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AdaptX

The Team

Staff

Brendan Aylward

Executive Director

Brendan Aylward is the founder and executive director of AdaptX. His career has revolved around inclusion in sports and fitness since he was 15. Several thousand hours of volunteering with organizations like Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and Team Hoyt have taken him around the world to coach, train, and race. As the caregiver of a boy with multiple disabilities since he was 19, and now teammates together as part of Team Hoyt, they have completed more than 100 races together. His experiences with these organizations influenced him to open an inclusive strength and conditioning facility, Unified Health and Performance, where his Special Olympics athletes could train alongside their peers. The facility has served more than 1000 clients since 2016, with over 250 participants who have an intellectual and/or physical disability. The AdaptX team has built the infrastructure and educational platform to help other health and fitness professionals do the same.

Justin Peirce

Director of Development

Justin joined AdaptX in the fall of 2025 as the Director of Development. During his time with the organization, he has led growth in several key events and initiatives including: peer-to-peer fundraising, Unified 5k expansion, and software development. He also supports athletes of all abilities as an assistant strength coach at Unified Health and Performance.

Nicole Sampson

Community Events and Education

Nicole Sampson is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with a strong foundation in athletic performance and development. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Springfield College, where she was a two-year captain on the women’s soccer team, before completing her master’s degree in Exercise Science at Merrimack College. Nicole spent four years at the University of Denver and four years at Phillips Exeter Academy as a Sports Performance Coach. She is now a strength and conditioning coach at Unified Health and Performance where she works with clients of all ages and abilities. Nicole brings a blend of coaching experience and finds joy in building relationships with everyone she crosses paths with. Her goal is to allow training to positively shape the lives of those she works with.

James Purcell

Videographer/Photographer

James Purcell holds a degree in Business Information Technology from Framingham State University and specializes in photo and video content for AdaptX, creating dynamic visuals that bring the brand’s vision to life. James can also be found chasing around his 3 kids and capturing weddings and sporting events around New England.