Q: When did you decide to co-found ‘Team GUTS’? (Did you ever think that it would help so many people?)

 

A: “My brother and I first decided to co-found ‘Team GUTS’ about 7-8 years ago. We quickly purchased the Team GUTS building and have owned it for over 5 years now. We knew that the organization would grow because there was a need for it.”

 

Q: What fears do you have as a special needs parent and how do you address them? 

 

A: “I am fearful for my daughter’s future. I know that I’m not going to live forever, so I hope that she can eventually take care of herself and have someone to count on. I have two older daughters that will hopefully take care of her in the future as well. She is currently 11 years old. She has a dual diagnosis of both down syndrome and autism. When she was 4 years old, everything began to change. She stopped communicating with us.”

 

Q: What are the most challenging/rewarding aspects of raising a child with special needs? 

 

A: “The most challenging aspect of raising a child with special needs is everyday life. My daughter is nonverbal, so this presents an entire set of obstacles. It’s hard to understand if something is bothering her or if she’s in pain. It can sometimes feel like a guessing game. The most rewarding aspect of raising a child with special needs is that she is simply amazing. She is always happy and smiling. She is just loveable. She’s our angel. If she is unhappy, then you know that something is wrong. The reward is simply her being her.”

 

Q: What is the largest misunderstanding people have about children with special needs? (In your opinion, how can we, as a society, move forward from these preconceived notions?)

 

A: “Many people think that special needs children are automatically unable to do things. They often have a fixed mindset that “he/she can’t do this.” For example, a couple of years ago, I helped facilitate a school field trip. I met a teacher and she told me that “this child can’t hit a baseball.” So I asked if the child has ever tried to hit a baseball. She said “no.” So then I put a baseball on a tee and the child hit it right away. I even began to throw pitches to him and he was hitting them! The child had a great time! The teacher was blown away. So I told her “it is amazing what they can do once you get them to try it.” There is a lot that special needs children can do that surprises people.”

 

“People need to have a better understanding of those with special needs. According to the CDC, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today. This means that most people either know somebody on the spectrum or have a family member on the spectrum. We are all different! For example, one of my high school teachers saw things as very black and white. He was an excellent teacher, but there were certain things that he didn’t understand or do that made me wonder if he had aspergers. I have a nephew with aspergers as well. Education is necessary, especially in schools. Inclusion and awareness are equally as important. At our facility, kids that don’t have a disability are able to participate in programs through volunteering. I often remind them that “we are all different” and “it is up to you to help those that can’t help themselves.” 

 

Q: Where do you hope to go with your career in the future? 

 

A: “My main goal is to continue growing Team GUTS as a nonprofit organization. Hopefully, it will outlive myself and will continue to serve as a place where teenagers, children, and adults can go and feel welcomed; a place where they can go and not feel judged or be looked at. A person has called me from Toledo, Ohio asking me if I would be interested in opening up a new location. I have always said that “I would love to,” in fact I have considered franchising. But, ultimately, I did not co-found Team GUTS to earn money. I did it to help people. One way I do this is by pursuing grants. We, as an organization, also rely on our sponsors and donors to help provide one-on-one training, group training, camps, and many more services. We also provide scholarships to families that cannot afford to pay for classes. We have never turned anyone away. In fact, we often scholarship more families than we are supposed to.”

 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been offering a free virtual class every Saturday. It focuses on martial arts and body conditioning. Each session lasts about 50 minutes. Families that are not even from Michigan are participating because it’s for children. The more people that we can help the better!”

 

Q: Describe what a typical day is like for you. How do you get involved with the sessions? 

 

A: “In college, I majored in exercise science and kinesiology. Afterwards, I began to work with people in general, not just athletes. I did not focus on those with special needs until my daughter was born. I mostly work with clients one-on-one. However, I also get involved with school field trips. On every trip, we provide different stations for the students. One of the stations that we provide includes baseball/kickball or throwball. Students are able to run the bases and have fun. Additionally, if a group training session is taking place, I will always ask if they need any help.”