As an exercise physiologist and fitness coordinator at a school for children with autism, Coach Dave experienced first-hand the challenges of teaching exercise. By understanding that students with autism learn differently, he developed a system that has become a breakthrough in effectively teaching exercise. He is the founder of Exercise Connection and is a published author, researcher, keynote presenter and, in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), he created the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate®. As a pioneer in the field, Dave's commitment and methodology have been embraced around the world by the autism community, professionals, and higher education. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Health Promotion and he was a finalist for ACSM’s Certified Professional of the Year (2020) & IDEA’s Fitness Leader of the Year (2022 & 2024).