Justin Berk, Meteorologist AMS CBM
Co-founder; Chairman Of The Board
Reason For Starting Just In Power Kids
I am a dad to two boys and dedicate a lot of my time to educating children about meteorology and STEM. Working with kids AND for kids is my passion that the grew out of my own experience.
I almost lost my left leg when I was 14 years old. After an original diagnoses of bone cancer and risk of amputation, it was one doctor that properly diagnosed me with a staff infection in my left tibia. I recovered and continued to play sports, but I know what painful surgery, long hospital stays, and a scary outlook is like.
This is why I began the Maryland Trek in 2014.
That is also why I dedicated my time and social media resources to help raise over $250,000 for Cool Kids Campaign.
After 8 years, I wanted to know where all the money was going and work with my loved ones to build that.
Shannon and I combined our efforts on this specific goal of integrating eastern methods with western medicine to empower kids. We want them learn they can play a positive role in their own healing.
Shannon and I have the same goals and love to share beyond our own three children. We met on my Maryland Trek 4 and got married the day after the completion of Maryland Trek 5. This nonprofit is out baby!
Fundraising History
I am grateful for 14 of my 20 years in TV broadcasting being in Baltimore. That allowed me to build up connections and a large social media platform.
I believe the a part of everything I do needs to be for a cause outside of myself. In the past 8 years, I have done:
- STEM assemblies in hundreds of schools with a contest to raise money.
- Baltimore 10 miler as a charity racer chaser.
- FITF (Faith in the Flakes) shirt sales. A portion has always gone to charity. Now sales help contribute to Just In Power Kids.
- SnowStix 10% of all sales goes to Just In Power Kids.
- Maryland Trek: a 329 mile hike and bike across the state each August to share the stories of kids snd their experience with cancer. This event has grown quite a bit since starting in 2014. The team members are like an extended family.
Education and Awards
- College: Cornell University, Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science- May 1995
- CBM: Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with the American Meteorological Society
- Best in Baltimore/Baltimore Magazine in 2000, 2006, and 2007
- Weatherist.com Baltimore’s and America’s Favorite Weathercaster 2014
- Baltimore City Paper Voted Best Meteorologist in 2014 Reader’s Poll
- Baltimore Sun Magazine Best Meteorologist and Reader’s Choice 2013 and 2017
- Mobbies Award for Best Facebook Page 2012, 2013 (also readers choice), and 2014 (plus best Twitter feed).
Broadcasting Career
- WSTM in Syracuse, NY 1995
- WBNG in Binghamton, NY 1995-1997
- WBAL in Baltimore, MB 1997-2003
- WPHL in Philadelphia, PA (Freelance 2001 and 2005)
- WMAR in Baltimore, MD 2003-2012
Kid Weather App
One of proudest developments! I made this mobile app with my oldest son. It was his idea when he was years 6 old, and the first project I worked on when I left my last TV station. It has been downloaded in over 60 countries and won a Parents Choice Award among many others.
Shannon (Simmons) Berk MPT, CFMM
Co-Founder; President
Reason For Starting Just In Power Kids
At 15, I sustained a head injury and upper neck fracture. At the time, I did not understand how it affected my ability to think and process information. The outcome of the accident was that I had muddled thinking, trouble retrieving words and a lot of confusion and behavorial changes. Due to my age and the lack of awareness, I somehow related the internal results of the accident as meaning something about my worth. Many years later, after I struggled through getting an advanced degree in physical therapy, I discovered techniques to treat these outcomes. It was then that I knew I would spend my life attempting to do what I could to not only relieve the symptoms of physical dysfunctions, so that no one would confuse their worth with any physical based limitations, but to empower everyone on their healing journey.
My passion is for healing, service and children. I have always wanted integrate those passions with my desire to empower everyone on their path to wholeness. This has lead to the creation of Just In Power Kids. I am overjoyed to have found a partner in life that shares in my passions and wants to make a difference in the world together.
Professional Background
I am a manual physical therapist that has been practicing in Maryland for 23 years. I utilize an integrated approach to treating the whole person using a variety of hands-on techniques.
I am the owner of Integrated Wellness Physical Therapy with a private practice on main street in Sykesville
Education
Shannon graduated from The University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a BS in Biology/Chemistry and MSPT in Physical Therapy. She was a platform presenter with her research at the National Physical Therapy Convention. She has trained extensively with Michigan State Osteopathic College, The Jones Institute, The Upledger Institute, and the Institute of Bioenergetic Studies.
Leader in Functional Manual Medicine
She is currently an adjunct professor at Michigan State in their College of Osteopathic Medical Program where she teaches in their Craniosacral program. She has also assisted in facilitating a national certification program for Physical Therapists, Certification in Functional Manual Medicine (CFMM) at Michigan State University.
Related Background
- Contributing writer for Be Well magazine
- Contributing writer for The Elephant Journal
- Medical service work in Kenya.
- Has lead meditation groups and workshops at local yoga studios on integrated approaches to wellness for the past 5 years.
- A founding member and President of the Sykesville Wellness Partners.
Valorie Hailey: Executive Director
Jacki Dalsimer
Background
Current Job: Management Consultant for LCBSolutions LLC and a certified Health Coach.
History:
Jacki started her work career as a middle school mathematics teacher. Her next career was in the fitness industry where she worked her way up to a management position in a Baltimore based gym. To make more time for her kids, she transitioned to LCBSolutions developing online educational products for providers of Medicare & Medicaid. As much as she loves her position at LCBSolutions, it doesn’t fuel her passion for helping others. Jacki started a successful health coaching business to fuel her passion.
Education
BS in Elementary Ed from Towson University
MBA from University of Baltimore
I am grateful to be on the board of JIPK. I absolutely love children and hate to see them suffer. My sister is a breast cancer survivor. During her treatments, I witnessed a huge impact on her mental and physical strength when she started receiving holistic treatments in conjunction with her treatments at the hospital. I love the mission JIPK and believe all pediatric oncology patients should receive holistic care too!
Matt Titus
Background
Owner of Blackbird Crosfit
Member of Maryland Trek 4
Testimonials
Matt is a strong man physically and spiritually. He is an asset to our team
- Justin
Jennifer Edwards
Reasons for being part of Just In Power Kids
I live in Davidsonville, MD with my five children (ages ranging from 4 to 11) and husband (and a bunch of chickens, a few dogs and cats on our farmette). I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, so when my 9 year old daughter was shockingly diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of pediatric Bone Cancer in April 2017, I immediately turned to integrated wellness therapies to help alleviate many of the harsh side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation in my daughter’s intense treatment. Ella underwent 14 rounds of chemo and 8 weeks of radiation in over 8 months at Johns Hopkins. It was intense and difficult journey for her, but I am convinced that our dedicated team of various holistic therapists helped her thrive even during the toughest treatments. I call them our “team of angels”. Ella did physical therapy, gentle massage, acupuncture,chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, energy work, and saw a nutritional counselor on a regular basis to keep her body strong and balanced. She was declared NED in January 2018. I’d like to give back by helping other children and their families find wellness treatments that might ease some of the pain the of harsh cancer treatments in their journey to healing.
Background
Before Ella was diagnosed, I worked in Human Resources at our amazing church in Annapolis and loved every minute. Prior to that, I was an office manager at the Healing and Wellness Center, an integrated wellness and nutrition center in Stevensville, MD. This job was integral to meeting the team of therapists who would later help my daughter. Prior to having children, my background was in business/financial analysis for the government contracting industry. My hobbies include swimming, biking, running, and being out in nature. Marathons and triathlons are a love of mine.
Educational Background
-MBA, University of Maryland, Robert H. School of Business
-University of Richmond, BA in Psychology, Minor Criminal Justice
-Severna Park High School
Dave Larkin
Background
Accountant
Member of Maryland Trek Team 3 and 4
Share the big news
I am excited to have Dave on our Board of Directors - Justin
Larry Rogers
Background
Mid Atlantic Aerial
Crew Chief for The Maryland Trek FOREVER!!!!
Share the big news
"Larry has been the glue that has held together our biggest fundraiser, The Maryland Trek. He is irreplaceable! "
Debra Berlinrood
Background
Accountant