Oxford, MI – October 5, 2026 – Special Strong, a specialty fitness provider serving individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, today announces the grand opening of Special Strong North Oakland County with a family-friendly celebration for the entire community on Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. at Upland Hills Farm, 481 Lake George Rd., Oxford, Michigan 48326. The event coincides with the farm’s Fall Festival, offering hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and face painting alongside Special Strong adaptive fitness demonstrations.
Owner Patricia Knickerbocker, a retired nurse whose career focused on helping others grow stronger and more independent, was drawn to Special Strong’s neuroscience-based adaptive fitness programming and its mission to serve individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. She is also the mother of a 26-year-old daughter with special needs, a role that has shaped her understanding of what families in this community need and what is possible when the right support is in place.
“I am excited to share this very special fitness format with the North Oakland community and could not think of a more perfect time and place to do so,” said Knickerbocker. “Special Strong is about helping others. What could be more rewarding than making a real difference for an individual and their family?”
Special Strong was founded in 2016 by Daniel Stein, who began specializing in health and fitness for people with special needs after being diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder, and autoimmune disease. The company provides adaptive and inclusive fitness programs to individuals around the world with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, rare genetic conditions, and more.
“When I began franchising in 2020, I was inspired to not only help Special Strong’s clients, but also leaders who share a passion for empowering individuals with special needs through fitness,” said Daniel Stein, CEO & Founder of Special Strong. “Patricia’s nursing background, her personal connection to this community, and her commitment to her clients make her exactly the kind of owner this mission calls for. We’re proud to celebrate this grand opening with North Oakland County.”
To learn more about Special Strong North Oakland County, visit their Location Page.
