Don Juan Avila Middle School

djams@werunockids.org

Jamie Barbieri Assistant Coach

Hello!! I’m coach Jaime and I will be the assistant coach at DJAMS this year.
My history with WeROCK
I have been coaching with WeRock since 2015. Both my girls went through the program at DJAMS. My youngest ran her final Marathon with WeRock in 2020 (Virtual Covid Marathon🤪). I continued on to only coach the summer trail program after the 2020 season. Well…I’M BACK 😊. These kids are amazing and inspiring. It’s hard to stay away.
Favorite WeROCK event
My favorite event is a toss up between the 20 mile qualifier and the OC Marathon. The 20 miler shows the grit and determination they have to qualify to run the Marathon, and the Marathon shows all the work they put in. I’m honored to run alongside these kids and excited for this season.

Kelly Brunke Assistant Coach

Hi, I am coach Kelly and I love endurance activities. I am entering my 30th year of elementary teaching. This year I will be teaching fourth grade, yippie! I am looking forward to this season of WE ROCK being live race events, and watching all the WeROCKERS grow in their running journey.

My History with WeRock:

My journey with WeRock began in 2009-2010 season when my daughter Kaylee began training for the LA Marathon at DJAMS. As I began to see her running accomplishments and all the hoopla surrounding running events, I felt the urge to begin to run!  By the time my son Kyle entered 6th grade in 2010 I was determined to volunteer and put myself out there and try my hand at coaching. During his 3 years at DJAMS I was an assistant coach and made a circle of running friends that I still run with today.  Fast forward to the 2020-21 season, I found myself once again as an assistant coach to the final Brunke (Karson)  to try his hand at running.  This will be my final season coaching, or will it?  WeROCK has touched many areas of my life over the last 12 years and the impact of all the people involved has motivated me personally and professionally.

It is always fun to hear a coaches race history:

My first marathon was OC with WeRock in 2011.  Out of the 3 marathons I have run, my favorite was the LA marathon.  Since my journey of endurance events began in 2010, I have lost count of how many events I have done.  However my  favorite endurance event to train for are triathlons . Never say, never.  Once you get the bug it is hard to stop!  Thanks to coach K 🙂

Everyone has a favorite race they will run with WeROCK  and mine is the OC Marathon.  It is the ultimate triumph, for all the hours you endured to prepare yourself for the ultimate mind game!  It is an amazing accomplishment!

Andrea Kooiman Co-Founder | Executive Director | DJAMS Head Coach

Hi, I’m Coach K and I LOVE to run!  I have completed more than 100 marathons and more than 50 ultramarathons. Running has taken me to some of the most beautiful mountains and deserts in the United States as well as other countries. I am excited to share my passion with all of you!

My history with WeROCK

I am one of the founders of WeROCK and have been coaching for more than 17 years.  My coaching journey began when my son, a 6th grader at the time, wanted to run a marathon with me. Little did I know that my passion for running and his interest to challenge himself would turn into this program.  I am currently the Executive Director of WeROCK as well as Head Coach at DJAMS.

It’s always fun to hear a coach’s race history!

I have run over 100 marathon/ultra races.  Some of my 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. Although my favorite place to run is on trail, the fact is, anytime I have the opportunity to lace up my shoes and run outside, I feel lucky.

Favorite WeROCK Event

It’s so difficult to choose a favorite because each race is so fun and unique.  However, I would have to say that the OC Marathon is the day that I look forward to the most.  It was my first Marathon back in 2006 and now years later, I get to witness as hundreds of kids experience the same feeling of victory as they cross over that glorious finish line!  Months of hard work and determination have paid!  It’s a great day!