Fabulous people with big hearts
Gary Robbins
Gary joined AAWS in 2020 as a new board member and currently works as the Senior Vice President at Risk Strategies Company. He has been in the employee benefit insurance business since 1990. Gary has been very active during his career, supporting non-profit organizations such as Special Olympics New York City & Arizona, National Brain Tumor Foundation, and Arizona Disabled Sports, where he also served as President. He passionately believes that everyone should have access to activities and sports regardless of their adaptive needs.
Phil Pangrazio
Phil Pangrazio has been the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ability360 since April 2000. Ability360 is one of the largest Centers for Independent Living in the United States. Pangrazio oversaw a wide array of programs designed to empower people with disabilities to achieve or maintain independent lifestyles within the community. Under Pangrazio’s leadership, Ability360 experienced more than twenty-one consecutive years of growth and success. He also oversaw the planning, construction, and financing of the Ability 360 Center.
Phil has been enjoying adaptive watersports for almost 30 years at Bartlett Lake Marina. He retired from wheelchair rugby after playing for 20 years. He enjoys the outdoors, camping, mountain biking, traveling, spectator sports, and being with good friends. It is an honor to have Phil as a board member for AAWS!
John Schnell
I have spent 30+ years of my life boating with my family and friends . I am blessed to be able to put my boating skills to use to help folks experience the same joy and excitement of water sports that my family and I have. I Truly love seeing fellow humans enjoy the water and new life experiences.. There is no better way to make people smile and laugh than giving your time and sharing life experiences you have been fortunate to have had in your lifetime.
Ryan Johnson
I'm a c4/c5 spinal cord injury survivor. My life leveled up and my mind opened the first time I went waterskiing. I want young people affected by disabilities to experience the adventure of watersports.
Bryan Church
Bryan has supported adaptive watersports in the state of Arizona for almost 30 years. He had sustained a spinal cord injury 45 years ago and is very aware of the importance of accessibility. His goal is to provide the most accessible watersports experiences to anyone with amazing abilities.
Melanie Bosley- Bloomfield
Melanie with Century Marine has been in the boating industry her entire life. Parents Bruce and Janet Bosley started Century Marine in 1970 and raised their kids around watersports, Lake Powell and boats. Bruce and Janet were integral with getting adaptive watersports launched 29 years ago in Arizona and now Melanie continues with their legacy with changing lives on the water.
Brent Wood
Born & raised in AZ, an AZ Wildcat who enjoys helping others spend the time of their life at Bartlett Lake either fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, surfing or floating. We are here to help make your day GREAT!
I am not a MD, PT or EMT and do NOT like the sight of my own blood, I’m known as the billboard guy and been in the outdoor advertising business for over 35 years.
My greatest joy is seeing the huge smiles on people’s faces skiing across the lake!
Nathan Holt
I became actively involved with AAWS in 2024, and from the very first moment, I knew I wanted to contribute in any way I could.
My fondest childhood memories were made on the water with family and friends. Those experiences left a lasting impact, shaping my deep appreciation for the joy, peace, and sense of connection the water provides.
As a husband and father of four—one of whom has special needs—my commitment to providing my family with the same opportunities I had as a child has only grown stronger. I recognize how transformative these experiences can be, not just for recreation but also for strengthening bonds and promoting well-being. My goal is to ensure that my children and others have the chance to experience the same sense of freedom, joy, and tranquility I felt growing up on the lake.
Having a child with special needs has deepened my desire to make the water accessible to everyone. I understand the challenges of creating inclusive experiences, and I am passionate about breaking down those barriers. For me, the water is not just a place for fun—it’s a therapeutic space where families can reconnect, find peace, and create lasting memories, regardless of their ability.
My mission with AAWS is clear: to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or abilities, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the water.