Zackary Paben has been empowering adolescents and adults as a mental health and recovery professional for almost 30 years. He has worked in a range of settings including wilderness, residential, educational, and community-based programs. As the co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit More Heart Than Scars, he empowers people to affirm that they are more than their visible and invisible wounds and or diagnosis. More Heart Than Scars’ mission is a quest for faith, love, hope, and heart, achieved by overcoming obstacles together and encouraging others to live boldly. Working with Spartan Race, Zackary leads adaptive athletes towards opportunities that build teamwork, interdependence, and resilience for future growth in their lives. Spartan Race has become the perfect vehicle for More Heart Than Scars to provide team building for both corporations, and/or students on the Autism spectrum.

Zack is a Senior Residential Coach and enjoys providing direct care to the students in order to form trusting relationships that are often forged in the mud and echoed in ongoing adventures. He leads Obstacle Course Racing events and other wilderness experiences. As a former Outward Bound instructor, he continues to work to uphold those values and skills. He enjoys archery and watching their koi fish swim in circles in the backyard of his mountain farmhouse with his partner.