Houston Poem serves as the Director of Pickleball for The BrightPath Foundation, where he leads the development of pickleball programming in support of the Foundation's mission to promote movement, wellness, and meaningful community engagement.

A coach, educator, and curriculum designer with more than 15 years of experience in racket sports, Houston is also the Head Coach and curriculum architect for the International Sports and Culture Exchange Association (ISCEA), where he develops coaching systems and trains instructors in the United States and internationally. His work focuses on helping athletes, coaches, and communities use sport as a vehicle not only for performance, but for personal growth, connection, and lifelong well-being.

At BrightPath, Houston oversees instructional programming, coach development, community partnerships, clinics, wellness events, and participant engagement initiatives designed to make pickleball accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for people of all ages and backgrounds. Drawing from his experience in tennis, pickleball, somatics, mindfulness practices, and skill acquisition, he helps create learning environments that foster confidence, belonging, and lasting healthy habits.

Houston believes that movement is one of the most powerful tools available for improving quality of life. Through thoughtful coaching and community-centered programming, he is committed to helping individuals build resilience, strengthen social connections, and discover the joy that comes from lifelong participation in sport.

Through his leadership, The BrightPath Foundation continues to use pickleball as a catalyst for wellness, education, and human connection, empowering participants to move more, connect more deeply, and live healthier lives.