Daniel was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of four. Being different he struggled in school with bullying and making friends. His doctor suggested medication and counseling, but a life-changing event happened during middle school when Daniel’s parents enrolled him in the YMCA and he started focusing on fitness and exercise. Daniel started enjoying sports and weightlifting activities throughout the school year. With this positive personal experience, Daniel was inspired to found Special Strong, a fitness studio that has successfully provided adapted fitness personal training for people with special needs such as autism and other disabilities. Special strong has served more than thousand clients with special needs. Daniel also started Strong Education, where parents, trainers and fitness professionals learn to adapt fitness for autism and other disabilities and can earn their special needs fitness certifications.

How has your interest in exercise and fitness empowered your life?D: Exercise and fitness have served as a way for me to channel my mind, body, and spirit to live life to the fullest. It's allowed me to find victory over my mental and physical challenges

What inspired you to start the Special Strong gym?D: At the age of four, I was diagnosed with a severe form of ADHD (later diagnosed with bipolar), and the doctor said that my only options were medication and counseling. I struggled in school to make friends and got bullied for being "different." In middle school, my parents got me a gym membership to the YMCA. I started exercising, and it changed my life. As a result, I started Special Strong because I've felt a deep calling to help others with special needs experience abundant life through health and fitness.

How does your company Strong Education differ from other personal trainer education providers?D: There are many excellent providers for personal trainers on the market. What makes Strong Education unique is that it's a specialty certification that teaches parents and professionals how to work with any condition. Most specialty certifications only focus on one condition (such as autism).

What challenges did you face during your school days? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?D: I was bullied for being different and constantly made fun of. At the time, I was not able to motivate myself to face those challenges but I had people who believed in me and supported me that allowed me to push through the challenges

What are your other hobbies?D: I love to read books and listen to podcasts. On average, I read 40 books a year. I also enjoy working out and exercise 4-5 times a week.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?D: I love to visit Galveston because it's a short drive from where I live. I grew up on the beach, and Galveston reminds me a lot of the beach.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?D: My suggestion is to see their children for their potential (not their disability) and to call it out in them.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in fitness?D: My advice is to find a niche. It seems like every trainer focused on weight loss and lean muscle. Those have their place, but I encourage everyone to find a niche that really ignites their passions.

Any special message for our community?D: My special message comes from a book in the bible, Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Never stop believing for the impossible.