Helena Para Educator Named Special Olympics Montana Coach of the Year

Chris Findley has worked with kids with disabilities for 16 years and coaches the Helena Twisters Special Olympics team.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 8:05pm

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Chris Findley, a para educator at C.R. Anderson Middle School in Helena, Montana, has been named the Special Olympics Montana Coach of the Year for 2026. Findley has worked with kids with disabilities for 16 years and also coaches the Helena Twisters Special Olympics team, which she says is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. Her dedication and positive approach to working with the athletes has not gone unnoticed, as she was nominated multiple times before winning the statewide award out of 15 finalists.

Why it matters

Special Olympics provides important opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and develop important life skills. Coaches like Findley play a crucial role in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for these athletes to thrive. Her recognition as Coach of the Year highlights the impact that dedicated volunteers can have in their local communities.

The details

Findley grew up around people with special needs, with both her mom and aunt working with those who have developmental disabilities. After watching her own daughter participate in Special Olympics events, Findley knew she wanted to get involved as a coach. She says she loves working with the athletes and their families, and takes the time to get to know each individual. Findley focuses on helping the athletes develop not just athletic skills, but also important life lessons like kindness and perseverance.

  • Chris Findley has worked as a para educator at C.R. Anderson Middle School for 16 years.
  • Findley was named the Special Olympics Montana Coach of the Year for 2026.

The players

Chris Findley

A para educator at C.R. Anderson Middle School in Helena, Montana who has worked with kids with disabilities for 16 years and is the coach of the Helena Twisters Special Olympics team.

Ryder Williams

An athlete on the Helena Twisters Special Olympics team who says Findley helps him "be an athlete."

Ivanna Maw

An athlete on the Helena Twisters Special Olympics team who says Findley helps her with things that are hard and teaches her to "try your best" and "be kind."

Chris Peterson

A parent of an athlete on the Helena Twisters Special Olympics team who praises Findley's enthusiasm, inclusiveness, and positive impact on the kids.

Mae Smith

The vice president of outreach for Special Olympics Montana, who says Findley is "positive, fun, and engaging" when working with the athletes.

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What they’re saying

“I love it, I mean, I love the kids, and the parents. We have a good group, really good team.”

— Chris Findley, Special Olympics Coach

“Oh, it's probably the best award I could've gotten, yeah its pretty special.”

— Chris Findley, Special Olympics Coach

“Just watching the happiness amongst different teams, too. They're congratulating each other, they're picking each other up, they're smiling, they're passing the ball, sometimes not to their teammates, sometimes to others.”

— Chris Findley, Special Olympics Coach

“Just help me be an athlete.”

— Ryder Williams, Special Olympics Athlete

“I like when coach helps me, like when some things are hard.”

— Ivanna Maw, Special Olympics Athlete

What’s next

The Special Olympics Montana Committee will continue to recognize outstanding coaches like Chris Findley who make a positive impact on the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The takeaway

Chris Findley's dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for her Special Olympics athletes exemplifies the power of volunteerism and the difference that caring coaches can make in the lives of young people with special needs.