Coaches
Andrea "Coach K" Kooiman
Executive Director & Co-Founder
- 100+ Marathons
- 50+ Ultramarathons
Race accomplishments include the Boston Marathon, LA Marathon, Chicago Marathon, the Grand Slam of Ultra (running the 4 oldest trail 100’s within an 11 week period of time), Badwater 135 3x, HURT 100 and the Mt. Gaoligong Ultra in China!
Aliso Viejo Middle School
Keith Arthur
AVMS Head Coach
Joined WeROCK 2017
- 9x Marathon Finisher
- RRCA Certified Run Coach
Keith is a RRCA certified Run Coach, triathlete, and avid cyclist. Coach Keith has been with WeROCK since 2017 as a parent, and coach. Keith is returning as Head Coach of the AVMS team for Fall 2024!
Carolyn Luong
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2017
- 3x Marathon Finisher
- Countless Half Marathons
Carolyn is a working mom, runner, pickleball player, foodie, and puzzler. Coach Carolyn has been with WeROCK since 2017 as a parent, then as a parent runner, and has been a coach at AVMS for 2 years. Carolyn is returning as an Assistant Coach of the AVMS team for Fall 2024!
Grace Kim
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2021
Hi there…my name is Grace! I’ve been a runner off and on for the past 6 years. When I’m not running, I am busy designing costumes for dancers, stage performers and ice skaters. My daughter, currently an 8th grader, joined WeRock as a little 6th grader. We saw her confidence and stamina boost leaps and bounds after joining the program. She inspired me to join as an assistant coach.
Inna Platner
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2023
- 12x Half-marathon Finisher
- 5x Marathon Finisher
- 5x 50K Finisher
- 2x 50 mile Finisher
- 4x Ragnar Race Participant
When not running or climbing mountains, Coach Inna loves to cook and create new recipes and adventure with her kids.
Don Juan Avila Middle School
Jamie Weeks
DJAMS Head Coach
Joined WeROCK 2023
- 1x Marathon Finisher
- Stage II/III Breast Cancer Survivor!
Mom of 3 crazy kiddos, loves reading, karate, climbing giant mountains, travel, and food made by OTHER PEOPLE. Her superpowers include positivity, calmness under fire, forgetting names, and burning dinner (thank goodness dad cooks!) Jamie is also a stage II/III breast cancer survivor who, during the fitness clawback after treatment discovered WeROCK and decided to train for a marathon with her then middle schooler. The pain was so great that she’s back for more and ready to give to this amazing organization as a coach!
Casey Jones
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2016
- 3x Full Marathon Finisher
Fina Sneed
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2023
Coach Fina joined during the 23/24 season as a parent runner after seeing her then 12-year-old daughter train and complete her first marathon and second in May 2024. After finishing her first marathon she wanted to volunteer as an assistant coach this 2024-2025 season to keep running and stay connected with WeROCK.
Jason Clark
Assistant Coach
Jason is a father, nurse, and avid trail runner. His passion for running began in high school. He has completed 1 ultra marathon, multiple triathlons, and full and half marathons. He fell in love with WeROCK when he ran alongside his son, who joined WeROCK and completed the OC half marathon in May of 2024. Jason loves coaching and inspiring kids to push themselves beyond what they think they could ever do.
Ladera Ranch Middle School
Andrea Kooiman
Ladera Head Coach
- 100+ Marathons
- 50+ Ultramarathons
Race accomplishments include the Boston Marathon, LA Marathon, Chicago Marathon, the Grand Slam of Ultra (running the 4 oldest trail 100’s within an 11 week period of time), Badwater 135 3x, HURT 100 and the Mt. Gaoligong Ultra in China!
Jennifer Castaneda
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2022
- 2x Marathon Finisher
- 11x Half Marathon Finisher
- 3X Ragnar Road and 1X Ragnar Trail
- 1X Tough Mudder
We stumbled upon a WeROCK booth at Capistrano Middle School registration a few years back when my son was entering into 7th grade. My son decided to ‘give it a try’. The club also encourages parents to join. My running shoes had been collecting dust (so to speak) so I decided to join and run along side with my son. Together that year, we both finished our first ever full marathon. I loved it so much that I decided to put some of my past experiences to use and join as a coach the following year. Now, this is my third year in the program and my son is in high school pursuing other sports/interests however the WeROCK program has found a special place in my heart and I can’t wait for yet another amazing year!
Bernadette Schaaf
Assistant Coach
- 1x Marathon Finisher
- 9x Half Marathon Finisher
- Certified Personal Trainer
Bernadette's role at WeROCK has evolved over the years. Starting as a parent volunteer and a runner's aide to her son, she has grown into a coach, guiding and inspiring others on their running journeys. Her dedication and enthusiasm have led her to become a certified trainer, co-designer, and owner of WebFitness.com, an online fitness and health platform.
Raj Patel
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2022
- 2x Marathon Finisher
- 15+ Half Marathon Finisher
I'm Coach Raj. My daughter reintroduced me to running, and now I'm in my third season of coaching with WeRock. Running has become more than just a hobby; it's a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. It clears my head and keeps me fit. My running journey began in England with back-to-back marathons and continues to evolve as I explore new locations and run another marathon soon.
Daniel Wong
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2010
**WeROCK Alumni**
- 1x 50 Miler
- 3x Marathon Finisher
Daniel started running with WeROCK when he was in middle school. After taking a 10 year break, he fell back in love with exercising and spends his time playing pickleball, soccer, triathlon, eating, and watching TV.
Las Flores Middle School
Caitlyn Fowler
LFMS Head Coach
Joined WeROCK 2023
- Ran first marathon with WeROCK
- 12+ Half Marathons
- 5 Ragnar Relays
- Loves to Snowboard
Fell in love with running in my early 20s. Didn’t think I could complete a FULL marathon until my 6th grader (Emjae) crushed her first marathon at 11. I thought completing a full marathon wasn’t for me until I found WeRock. Now I’m ready to officially be a “marathon” runner.
Amy Kotschedoff
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2013
- 1x Marathon Finisher
Amy has been an avid fitness freak for the past 25 years! She done almost everything except the marathon! From multiple Mud Runs at Camp Pendleton to a Spartan race, with numerous 5ks and 10ks along the way. Amy also completed both half marathons with WeRock last year and is ready for the full challenge in 2024.
Zoe Arrieta
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2022
- 5x Marathon Finisher
With two years at WeROCK and a year with Girls on the Run, Zoe is a 5-time marathoner who focuses on helping WeROCKers develop mental toughness and making every mile fun. Zoe is set to run her first World Major Marathon in October!
Roxanne Smathers
Assistant Coach
Joined WeRock 2022
- 6x Marathon Finisher
- Marathon finishes have included Boston (3 times), Berlin, St. George, and Catalina.
Coach Smathers has completed numerous races from the 5K to 60K distances, as well as many triathlons along the way. Her favorite race experience has been the St. George Marathon alongside her daughter; there is nothing like the joys of running with family! She is returning as Assistant Coach of the Las Flores Middle School team for Fall 2024.
Newhart Middle School
Andrew Straus
Newhart Head Coach
Joined WeROCK 2019
- 5 Marathons
- 2 Ultramarathons
- Countless naps after training sessions
Coach Andrew is a former “non-runner” who began his running journey 5 years ago after being inspired by his son going through the WeROCK program as an 8th grader. He is passionate about coaching and working with kids to help them set and reach their goals. Andrew is returning as Head Coach of the NMS team for Fall 2024.
Melanie Smith
Assistant Coach
-
3x ultramarathon finisher
-
3x marathon finisher
John Henderson
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2019
- 2x Marathon Finisher
- 12x Half-Marathon Finisher
Evelyn Nguyen
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2019
- 4x Full Marathons
- 25x Half Marathons
- 1 Ultra Marathon
High School
Tu Nguyen
High School Head Coach
Joined WeROCK 2020
- 3x Marathon Finisher
Robin Ensor Kopf
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2014
- 3x Marathon Finisher
- 25x Half Marathon Finisher
Coach Robin joined WeROCK with her oldest daughter in 2014! Her daughter found that she LOVED running and so did Coach Robin. She is joining us for her 10th year and supports our High School team!
Mike McNicholas
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2019
Coach Mike started running in 8th grade with Students Run LA and running the LA Marathon. I then competed in the Junior Olympics for track and went on to run Cross Country and Track for Dana Hills High School.
Lexi McNicholas
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2017
While I wish I would have started running as young as the amazing WeRockers, I didn’t start until my freshman year of college. Running was an escape from the stress of school, and I became so addicted that one year later, I completed my first 50-mile race. A couple of years later, I met Coach K, our head coach and co-founder, while working at a local running store. She convinced me to become a coach as soon as I finished my schooling in Texas.
Saturday Coaches
Arash Altoontash
Saturday Assistant
Joined WeROCK 2023
- 3x Half Marathon Finisher
Arash joined WeRock initially to enjoy casual runs with his daughter. Little did he know that this experience would ignite a passion for running, transforming him from a casual participant into a dedicated enthusiast. By day, Arash is a structural engineer working for the State of California, where he focuses on ensuring the safety of hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the state.
David Andrews
Saturday Assistant
Joined WeROCK 2022
- 4x Marathon Finisher
Having done Triathlons competitively after College, I’ve always run and been lucky to have done various races across 4 continents. After moving to the USA in 2019, I was privileged to watch my daughter complete her first marathon in Grade 7 and asked if I could join her in Grade 8…that was two years ago, and to come back every year and see these incredible kids is why we love WeROCK
Ed Arpawong
Saturday Assistant
Joined WeROCK 2014
- 1x Full Marathon Finisher
- 80+ Half Marathons
- 2x Sprint Triathlon Finisher
- 1x World Famous Mud Run
- 1x Ragnar Trail SoCal Finisher
I believe we all need to keep running to maintain aerobic fitness, reduce fall risk, have something to talk to random runners about, be a good example for our kids, burn calories, do something difficult, feel great, and look good. When you see me, I probably will have my camera, so smile!
Paul Bonfonti
Saturday Assistant
Joined WeROCK 2022
- 1 Marathon Finisher
- 4x Half Marathon Finisher
- 9x Ultimate Frisbee National Championship competitor
- 2x Ultimate Frisbee World Championship Competitor
My daughter Nadia started in We Rock in 2022 and I figured I'd run at a few practices. Fast forward to 2023 and I'm a coach running my first ever marathon. Now, both of my kids have graduated and I'm still coaching!
Tammy Boswell
Saturday Assistant
Joined WeROCK 2022
-
2x Marathon Finisher
I joined WeROCK in 2022, along with my husband and our two sons. We are a WeROCK family!
I had no running experience before joining WeROCK so I went through the full program just like all the student runners. Seeing everyone, including my sons, grow stronger and more confident over the course of the 9 months has been incredibly rewarding. I've loved being a parent runner and team mom for the last two years and am so I'm excited for the privilege to be an assistant coach this year!
Jeff Flores
Saturday Assistant
Joined WeROCK 2023
- 3X Marathon Finisher
- 6X Half- marathon Finisher
- USASA Slalom National Snowboarding Champion Mount Snow Vermont 1996
- Worldcup Snowboarder 96'-2001
Three decades ago, Jeff was a professional Snowboarder and traveled the world, racing to return home and become a Dentist to start a new adventure with his family. Inspired by his daughter, ran and climbed to find his love of endurance races in the last two years.
Kevin Le
Saturday Assistant
Joined WeROCK 2023
- 1x Marathon Finisher
- 4x Half Marathon Finisher
Mona Suta
Saturday Assistant
Todd Perry
Saturday Coach
Joined WeROCK 2019
- 1x Marathon Finisher
- 5x ½ Marathon Finisher
Hi, I’m Coach Todd. I began coaching with WeROCK in 2019 after my son participated in WeROCK in 2018. I grew up in Costa Mesa and was a runner in High School. Later, I became a competitive mountain biker and cyclist. I also did some fitness coaching, helping people meet their fitness goals. Fitness has always been a passion of mine, even in those times in my life when I let my own fitness slip. Having a goal is always a great way to get motivated, WeROCK provides that goal.
Allison Schoeberl
Saturday Coach
Joined WeROCK 2022
- 59 x Half Marathon Finisher
- 3 x Marathon Finisher
- 1 x 50k Finisher
- 2x Ragnar Race Participant
Keiko Shimada
Assistant Coach
Joined WeROCK 2016
- 7x Marathon Finisher
- Many Half Marathons
Inspired by her daughter's WeRock experience, she has rediscovered her love for running and is now determined to push her limits as an Ultra Marathoner.
Special Forces
Rachael Gallardo
Volunteer Coordinator
Joined WeROCK 2010
Several years ago, she encouraged her son to join Students Run LA (SRLA), where she met Coach K as an energetic and passionate parent volunteer with a dream! Fast forward, Rachel is still with Coach K, coordinating all the WeROCK program volunteers each week.
Jaime Barbieri
Assistant Coach
Gina Hylton
Fundraising Coordinator | Compound Lead
Joined WeROCK 2010
- 6x Marathon Finisher
- 30+ Half Marathons
Started coaching kids 17 years ago when her eldest son Tyler participated in the Students Run Los Angeles (SRLA) program out of DJAMS. Her youngest son, Josh, ran his first marathon the first year of WeROCK and Gina has been a part of WeROCK as a Coach and volunteer since.
Jona Williams
Compound Coordinator | Saturday Coach
Joined WeROCK 2015
- 1x Marathon Finisher
- 100x+ 1/2 Marathon Finisher
Jona is an athletic WeROCK activist. Coach Jona started as a parent of a WeROCK runner and has continued with the program as a Coach ever since.
