Staff
Roy Tuscany | Truckee, CA
Co-Founder | Executive Director
Originally from Vermont and after graduating from University of Vermont with a degree in Mechanical Engineering he headed out west to pursue the dream of being a professional free-skier. In 2006, Roy suffered a life-altering injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down and was the catalyst to the creation of High Fives. Roy turned the financial and community support of his own recovery into a ‘pay-it-forward’ adventure with the creation of High Fives Non-Profit Foundation. He lives in Truckee, CA with his wife, Michelle and enjoys all things that keep him active.
STAFF MEMBER: 2009-Present
Steve Wallace | Truckee, CA
Athlete and Healing Center Coordinator
In 2008, Steve suffered a spinal cord injury while skiing in the Granite Chief area at Squaw Valley. After spending a year in different hospitals around the country, Steve returned to Northern California and was introduced to Roy Tuscany. Shortly after the two met in person Roy asked Steve how High Fives could help him, and Steve expressed to Roy his desire to get back out skiing again. In 2010 High Fives helped Steve achieve his goal, and made him the first grant recipient when they bought him all the equipment and lessons needed to get him skiing again in a safe manner. After seeing and experiencing what High Fives Foundation did for him, Steve was honored to pay it forward by helping Roy and Adam with athletes and events for the next year. When a position became available, Steve was offered the role of CR Johnson Healing Center Coordinator and graciously accepted.
STAFF MEMBER: 2010-Present
Becca Lefanowicz | Truckee, CA
Social Media Manager
Becca is the first High Fives employee born and bred on the west coast, but she’s left her footprints and first tracks all over the globe. She is a celebrated big mountain skier, having once held the title of North Face Young Gun award at the Subaru North American Freeskiing Championships before attending Western Washington University. Becca offers her linguistic and artistic savvy to the Foundation as Social Media Manager.
STAFF MEMBER: 2014-Present
Luka Starmer | Reno, NV
Grant Writer
A native of Upstate, NY, Luka has always had a passion for the snow. After graduating from Ithaca College in NY, Luka worked as a freelance writer before moving to Sonoma to taste the wine industry. Luka skied with High Fives Athletes as an instructor at Disabled Sports USA Far West before entering his position at the High Fives Foundation.
STAFF MEMBER: 2013-Present
Gina Miele | Incline Village, NV
Event Coordinator
Gina began as a valued intern of the High Fives Foundation in the summer of 2014 before finishing her Senior year at the University of Vermont. At school, she was president of the UVM Freeskiing Team and an exceptional student able to juggle days at the mountain with a full course load. Now she’s back making a huge impact with the Foundation as the Event Coordinator, working on FUNdraising projects across the country.
STAFF MEMBER: 2015-Present
Jesse Murphy | Warren, VT
Director of Development
Jesse Murphy served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2013, but he has been a supporter throughout the history of the organization. He has been involved in the ski industry since the 90s working with brands like Lange, Dynastar and others. Now he is a part owner of Vermont North Ski Shops in Warren, Vermont at the base of Sugarbush Resort. As the Director of Development, Jesse will oversee events on both the East and West coasts. He’s a big part of the exceptional growth of the Foundation, and will help initiate the establishment of an East Coast Healing Center.
STAFF MEMBER: 2015-Present
Lael Porter | Truckee, CA
Book Keeper
Lael’s vital skill set in bookkeeping has allowed the High Fives Foundation to grow significantly since she arrived two years ago. She LOVES mountain biking and skiing. She is beloved by her industry sponsors and devoted fans.
STAFF MEMBER: 2014-Present
Nico Nordin | Tahoe City, CA
Office Assistant
Nico began as a major High Fives supporter, attending most if not all Tahoe High Fives Events. Her passion for helping High Fives Athletes lead to lots of volunteering. Eventually the Foundation grew to a point where employing Nico was not only viable but necessary. Nico manages all office and postal service affairs for the Foundation.
STAFF MEMBER: 2016-Present
Jack Powell | Incline Village, NV
Head Trainer, CR Johnson Healing Center
Jack began his story with the High Fives Foundation in a really inspiring way. When #HighFivesAthlete Jeff Andrews suffered a spinal cord injury in 2014, Jack stopped every track he was working down, and committed to helping Jeff with his recovery. Having a background in Kinesiology, Jack moved to Maui, Hawaii to study a specific form of rehabilitation called NeuroKinetic Pilates with the world famous trainer Alejandra Monslave. Since that experience, Jack has brought that knowledge back into the Healing Center, cultivating clients around the country. He now joins High Fives as a permanent employee to run operations of the Healing Center and gain boarder diverse clientele ready to take on their recoveries.
STAFF MEMBER: 2016-Present
Jeff Robertson | Truckee, CA
Camp Organizer
Jeff’s history also traces back to the East Coast where a passion for the outdoors started at a young age. His background in adventure sports comes from years as a professional skier, mountain bike racer, following the 100th Tour De France from start to finish (with Crystal on their honeymoon), surfing, and participation in other adventures that span the globe. With over 25 years of experience in the action sports industry and countless trips around the world, his passion for adventure runs deep. Jeff has guided friends and professional athletes over the years to many iconic locations in search of the next powder run, smooth flowing single track, surf destinations and European cols. His involvement with the High Fives Foundation spans years and has been a long time supporter. Over the last couple of years Jeff has been organizing and leading the surf camps to Maui and Ventura. Jeff is excited to continue his support of the foundation by building more camps, assisting the athletes in all aspects while at the camps and encouraging new goals to be reached. When in Tahoe, you can usually find Jeff & Roy riding single track deep into the woods!
STAFF MEMBER: 2016-Present