Tell us a bit about yourself. What does your background look like?
I have been a physical therapist for about 20 years, so adaptive fitness is familiar to me through my work. I also have four children, and two of them have special needs. My son Joshua has Down syndrome and my older son, VIncent, is autistic. Special Strong allows me to combine my clinical skills with my personal experiences as a mom. That combination made this feel like a natural next step.
How did you discover Special Strong?
I first came across Special Strong through social media years ago when I was running another business. I remember seeing their stories on LinkedIn and being completely drawn in. I thought it was amazing and kept wondering why more people were not doing this. At that time, I never imagined owning a franchise myself. But as my life changed, especially after having Joshua, it stayed on my mind. Eventually, I reached out to learn more and it became clear this was where God was leading me.
What was it about Special Strong that stood out to you?
The mission is what really spoke to me. Special Strong is about helping people live abundant lives. Every parent of a child with special needs thinks about their child’s future, especially what happens after they are gone. This mission helps families see what is possible. It empowers people to live with more independence and helps them discover their potential. That is the kind of work I want to be part of.
Were there any concerns you had going into this?
Of course. I have a family of six, and there is a lot that goes into opening a business. I wondered how it would affect our home life. There were also financial concerns, especially with startup costs. But every time I doubted, God provided clarity and opened doors. My husband and I made this decision together, and I feel peace about it.
How has the process been so far?
It has been incredibly supportive. From the very first call, I knew what to expect and what steps to take. The Special Strong team has been there every step of the way, making sure I never feel lost or stuck. The other franchisees have been amazing too, offering so much wisdom and encouragement.
What excites you most about bringing Special Strong to Lancaster County?
I am most excited about connecting with families like mine. When you have children with special needs, it can feel isolating. I want to build a community where people feel seen, valued, and supported. It means a lot to be the person providing these opportunities, not just for my clients but also for my own family.
Do you have a long-term vision for your franchise?
My vision is to impact as many families as possible. I also want to build something that becomes part of my own family’s legacy. I hope my children can be involved in this business and take pride in it. I want it to be a blessing for the community and for my family’s future.
How will you define success for your clients?
Success will look different for each person, but I want people to focus on their strengths rather than their limitations. It is about shifting how people see themselves and helping them realize what they can achieve. My hope is that families will notice how the obstacles they face become easier over time through the training we provide.
What do you think makes Special Strong different?
The people. Every single person I have met in this organization has been kind, encouraging, and mission-driven. It starts with the leadership and flows through the entire team. You can feel the purpose behind everything. I want to bring that same energy to Lancaster County and create a team that makes people feel like they are part of the Special Strong family.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Special Strong franchisee?
Think about your why and pray about it. If you feel like you are being called to serve in this way, do not hesitate. The support, the mission, and the community are all incredible. It is a big decision, but if you have a heart for serving others, it is a very rewarding path.
