Finally, a safe space for athletes with chronic health concerns
Join a 6-session program designed for athletes navigating chronic illness, disabilities, and complex health challenges.
Program Begins February 3rd, 2026
The Invisible Struggle Only Athletes with Health Challenges Understand
This isn't just a support group—it's a research-backed experience created specifically for athletes navigating the unpredictable terrain between athletic identity and your body's limitations.
Built from real athlete experiences with chronic illness, disabilities, and complex health concerns—those who are ready to break free from isolation, reclaim control, and find joy in sport again, on your terms.
Does This Sound Familiar?
If you're managing health challenges while trying to maintain your athletic identity, you've likely experienced:
❌ Feeling isolated in your journey
❌ Frustration of constantly pushing through pain, fatigue, or flares
❌ The endless cycle of trial and error with training adaptations
❌ Balancing your health needs and your athletic goals
❌ Struggling to advocate for yourself with coaches, teammates, and medical providers
❌ Loss of confidence or identity compared to your former athletic self
You're Not Fighting This Battle Alone
The truth is, navigating sport with chronic illness or disability creates unique challenges that conventional training approaches don't address. What makes it worse is feeling like you're the only one experiencing these struggles.
This is a space where you’re seen, heard, and understood. AND you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
What This Program Delivers
This program is designed to transform your experience from feeling isolated and limited to feeling empowered, supported, and back in control of your athletic journey.
Real Connection with Athletes Who Get It
In this intimate cohort (10 athletes max) who face similar challenges, you'll:
✓ Share experiences without judgment
✓ Celebrate wins others might not understand
✓ Find support during flares and setbacks
✓ Build relationships with people who "get it" on a deep level
You’ll leave feeling less isolated and more connected to a community that “gets it.”
Practical, Actionable Strategies
You'll gain actionable approaches tailored to the unique challenges athletes with health conditions face:
✓ Managing energy and adapting training realistically
✓ Navigating the uncertainty of flares and symptoms
✓ Advocating for yourself confidently
✓ Reconnecting with your athletic identity
Reclaim Your Athletic Identity
It's time to stop feeling like your health defines your athletic self.
This program helps you:
✓ Rebuild confidence in your body and abilities
✓ Set boundaries and make decisions aligned with your values
✓ Recognize strengths shaped by your experiences
✓ Thrive in sport without sacrificing your wellbeing
Move From Frustration to Resilience
You'll learn to:
✓ Shift from fighting your body to allying with it
✓ Develop personalized approaches to training that work with your health, not against it
✓ Build sustainable practices that support both performance and wellbeing
✓ Find joy in movement again, beyond the limitations of conventional athletic expectations
How This Program Works
Each session combines:
Evidence-based strategies developed for athletes with health challenges
Facilitated discussions + shared experiences and insights
Practical tools you can start using immediately
📅Session Schedule
6 Bi-Weekly 60-minute Sessions:
Tuesdays at 5pm CST/6pm EST
February 3rd
February 17th
March 3rd
March 17th
March 31st
April 14th
Why This Group is Different 👇🏻
Small Cohort, Big Impact
This isn't a generic program adapted for athletes with health challenges—it was built from the ground up based on research with athletes like you. With just 10 participants max, you'll receive personalized guidance and build meaningful connections.
Led by Someone Who Lives It
This group is facilitated by Staci Mannella, a two-time Paralympian and visually impaired skier who knows firsthand what it's like to balance athletic goals with health challenges. Dr. Erin Ayala, who specializes in working with athletes navigating complex health issues, will also make guest appearances.
Accessible and Impactful
At less than $55 per session—far below the typical $175/hour cost of individual sessions—this program makes specialized support accessible while delivering a structured, evidence-based approach designed for meaningful change.
Beyond Traditional Support
This program blends emotional support with practical strategies. You'll gain both the validation you need and the actionable tools to transform your athletic experience.
Meet your Facilitator(s)
Staci Mannella, MA, MS (she/her)
Associate Mental Health Therapist | Mental Performance Consultant
Two-Time Paralympian
As a former Paralympic athlete, I understand the unique challenges that come with high-level competition while managing health conditions. Having competed in the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Games as a visually impaired skier, my goal is to help you explore your identity, rewrite unhelpful narratives, and develop tools to thrive in sport and life.
Plus guest appearances by Dr. Erin Ayala
Dr. Ayala (she/her), Sport Psychologist & Certified Mental Performance Coach, will make guest appearances to provide additional expertise and support throughout the program.
If this sounds like it’s for you, join us!
Spots are limited to just 10 participants.
If you’re ready to join, sign up now to secure your spot!
What's Included in This Program
✅ 6 Live Virtual Sessions: Biweekly for 3 months (February–April)
✅ Session Length: 60 minutes of expert guidance and peer connection
✅ Lifetime Resource Access: A curated wiki page with psychoeducational resources to support your journey between sessions.
✅ Confidential Environment: The discussion portion of sessions remains private to ensure a safe space
✅ Small Cohort Experience: Limited to 10 participants to foster deeper connections and personalized support
✅ Community of Understanding: Share, learn, and grow alongside peers who truly understand your journey
Secure Your Spot Today!
$325
or
$108/month (3 payments)
(Real talk: that’s $725 less than 6 individual sport psychology sessions with Staci)
Interested, but not ready to fully commit?
All good! Sign up for email updates to learn more about the program and stay in the loop.
FAQs
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Honestly, the more stretched and pulled you feel, the more important it probably is for you to join us.
The more you put into this program, the more you’ll get out of it. We’re happy to help folks, including you, to set boundaries. Message us if you need backup.
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We understand that life happens. While the live discussions won’t be recorded to ensure confidentiality, you’ll still have access to the psychoeducation materials and resources shared via the program wiki page.
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Yes! You’ll have lifetime access to a curated wiki page with resources, tools, and strategies to support your journey.
That’s for as long as Skadi is in business! And we have no plans on going anywhere :) If for any reason we change online hosting platforms, we’ll make sure all athletes receive archived content and material. We care deeply about this community, and we will not leave you high and dry.
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Given the digital nature of this program, we do not offer refunds for courses or products, includingfor our support groups.
That said, we’re happy to answer any questions before you sign up to help you make sure this program is the right fit for you. -
Not at all! This program is designed for athletes of all levels who are navigating chronic health challenges or disabilities and want to feel supported, connected, and empowered.
This is your season to thrive again
Whether you're managing chronic illness, navigating disability, or dealing with complex health concerns, this program will help you reconnect with your athletic self, build community, and develop strategies that work for YOUR unique body and goals.
Spots are limited to 10 participants. Don’t miss your chance to join this program.