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* LIST * | * SLIDESHOW * Photos * * * 1 of * PHOTO BY: Todd Bigelow Kathy Copeland, left, found a second career right where she found her first one: on the slopes. The 67-year-old Vermont
native moved to Mammoth Mountain, Calif., in 1971 and worked there for more than three decades in various capacities, starting as a bus girl and ultimately managing the resort’s children’s
ski programs. Then in 2003, she founded Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES), which offers year-round outdoor programs for children and adults with disabilities. On a sunny day last month,
we followed Kathy and her husband, Jack, 66, who volunteers at DSES, on a morning around the mountain. * * * 2 of * PHOTO BY: Todd Bigelow Bright and early, Kathy greets 6-year-old Kylie Lim
and her parents Jan and David in the Mammoth ski lodge. Kylie has Down syndrome. In the winter months, DSES focuses on mountain sports, drawing on older volunteers (many of whom hold
professional instructor certification) to teach personal skiing classes in a one- or two-on-one environment. The summer programs are still expanding, but among the sports offered are
kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and cycling and mountain biking. * * * 3 of * PHOTO BY: Todd Bigelow Jack and Kathy head out with little Kylie to begin the day’s
lesson. Both husband and wife have years of experience as ski instructors, and Kathy says the fundamentals of teaching the sport remain the same no matter who the pupil is. "It is
similar to our previous experiences as ski instructors for able-bodied skiers,” she says. “Though some of those able-bodied skiers don’t have as good an attitude about learning as the kids
and adults with disabilities. Skiing really levels the playing field and enables everyone, even people in wheelchairs, to access every snow-covered trail on the mountain!” * * * 4 of * PHOTO
BY: Todd Bigelow In their lessons, DSES programs use adaptive techniques and equipment, such as these straps that keep students’ skis and feet in position as instructors help steer students
down the slopes. Instructors like Kathy and Jack carry dual roles as teacher and caregiver, readily available to assist and instruct the student while maintaining and promoting the goal of
independence on the slopes. Jack, who spent years as an executive at Mammoth Mountain Resort, now gets a ground view of the workplace each day: He’s in charge of training new volunteers for
the program. * * * 5 of * PHOTO BY: Todd Bigelow Between instructional runs, there’s time aboard the ski lift for a quick chat across generations. Each of the Copelands has hopped between
several jobs over their careers: Jack as landscape contractor, ski school director, human resources director and corporate vice president; and Kathy as landscaper, ski school manager and
massage therapist. Both say what they’re doing now is their most fulfilling gig ever. * * * 6 of * PHOTO BY: Todd Bigelow Ropes and straps allow Kathy to guide and control Kylie so she
doesn’t gain too much speed or lose control. The Copelands, who have been married for 38 years and don't have kids, were first drawn to working with those with physical and intellectual
disabilities when they volunteered during Special Olympic events held at the mountain during the 1970s. Kathy says she feels “particularly drawn” to both kids and adults with special needs.
* * * 7 of * PHOTO BY: Todd Bigelow At the end of a full morning of hard work on the slopes, there is still time for one more fun lesson: Kathy and Jack send Kylie back to her parents in
snow-angel style. “It’s gratifying to see the wonder and excitement skiing creates in these students and their families,” says Kathy. “It warms the soul. At the end of a lesson we sometimes
ask ourselves, ‘Who got more out of that, them or us?’” * * * 8 of * AARP’S JOB BOARD is a great way to find the perfect job for you. The Work and Jobs section of our website also includes
valuable tools, information andresources to achieve your professional and income goals. Keep up with the latest tips on job hunting and more by signing up for the AARP WEBLETTER. Think you
are ready to take on a second career? See what other people have done with AARP's Great Second Careers