Expanding Access Through Education
ExpandAbilities is an education-focused platform that develops inclusive curriculum and learning resources for professionals working with individuals across diverse abilities, neurological profiles, and learning needs. Our work is designed to support educators, coaches, therapists, support staff, and organizations by providing practical tools that promote access, inclusion, and whole-person development across schools, teams, and community settings.
Grounded in real-world educational, therapeutic, and sport-based environments, ExpandAbilities bridges learning, well-being, and personal growth through adaptable resources created for direct use with students, athletes, and clients. Through curriculum development and the ExpandAbilities MEETS podcast, we explore neurodiversity, disability inclusion, emotional regulation, identity development, and inclusive participation—emphasizing education over diagnosis and application over performance.
Our Mission
To expand opportunity by creating accessible, inclusive educational resources that equip professionals to support individuals of all abilities in developing confidence, skills, and self-awareness for success in learning, sport, and life.
CEO/Founder & Co-Host of Expandabilities MEETS: Alex Dolgner, CTRS
Alex is a high school Special Education Teacher working in both resource and applied skills environments and a nationally certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with experience across clinical and community-based settings. His background includes hospital psychiatric units, residential behavioral health programs, special recreation associations, and one-on-one adaptive services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Alex’s work centers on supporting personal growth, resilience, and confidence through structured goals, inclusive education, and meaningful, real-world experiences.
In addition to his educational and therapeutic background, Alex is deeply committed to athletics — particularly football. With over 13 years of experience playing on the Offensive Line, he brings firsthand knowledge, energy, and leadership to the sport. As a coach, he has served across youth, middle school, and high school programs, and has worked with elite-level organizations such as USA Football’s National Team and the University of Alabama prospect camps. He continues to develop his craft by attending clinics across the Midwest hosted by Glazier Clinics and other notable organizations.
ExpandAbilities, founded by Alex, is built on the belief that meaningful growth begins with awareness, access, and purposeful experience. Through inclusive education, conversation, and real-world application, ExpandAbilities supports individuals of all abilities in building confidence, resilience, and well-being as they navigate learning, sport, and life.
Director of Mental Performance & Co-Host of ExpandAbilities MEETS: Robert Harris, MA
Robert began his career serving in the United States Army. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from the University of Arizona. He continued his education at the University of Arizona, completing a Master’s degree in Higher Education and a second Master’s degree in Human Services with a focus on Mental Health Administration.
Throughout his academic and professional career, Robert has held multiple coaching roles at the junior high and high school levels, primarily in football and wrestling, serving as both a head and assistant coach. During his coaching career, he has helped develop several state qualifiers, coached a state champion, and led multiple winning seasons in football. In addition to coaching, Robert has worked with nonprofit organizations, served as a high school counselor, and supported at-risk youth across a variety of settings.
Robert is deeply passionate about mental health, inclusion, and access. His work is rooted in helping individuals build resilience, navigate challenges, and live meaningful, fulfilling lives — both within athletics and beyond.
Accessible Tools Designed For Real World Use
ExpandAbilities educational resources provide ready-to-use materials that support diverse learning needs across classrooms, teams, and home environments. Designed with flexibility and inclusion in mind, these tools help educators, coaches, and families adapt instruction, reinforce skill development, and promote meaningful participation for individuals with a wide range of abilities and neurological profiles.
The Importance of ExpandAbilities MEETS
ExpandAbilities MEETS is the conversation-driven platform of ExpandAbilities, focused on mental health, disability, neurodiversity, and personal growth. Through podcast conversations and shared experiences, MEETS builds understanding, reduces stigma, and connects real-life stories to inclusive education and whole-person development.
MEETS complements ExpandAbilities curriculum and resources by providing context, insight, and meaningful dialogue that support learning, sport, and life.
Mental Health Education From Our ExpandAbilities Team
Be Apart Of the Movement
The ExpandAbilities Community is more than a set of resources—it’s a movement toward more thoughtful, inclusive, and practical support for individuals across diverse abilities. By joining the Collective, you become part of a growing community committed to improving how educators, coaches, therapists, and helpers learn, reflect, and apply their work in real-world settings.
This movement is grounded in education, lived experience, and shared responsibility. It values collaboration over quick fixes and emphasizes tools, conversations, and resources that can be used directly with the individuals and communities you serve.
Being part of the movement means contributing to a space that prioritizes inclusion, access, and meaningful growth. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for learning, participation, and support—across schools, sport, and community environments.
