Steve Simons

Co-founder/Head Coach, Launch Your Life

Launch-Your-Life was founded by two high school football-playing buddies [one quarterback, one running back] who went on to have successful careers in different fields. 

Co-founder, Coach Steve, came from a home environment in which goal-setting, self-discipline, self-motivation and positive encouragement did not existent.  When he “discovered’ these – years later, they then became the core of his professional career – as a school psychologist, director of special education and then executive leadership coach, with clients across the US and in Europe.  That mission eventually translated into Launch-Your-Life, a means and program to accelerate and strengthen teens’ and young adults’ success habits and achievements.  

Sandy Ingrando

Owner & Coach at Match Point Executive Coaching

Co-developer of Launch Your Life Curriculum

Sandy spent 18 years playing an integral role in new business development, international marketing, team leadership and strategic planning with an international food manufacturer.  She has since followed her passion for individual and organizational development and is now coaching leaders and teams through change initiatives.  She specializes in re-engaging employees, helping others deal with conflict and communication styles as well as career transitions.  She believes the skills and coaching provided by Launch Your Life will be an essential part of a student's success throughout one's life.

Gina Castelli

Head Women's Basketball Coach at LeMoyne College

Advisory Board Member/Contributor

Gina was the director of player development at Rhode Island University and also led the Siena women's basketball team to an impressive array of wins and successes over 22 years, including graduating 100% of her student athletes, establishing herself as a stellar educator and coach.  She contributed immensely to the Albany community, including creation of a breast cancer awareness fundraising campaign and was recognized as a 'Woman of Excellence' by the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce. Her insights from recruiting high school students and coaching college athletes led her to embrace Launch Your Life and contribute significanly to its' development and programming.

Robert Braathe

Founder and President of Braathe Enterprises

Advisory Board Member/Contributor

After working in management positions with Walt Disney World, Gap and Apple, Robert founded his company in October, 2005. Braathe has taught at Skidmore College, SUNY Delhi, and three area community colleges in courses that include hospitality, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Today, his company, Braathe Enterprises manages projects in marketing, human resources, and social media through a unique program called The Braathe Enterprises Virtual Internship Progam. This program provides companies with consulting while offering college students the opportunity to gain real world experience through virtual internships. Since 2011, over 100 students have participated in the virtual internship program and many of them have gone on to start their own businesses or return to serve as peer mentors to other entrepreneurs.