Our Directors
Stephen Vaught, Founder & President
Stephen Vaught earned his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Virginia Tech where he served as a Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach. Stephen has over 15 years experience working with athletes of all ages and sports. Stephen is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise and a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute. Before founding API in 2004, Stephen served as the Fitness Director and Personal Training Coordinator at the Skyline Sport & Health Club (Falls Church, VA) and the Annapolis Athletic Club (Annapolis, MD). Contact Stephen
Amy Shaffer, Director of All-Sport Kids Academy
Amy Shaffer earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science from Salisbury University. Amy has a long history of instructing and working with kids of all ages in athletic environments. Most recently, Amy was the Program Director at Gymboree Play and Music where she led and facilitated a variety of instructional classes with a focus on early childhood development. Prior to that, she was an instructor with the YMCA Tumble Tots (for ages 2-4) and with the Jump Bunch Sports Program (for ages 2-12). Amy brings energy, a positive attitude, and a sense of creativity to every child with whom she works. Amy is a current member of the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and a Certified Sport Education Program Coach. Contact Amy
Danny Locklear, Director of Sports Performance
Danny Locklear earned his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Frostburg State University and his Master's Degree in Exercise Science & Coaching from Concordia University Irvine. Danny is passionate about improvement in sports performance and in people. Using his background in strength training, Coach Danny works with his athletes and clients to create a "journey-based" approach to improving their athletic performance and reaching their fitness goals. Coach Danny is a Certified Performance Specialist through EXOS, a certified Sports Performance Coach through USAW, and is certified in Olympic Weightlifting through the USA Weightlifting Association. Contact Danny
Kat Van Houten, Director of Marketing
Kat Van Houten earned her Bachelor's degree in Marketing, with a minor in Hospitality Marketing, from York College of Pennsylvania, where she also completed her Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Kat is originally from New Jersey and was on her high school softball and swim teams. In 2021, she joined API with over 5 years of sales and marketing experience and brings creativity, an upbeat personality, and enthusiasm to API. As Marketing Coordinator, Kat handles all marketing and advertising directives for the API brand, including API’s social media accounts, sponsorship opportunities, business partnerships, website, digital campaigns, and print materials. Contact Kat.