Name: Dan Kim

Location: San Diego, CA

Mentor Profile:

I've always loved working with kids and teens with developmental disabilities. They have so much to offer and bring so much joy to anyone who has the privilege to know them. I've had a wide range of experiences with working with developmental disabilities, including ABA instruction and Muscle Dystrophy Associations (MDA) summer camps. With a strong background in psychology and the neurosciences, I've also learned so much about the complexity of each disorder and the dire need for more research and advocacy in the community. It is amazing the strides we are taking in learning about autism spectrum disorder on a daily basis. However, it is crucial to remember that behind all the science and the details is just a kid who wants to hang out and enjoy life like everyone else.

Education: I have obtained my B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. In the coming years, I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career in child and adolescent psychiatry and/or neurology. I also hope to take a "three-pronged" approach to medicine and do clinical work, research, and teach. I believe the latter two components are just as significant as the being a practitioner. I am constantly amazed by the passion and hard work of the faculty at medical schools who strive to improve healthcare and produce better practitioners and better researchers. I hope to emulate those people in my own future career.

Experience: I am particularly interested in Autism because of a lifelong exposure to the disorder. One of my best friends in elementary school had a mild case of Autism. Of course back then, I had no idea what that meant, except that he had strange habits and nuances. But, that never deterred me from spending time with him and calling him my best friend. I was also exposed to all the taunts he faced from our fellow peers. Incensed, I often came to his defense. However, I was also frustrated with him. I just couldn't understand why he wouldn't just stop doing the "weird" things he did. But as a kid, I had very little understanding of the struggle he and his family went through. My exposure to Autism spectrum disorder continued as I volunteered in a weekend "daycare" for children with a wide array of developmental disabilities. I was paired 1:1 with a child with autism for a two years. Despite all the challenges, the most rewarding part of the experience was seeing him crack even the smallest smile and laugh when he finally opened up and learned to enjoy the company of his peers. Needless to say, it forged a new path for my future career path. In early college, I spent some time doing research on the early biological markers of autism. Today, I strive to be very active in the San Diego Autism community. I co-founded an on-campus organization at UCSD to raise awareness of Autism, and push UCSD students to take action. Through this organization, students are able to volunteer at special education schools and Autism Speaks events, mentor teenagers with disabilities, and attend public lectures on current research in the field of Autism.

Hobbies & Skills: Outside of school and work, I enjoy many activities. I love to hike, run, bike, and play tennis. Maintaining an active lifestyle is a surefire way to be energized amidst the stresses of life. I also enjoy reading, watching movies, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. I love going to museums, jazz concerts, and new restaurants. I'm also a sucker for dogs.

Why ExciteSteps? I believe Xcite Steps is an amazing program geared toward everyone who wants to forge lifelong friendships, regardless of background and disability. I joined the team because I felt it was a great opportunity to really make a difference and show teens and young adults that they are more than their disability. I believe these individuals have so much to offer to the community if they feel comfortable expressing themselves and doing what they love. Xcite Steps also allows mentors to utilize their strengths and hobbies to provide a really great experience for the mentees. Not to mention, it's pretty awesome that Xcite Steps plans these great events for everyone to come out and have fun.

Our Services are available in the following areas:

San Diego (North)

• Rancho Santa Fe
• Del Mar
• Poway
• Encinitas
• Carlsbad
• Carmel Valley

San Diego (South)

• La Jolla
• Clairemont
• Downtown
• Coronado
• El Cajon
• Chula Vista

Orange Country

• Newport Beach
• Dana Point
• Irvine
• Laguna Beach
• Laguna Niguel
• San Clemente