ABOUT US

Special Kicks was designed to make the art of karate accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or physical limitations. We believe that martial arts should be inclusive and provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants with all abilities.

With unrelenting determination, we seek to change lives through the power of martial arts, Inspire lifelong change, build strength, and advocate for those with different abilities regardless of physical, mental or financial challenges.

OUR MISSION.

With unrelenting determination, we seek to change lives through the power of martial arts, Inspire lifelong change, build strength, and advocate for those with different abilities regardless of physical, mental or financial challenges.

OUR VISION.

To reach as many individuals as possible with different abilities, through training, expansion, and facilitation of SK programs into facilities around the country, impacting local communities. We will grow resource centers to engage families, develop individual and professional skills, and advocate for individuals of different abilities with job placement.

MEET THE TEAM

  • CARSON FORTNER

    FOUNDER, CEO
    MASTER INSTRUCTOR

    Carson founded the Special Kicks program in 2010 when he was given the opportunity to work with a student with cerebral palsy and was able to help her talk and walk for the first time. His passion grew from there, and he has worked with over 300 Special Kicks students over the course of 15 years.

  • MILLIE ORME

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Millie has been the Director of Special Kicks for over six years. She works diligently with all fundraising, event planning, community outreach, networking, and resourcing for our Special Kicks students and their families. She is a huge advocate for our students and has a great passion for her position. Millie has a BA in studio art from Georgia Southern University and is also has a 2nd degree black belt in Krav Maga.

  • MICHELLE BEERS

    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

    Michelle serves as Executive Assistant and advocate for Special Kicks. For her, the mission is deeply person — her son, Hunter, is a student in the program and participates in both Karate and Jiu-Jitsu lessons at the Pooler Karate location. Michell is passionate about creating an inclusive sense of community where there are spaces for all individuals to grow in confidence, strength, and resilience.

  • ANGELINA GRANT

    HEAD INSTRUCTOR, POOLER

    Angelina is a 2nd degree black belt in American Tang Soo Do and has been training since 2019. She loves working with kids, especially her Special Kicks students. Her favorite thing about the Special Kicks program is getting the time to bond with each student in their own unique way.

  • GABRIEL DEINES

    CHIEF INSTRUCTOR, SAVANNAH

    Gabriel is a 3rd degree black belt in American Tang Soo Do. He has been a part of the Special Kicks program since 2018 when he first got his black belt. He loves seeing the kids' faces light up and getting them out on the mat to have fun. In addition to karate, he trains Krav Maga as well. Mr. Gabriel is now the Chief Instructor at our Savannah location.

  • HEATHER AGULARA

    HEAD INSTRUCTOR, EFFINGHAM

    Heather is one of our newest Special Kicks insturctors. She is 19 years old and is a 1st degree black belt in American Tang Soo Do. Her favorite thing about working with Special Kicks students is that is she is always learning something new about her students.

  • MIGUEL LOPEZ

    KARATE INSTRUCTOR, POOLER/ EFFINGHAM

    Miguel is a 2nd degree black belt and a sophomore in high school. One of his favorite things to do is karate, and it makes him happy watching his students enjoy it as well. He trains in both Tang Soo Do and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu so that he can be a well-rounded martial artist. He loves not only being able to learn but also being able to pass it on to people that love to learn like he does.

    Miguel is an instructor at Pooler Karate, Savannah Martial Arts, Effingham Martial Arts, and Effingham Combat Academy.

  • DANA NICHOLS

    KARATE INSTRUCTOR, POOLER/EFFINGHAM

    Dana is a Karate instructor at Pooler Karate and Effingham Martial Arts.

  • ASHLEY KONESKO

    KRAV MAGA INSTRUCTOR, POOLER/EFFINGHAM

    Ashley is a Krav Maga instructor at Pooler Karate and Effingham Martial Arts.

    Ashley started her Krav journey in September of 2017. She is currently a 2nd degree black belt and is working on her 3rd degree coming up in 2026. Ashley has her Master’s in Social Work, which comes in handy when working with Special Kicks private lessons and individuals working through trauma while on the mat. She received her level one instructor certification in 2019. She has a passion for helping the newer students and guiding them to better themselves in any way they can. Ashley is a firm believer in never looking or acting like the victim. Confidence is key and she hopes she can continue to instill lessons like these in every student who walks into Pooler Karate. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her son, Elijah, and her Army Veteran Husband, Matthew, camping, practicing new Krav moves, and reading. She is also a committee member for her son’s Boy Scout Troop and works full time as a substance abuse counselor.

  • ROBERT PANATI

    KARATE INSTRUCTOR, POOLER

    Mr. Robert is a 4th Degree Black Belt in American Tang Soo Do. Mr. Robert assists with lower ranking Jr. classes. His daughter, Italia, is also a black belt in our school.

  • KATIE CHRISTIAN

    KARATE INSTRUCTOR, POOLER

    Katie earned her first black belt in Mixed Martial Arts through Championship Martial Arts in 2013. After completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts at Georgia Southern University, she returned to her martial arts roots with a renewed passion. She now trains in Tang Soo Do at Pooler Karate, where she is actively working toward her next black belt and enjoys teaching students of all ages. Katie also contributes her artistic skills to the school by helping design logos, t-shirts, and other creative materials. She loves being part of a community that encourages growth, discipline, and confidence in every student.

  • TAYLOR JOHNSTON

    BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTOR, POOLER

    Taylor started her martial arts journey 20 years ago! She earned a 3rd degree black belt in TaeKwonDo before taking a few years off. She started training BJJ at this location in September 2019 and currently has her purple belt. Since joining the office team, she’s started training in Tang Soo Do and Krav Maga as well, with the goal of being the first woman at the gym to have all three black belts. When she’s not at Pooler Karate you can find her hanging out with her wife and two furbabies, probably playing video games or watching The Office.

  • KELLEY BOUCHARD

    BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTOR, POOLER

    Kelley is currently a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Sergio Machado. She trains every day and works hard with our Junior BJJ program. Kelley is also a mother to three beautiful children who all train in Jiu-Jitsu and karate. Mrs. Bouchard also has a passion for physical fitness, she currently has clients all over Georgia and enjoys giving them personal training and nutritional health.

  • BENEDICT "BOOG" LENTZ

    HEAD COACH, EFFINGHAM

    Boog is the head coach at the Effingham Combat Academy specializing in both striking and Jiu Jitsu. He has been training in martial arts for over nine years. He is constantly working on improving his wrestling skills and has achieved remarkable results in recent competitions. In his last two Jiu Jitsu fights, Coach Boog has won 1st place in the Gi category. Furthermore, he demonstrated his impressive MMA skills by securing a TKO victory in just 18 seconds during his most recent MMA bout. Coach Boog’s dedication to his craft and his remarkable achievements make him a valuable asset to Pooler Muay Thai.

  • JABARI TUKES

    GREETER

    Jabari serves as greeter of Pooler Karate. He greets every student and guest with a smile and is an ambassador of Pooler Karate. Jabari is guaranteed to brighten your day. He also helps clean the school each day to keep things looking nice at our school!

  • AUSTIN SMITH

    KARATE INSTRUCTOR

    Bio coming soon!

  • BRANDON GRISSETTE

    Bio coming soon!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BRIAN SAULS

PRESIDENT

Brian, his wife Sheena, and their daughter, Lucy, all train at Pooler Karate. Brian owns Sunco Exterior Solutions, which provides commercial contract cleaning services to the Hilton Head and Savannah area. The Sauls family has been involved in supporting Special Kicks from the beginning. Brian’s passion led him to get more involved with Special Kicks and he officially became President in January 2024.

CHELLY DAVIS

TREASURER

Chelly is parent to four amazing kids, including Maddox. Maddox has cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, is nonverbal, and is in a wheelchair. They have been a part of the Special Kicks program for ten years and have been able to truly experience Special Kicks and the commitment the instructors have to their students. Chelly hopes to be involved with the Special Kicks program for many years to come.

FRANCES MERCADO-RODRIGUEZ

SECRETARY

Dr. Mercado-Rodriguez is the Director of Clinical Education and assistant professor for the Respiratory Therapy Program at Georgia Southern University. She has over a decade of experience as both a clinician and as a mentor. Her greatest accomplishment, however, is being the best mother to her amazing son, Alexis Mercado, who is in Special Kicks.

TRISTRAM MEYERS

BOARD MEMBER

Tris is married to Christina and has five children: Caleb, Casey, Caitlin, Aiden, and Natalie. He also has one foster son who is in the Special Kicks program. He loves his family and has an amazing grandson and granddaughter. Tris is an Army veteran and works for Ross Systems and Controls in Savannah, GA.

JOSEPH BOUCHARD

BOARD MEMBER

“Chappy” is a retired Army Ranger. He has been teaching Krav Maga since 2016 and has since earned his 2nd degree black belt in Krav Maga. His entire family of five trains at our facility along with his daughter, Jacqueline, who is in the Special Kicks program. He has experience working with students with PTSD as well as students with amputations.

HEATHER LANIER

BOARD MEMBER

Heather is a dedicated Krav Maga instructor with over eight years of experience in self-defense. A 2nd degree black belt, Heather brings both technical expertise and a passion for empowering students to develop confidence, resilience, and practical skills. Heather’s work with Special Kicks reflects her commitment to self-defense to make it accessible and impactful to everyone by providing opportunities for individuals with special needs to train, grow, and thrive through martial arts.

SHEENA SAULS

BOARD MEMEBER

Sheena spend ten years serving as a labor and delivery RN before joining her husband, Brian, in running their family business, Sunco Exterior Solutions, where she now leads office operations and sales. Sheena and Brian are proud parents to their daughter, Lucy. She trains in Krav Maga with Brian, and their daughter, Lucy, has her black belt in karate. After volunteering with Special Kicks for several years, she joined the board of directors in 2025.

ERICA ANDERSSON

BOARD MEMBER

Erica is a Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through trauma, grief, and life challenges. She has volunteered with Special Kicks Summer Camp and fundraising events where she was inspired by the dedication of students, families, and staff. She is especially moved by the use of adaptive martial arts to empower the individuals with special abilities and is excited to help serve the community. Erica lives in Savannah with her daughter, Alex, a Junior Krav Maga homeschool student.

AMy Banks

BOARD MEMBER

Amy is the proud aunt to nine nieces and nephews and has seen firsthand how compassionate community support transforms families. Her connection to Special Kicks began through her nephew, Maddox Davis, and sister, Chelly, who become involved when Maddox joined the program over ten years ago. Inspired by founder Carson’s vision and dedication, Amy witnessed the program’s lasting impact on accessibility, inclusion, and confidence for individuals of all abilities. With over 30 years in financial services, she services as a financial advisor with the Doty-Banks Wealth Management Team at Wells Fargo Advisors and is proud to support Special Kicks for years to come.