Who We Are
Meet Teri & Tamara
Teri Dunn and Tamara Ishee are the owners of Special Strong West Houston. Teri, a retired Special Education Teacher of 34 years, holds certifications as a CPT and Special Strong trainer. She also volunteers as a girls’ basketball coach for the Katy Wolf Pack Special Olympics team. Tamara, a management professional with a heart for service, holds the same certifications and brings her expertise to the business. Together, they are proud parents to Abby, who has Down syndrome and is the heart and inspiration behind their work.
With firsthand experience and a genuine understanding of the special needs community, Teri and Tamara are dedicated to making a positive impact through Special Strong West Houston. Special Strong specializes in adaptive and inclusive fitness training for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges.
The Special Strong Story
By the age of 21, Daniel Stein had been diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder and autoimmune disease. After successfully using exercise to overcome his unique challenges, he felt called upon to help others with disabilities obtain healthier, happier, and higher functioning lives. Daniel obtained certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
In 2016, Daniel and his wife, Trinity, launched Special Strong, one of the only fitness centers in the country for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Today, Special Strong continues to specialize in adaptive and inclusive fitness training and is making a difference in the lives of children, adolescents and adults all over the world.
Mission
To unlock the strength and confidence within the mind, body, and spirit of every individual impacted by mental, physical, and cognitive challenges in order to live a more independent and abundant life.
Vision
To be the world’s leading household name in adaptive fitness, empowering millions of adaptive athletes worldwide to live independent and abundant lives.
Our Core Values
At Special Strong, we are governed by Christian values, using the acronym “STRONG.” Through our values, we have created a life-giving culture where solutions can be created, people can prosper, and God can be glorified.
Stewardship
We are Faithful Stewards of what God has Given Us
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” Luke 16:10
Give extra care and attention to our clients and team with safety as our number one priority
Commit to using our time, treasure, and talents to glorify God in everything we do
Improve on our gifts and strengths by our commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement
Transparency
We are Real People who are Real with People
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Demonstrate honesty and openness to make decisions and deliver information
Conduct and display our services with complete and open transparency
Have the respect to confront issues and problems that arise in order to grow to the next level
Relationship Focused
We are Relationship Focused First and Profit Second
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Fuel all of our actions by remembering “why” we do what we do
Assume the best by extending our trust before trust is earned
Focus everything on the relationship and everything else will follow
Ownership
We Own Our Unique Roles and Take 100% Responsibility
“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Matthew 25:23
Use initiative to act on opportunities and do more than is required of us
Commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement
Hungry for honest feedback from clients and teammates
No Judgement
We Seek to Relate and Understand Another Person’s Walk of Life
“Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Practice sensitivity towards the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of others
Accept others where they are without judgment – physically, spiritually, and emotionally
Show respect for and value all individuals for their diverse backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, styles, and ideas
Generosity
We are Blessed to be a Blessing to Others
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
Create opportunities to be generous with our time, treasure, and talents
Intentional with giving words of encouragement and gratitude to make others feel valued and appreciated
Serve the community, ministries, and non-profits with our resources