter, Jenna is interested and growing in all areas, making her a great asset to GAALS.
Coach
Kaitlyn Carter
Kaitlyn serves as a Phys Ed teacher in Port Washington Schools, working with children of all ages and backgrounds. She began her career as a Preschool Teacher in New York City where she taught in the classroom and in the gymnasium.