Tracy’s journey began with a passion for helping individuals with special needs as a recreational therapist. While raising her children, she found great success working from home in the direct selling industry. But as her kids grew up and went off to college, Tracy felt a renewed calling for deeper fulfillment in her career. When she learned about the mission of Special Strong, she knew this was the new direction God had prepared for her.
Matt, a former baseball player for The Ohio State University, has dedicated his career to sales and is a lifelong fitness enthusiast. His commitment to health and fitness, combined with Tracy’s background, makes them a powerful team for the NorCal Special Strong franchise.
Together, they bring a blend of business acumen, sales expertise, recreational therapy, and a shared passion for fitness to serve clients, caregivers, trainers, gym owners, and the broader community. Through Special Strong, they’re excited to inspire others to lead more abundant lives.
Tracy holds a degree in Recreational Therapy from Ohio University, and Matt earned his degree in Human Ecology from Ohio State University. Married for 27 years, they live in Folsom, CA, where they enjoy traveling, sports events, and staying active through workouts, paddleboarding, and long walks. They have three adult children—Trey (25), Grant (23), and Rhyan (21)—whom they hope will join the family business in the future.
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.
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.
To empower over 1 million athletes and 100,000 coaches to live an abundant life through adaptive fitness.
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.