Mary Ellen Whitney
Contributor | 2025
Hometown: West Sand Lake, New York
School Name: STRIDE
In 1985, Mary Ellen, an adaptive physical education teacher, began a skiing program for students with disabilities after recognizing that students with disabilities were often excluded from extracurricular activities. What began as a small ski program eventually grew into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, STRIDE, which empowered athletes with disabilities through sport and recreation—offered at little or no cost to athletes and their families.
Her vision also sparked a lasting legacy for veterans. In 2005, Mary Ellen founded the Wounded Warfighters Snowfest, an annual event that welcomed hundreds of veterans and families. In 2019, she expanded STRIDE’s mission with the creation of the SHARE Center in West Sand Lake, NY—a community hub featuring an adaptive fitness gym, wellness spaces, and STRIDE headquarters.
In 2024, Mary Ellen retired as Executive Director of STRIDE, but continued to serve actively as a board member and volunteer director of its snow sports programs. Through four decades of leadership, she cultivated a vibrant community where athletes, families, and volunteers discover their strengths. Forty years later, thousands of children, adults, and caregivers were transformed through STRIDE’s more than 20 programs, from tent camping and sled hockey to swimming, tennis, golf, and more.
Beyond STRIDE, Mary Ellen served for over 25 years on the PSIA/AASI Eastern Division Adaptive Education Staff and Steering Committee, helping to shape the future of adaptive sports instruction nationwide. Mary Ellen also launched adaptive ski programs at seven resorts across the Northeast.
Mary Ellen also received numerous local, state, and national awards, including a Newman’s Own Award in 2009 and a National Leadership Award from the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition in 2014.
