Mission
At Always Think Twice, we believe that youth sports should build character, not compromise health. That’s why we created Concussion Coach, a simple and effective tool to help athletes, coaches, and parents make safer decisions in real-time. Our mission is to prevent secondary brain injuries by making concussion awareness affordable, accessible, and actionable, starting at the youth level.
Vision
To create a world where every athlete—regardless of age, level, or sport—has access to real-time tools that prevent traumatic brain injuries. We envision a future where concussion awareness is built into the game, not just after the fact, and where safety becomes a standard, not a privilege.
Meet Our Team
Our talented team at Always Think Twice is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology innovation.
CEO
Anna Vartan
I have a long history with youth athletics, from ice skating, Judo and snowboarding as well as a background in Mechanical Engineering and business. With the development of Concussion Coach, I’ve been able to bring those two passions together to help create an incredible device to further awareness of TMI’s, and provide safety for young athletes.
Product Researcher
Sepehr Pazoki
Sepehr Pazoki holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Robotics, he brings a deep technical background and a relentless passion for innovation in wearable safety technology. As an avid snowboarder, mountain biker, and former wrestler, Sepehr’s commitment to concussion awareness is both professional and personal. His active lifestyle gives him firsthand insight into the risks faced by athletes, fueling his mission to develop intuitive, effective solutions that help prevent second impact syndrome. Sepehr combines engineering expertise with real-world experience to lead the creation of durable, high-performance devices that serve those who need them most.
COO, CMO
Drew Jenkins
Drew brings firsthand knowledge of the challenges student-athletes face, on and off the field. A former Division I football player at San Jose State University, he competed for over five years, earning two master’s degrees along the way. His published research on the student-athlete mental health crisis has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, giving him both the lived experience and academic insight to advocate for athlete wellness. Drew’s passion for concussion awareness was deeply personal, sparked by watching his twin brother, also a teammate at SJSU, suffer multiple head injuries. With a background in multiple sports—including football, basketball, soccer, track, and snowboarding—Drew understands the mental and physical toll of youth and collegiate athletics. Through Concussion Coach, he’s working to ensure that the next generation of athletes can compete smarter, safer, and longer.
Product Advisor
Max Rothe
Max Rothe is the technical force behind Concussion Coach, bridging the gap between product design, intellectual property, and long-term innovation strategy. A graduate of San Jose State University, Max holds both a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on engineering and entrepreneurship—a unique blend that perfectly positions him to lead development at the intersection of hardware and business strategy. Max oversees the device’s patent filings, ensuring that Concussion Coach remains not only effective, but protected. His hands-on role includes managing proprietary information, user-driven design iterations, and translating market needs into product features.Max’s passion for injury prevention comes from personal experience: as an avid bike rider, he’s no stranger to crashes, concussions, and the risks that come with high-impact sports. That background fuels his commitment to building smarter, safer tools for athletes of all levels.
Our
Story
Safety Should Be A Priority
Concussion Coach began as a bold idea between Max Rothe and Drew Jenkins, teammates, friends, and fellow students who shared a passion for sports and safety. Originally pitched during a collegiate business competition, the concept was simple but powerful: what if there was a visible, real-time warning system to alert coaches, players, and parents of potentially dangerous head impacts? What started as a small project quickly evolved into a mission. As they explored the feasibility of the idea, the potential to turn it into a real product became undeniable. Recognizing the need for technical and business expertise, the founding team brought on Sepehr Pazoki to lead engineering efforts and Anna Vartan to support both product design and strategic direction. The small but driven team began entering collegiate startup competitions, where their message resonated deeply with judges, parents, and fellow athletes. Over time, they secured enough funding to bring on additional engineers and interns, transforming a concept into a working prototype. Behind the innovation lies a deeply personal story: Drew’s twin brother, also a football player at San Jose State University, suffered multiple concussions. That experience gave the team a clear goal: help prevent second-impact injuries in youth and amateur athletes before it’s too late. This project isn’t just about technology. It’s about trust, safety, and giving every athlete the chance to play with confidence. We’re here to help every coach, parent, and program Think Twice before sending a player back on the field.