How we came to be…

It all started when…

One day many years ago, Pegi was sitting on the beach with her friends for Spring Break, and all she could think about was her students back home who weren't doing anything during their time off from school. That made her wonder... Would these kids ever have the opportunity to go on a fun beach vacay with all of their friends?  So she posed the question and sent out a simple email to families back in 2015, and recruited a co-worker to help.  After receiving an overwhelming response, the first ever PICKadventure trip was planned for Destin, Florida.  While the trip was tons of fun in the sun, it felt like something was missing. Since Pegi has dedicated most of her adult life to the special needs population & her passion is to help these students grow using real life experiences and practical skills, she wanted to incorporate those values into this new company.  

In the Fall of 2016, Coach Bibby was hired as the Adapted PE teacher at Eanes & one of the Special Olympics coaches. After a year of collaboration in various tasks and activities together, Pegi recognized that Bibby had the skills and passion to be an amazing business partner. Together, they’ve developed PICKadventures into the meaningful organization it is today. PICKadventures is not only a travel company, but also provides enrichment and appropriate social interaction among peers.  With the addition of arts and crafts, physical activities modified for any type of ability level, games, culinary opportunities, and many recreation & leisure sports, PICKadventures provides the greatest travel experience for young adults with disabilities that Austin has to offer.  With a combined 30+ years in Special Education, each adventurer is set up for success in whatever way he or she needs.  In order to ensure each person has the best possible trip, many tools (which maybe include but are not limited to visual schedules, social stories, power points, busy activities, verbal/visual/tactile reminders, etc) are used and they are tailored to each individual adventurer. 

These trips provide both fun and fulfillment for all involved, and the big picture goal would be to eventually add a summer program that would offer similar services all summer long. 

PEGI PICKETT

I am a graduate of Sam Houston State University where I earned a bachelors degree in Academic Studies with specializations in Special Education, English, and Elementary Education, with teaching certifications in all areas mentioned.

I began my teaching career in Houston, Tx with Cypress Fairbanks ISD teaching first grade, then for my second year I moved onto fourth grade. I was happy but not truly in my element until I began coaching with the CY Fair special olympics team. There I met the high school aged athletes and realized I wanted to teach the older population. Having always yearned to live in Austin, Tx, I attended a job fair in the summer of 2001 where I landed my dream job teaching at Westlake High School in Eanes ISD. I have been teaching special education, vocational training, and independent living for Eanes ISD since August of 2001. I took over as the Head of Delegation for Eanes Special Olympics in 2003 and have been running that program for sixteen years and counting. In 2006 I began working at a summer camp for individuals with Autism, Ascendingo, based in Carbondale, CO. I have worked many summers with Ascendigo, and am currently the Program Manager for their six week summer program, "Ascending to Adulthood." 

Over the last 20 years in the special education field I have gained priceless knowledge in the field of autism and IDD which has enabled me in planning and implementing amazing individual activities for our adventurers.  

After a debilitating broken leg and reconstructive surgery, and three knee surgeries all within two years, I decided I needed to set a personal fitness goal. I have completed two sprint triathlons this year and am signed up for two more races by the end of 2019. I also have the cutest Frenchie/Boston mix named Fenway. She travels with us on our trips when appropriate.  

My true love is to travel and experience new places. I can't wait to take your adventurer with me!!!

ERIKA CASSEL

I began my journey to become an educator in 2007 at The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire as a Theater Education major. After 2 years, I had to leave school to work full time. During those years I have worked as a cook, server and pastry chef. A few years ago I decided it was time to leave my job as a sous chef in Madison, WI and continue my college courses. I am 6 months away from completing my Special Education degree at Western Governors University! I have been a job coach with the Eanes ISD Adult Transition Services since 2021 and can’t imagine a more wonderful way to spend my days. I am also a member of the Eanes Special Olympics coaching staff!

When I’m not at ATS I enjoy reading, watching Dr. Who and doing yoga. My daughter and I have enjoyed traveling to places such as Colorado, Arizona, Washington DC and Galveston during breaks.

I am so happy to join Pegi in providing fun and adventurous vacations to our travelers!