Meet Our Program Staff
Shelby Cote – VP, Program & Events
My Special Olympics journey began in Colorado back in 2018 when I worked for the Lakewood Parks & Recreation Department. Part of my role included co-coordinating our Special Olympics Local Program, the Lakewood Lightning, as well as coaching flag football and track and field. I loved it so much that when my family moved to NH and SONH began hiring in 2021, I jumped at the opportunity to join the team! I have worn a few hats within the program team over the past few years and currently oversee the program department. As part of my role, I support our athlete leadership initiatives and competition higher than state level. Aside from Special Olympics, I live in Wisconsin with my husband and my two pups, all of whom I love dearly! I love to spend my time reading and sewing, and I enjoy most outdoor adventure activities (especially hiking, rock-climbing, and kayaking)!
Ian Wyman – Director, Local Programs
I was first introduced to Special Olympics through my family growing up in Maine. Around age 10, I began volunteering for my community’s Local Program that my mom coordinated, and was part of the team throughout high school, and while in college. I have always loved sports – and played soccer, lacrosse, and hockey since I was young, as well as biking and skiing. After a few busy years of travelling for work at previous jobs, I have since settled in New Hampshire with my amazing wife Moriah and black lab Casco, where I reconnected with my love for being active, being outdoors, and being part of the Special Olympics community. I have been with SONH in the Program Department since 2022, where I now am the Local Program Director. When I’m not working, I hope to be out enjoying hockey (either playing a couple times a week, or catching an NHL or college game), exploring throughout Canada and northern Maine with my family, or trying to keep up with Moriah in a triathlon!
Leisa – Director, Schools
I am a proud wife and the mother of two remarkable sons, as well as a former elementary school teacher with 14 years of experience. In 2022, I transitioned from teaching to become the SONH Unified Champion Schools Manager. Today, I serve as the SONH Unified Champion Schools Director where I collaborate with schools across the state to implement Unified programming. This includes Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole School Engagement activities that help engage the entire school community and support students of all abilities. I am a huge sports fan and enjoy attending all sporting events, especially Boston Bruins games.
MJ – Manager, Schools
I have been involved in SONH off and on since around 1990. My first involvement was as a Local Program volunteer when I was a physical education teacher at Winnacunnet High School. In 2008 while I was teaching at Dover High School, I developed and began teaching a class we called Unified PE/Wellness. In 2010, SONH asked me to attend a National Education conference in Nebraska where I learned the wonderful world of Unified Champion schools and could not get enough. I am currently a school’s manager at SONH and the Local Program Coordinator for Dover Area Special Olympics. I love living in the seacoast of NH (I am originally from NY). My husband and I love fixing up our 1780’s house and enjoy spending time with our two grown children and grandson (and another grandchild on the way!).
Deb – Manager, Program Data
I have been involved in Special Olympics since my son was 8 years old; he’s now 26 years old. My involvement started as a parent, but when he turned 21 I became a local program volunteer and then the local program coordinator for the Monadnock Valley Patriots. After retiring from 37 years of teaching, I was fortunate to accept the position of Manager, Program Data with SONH. This position works directly with Local Programs. I am available for local program help with the Agon registration system; I also help manage event data for all SONH activities. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and two dogs. My husband and I also love camping.