a life without limits

Frankie Kineavy is a writer, leader, assistant football coach, and advocate whose work reflects resilience, creativity, and a commitment to disability inclusion. Frankie was raised in Sea Girt, where he had strong family and community support, and that  helped to shape his personal and professional life. Frankie was born with cerebral palsy and communicates through a letter board with the help of scribes who write down or record what he communicates. His experiences contributed to a body of work that emphasizes leadership, representation, and authentic storytelling. 

Beginnings 

After graduating from Villanova University, Frankie pursued writing, and later developed a friendship with Chris Malleo, former Wall High School quarterback and Peddie School football coach. In 2016, Frankie became an assistant football coach alongside Chris, and their friendship evolved beyond the football field.  

In 2025, Chris approached Frankie with the concept that led to their co-authored book, “The ChairLeader: Lead Without Limits.” Published in October 2025, the book integrates Frankie’s life experiences with key leadership principles. He hopes that the book will show that a person doesn’t need to be able to walk or talk in order to be a leader or add value to an organization. Chris and Frankie both feel very strongly about this message being shared, so they continue to promote the book along with speaking engagements. 

Creative Work 

Frankie’s creative work includes “First Aide,” a play he wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period marked a personally challenging time, during which he experienced stagnation in employment, limited social interaction, and uncertainty regarding long-term goals.  

Frankie reflects, “I was starving to connect; I was starving to achieve; I was starving to jumpstart my life. This is when I began writing my alternate story...if I had things my way.” These circumstances prompted Frankie to explore the question “What if?” This reflection produced the foundation for “First Aide,” which examines how a non-verbal wheelchair user might navigate life independently in New York City. 

After months of “banging my head against a wall,” Frankie reached out to Pat Barry, producer at the Spring Lake Theatre. He had attended performances at the theatre, and his sister had previously participated in the youth workshop, so he was familiar with them. Frankie consulted Pat with the idea of staging the show at the Community House. After collaboration with director Nick D’Ambrosia, “First Aide” premiered in September 2024.  Frankie notes that the performance was “a blast, and I got to expand my social network to a great group of people my own age.” Proceeds from the production, generously donated by Ms. Barry, funded the development of “The WheelDeal,” a proof-of-concept short film directed by D’Ambrosia. The film, a true labor of love, premiered at the SOHO International Film Festival in October 2025. According to Nick, “Frankie’s effort is unbelievable. It is always about the work. He always goes in with a smile and doesn’t let things limit him.” 

Frankie notes that the process of these projects demonstrates that young people with disabilities are eager to “get their hands dirty and work towards a goal.” He emphasizes that public perception often reflects individuals with disabilities at extremes, either in moments of significant struggle or exceptional achievement.   

He continues, “We get up every day, with goals to attain, both large and small.  We are just like everyone else.” 

Crafting Community 

Frankie’s involvement with the Spring Lake Theatre community has been central to his personal and artistic development. The production of “First Aide” was fantastic, and the six-week collaboration of Broadway Meets the Boardwalk Fundraiser took it to a whole new level. Frankie worked with the choreographers, marketing staff, performers, and his friend Pat Roddy and Pat’s manager Matt. Frankie says that this allowed him to become a big part of the Spring Lake Community Theatre family. 

Frankie attributes much of his success to his family and the close-knit nature of his community. He notes that if this wasn’t the case, “there would not be Villanova or SOHO or books and films written.”  He continues to be grateful for all the support that encourages him to keep moving forward. 

Coaching and Mentorship 

In addition to his creative work, Frankie maintains a strong commitment to coaching. He is the Offensive Assistant with the Robbinsville High School football program, saying “it is still the thing I get the most joy from.” He describes head coach Andrew Patterson as someone who exemplifies selflessness and community-oriented leadership.  

The inclusive nature of this environment mirrors his earlier positive experiences at the Peddie School and continues to reinforce his dedication to mentorship. Frankie says that communication from former players and managers is a particularly rewarding aspect of his coaching role. 

While also still promoting “The ChairLeader,” Frankie continues to develop his television series project and remains active in writing, public speaking, and collaborative work.   

Frankie’s projects are a reminder that when people choose to make room for one another, anything is possible. As director and friend Nick D’Ambrosia says, “If you take the time and make the effort to include people with disabilities, you can really open up your world.” It is both the lesson Frankie teaches and the legacy  he is building. 

Frankie’s book “The ChairLeader” is available now at Thunder Books in Spring Lake.