Chris is the Founder and CEO of Fitness 4 Focus. After college Chris returned to Central Pennsylvania where he began to work for a local agency as a Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) from 2003-2012. His primary role as a TSS was to provide intervention strategies in order to assist students in developing daily living, social and cultural skills.

In 2005, while playing catch during recess with a client named Tommy, Chris took notice that Tommy had deficits in areas that many take for granted.   Due to Chris' background in physical education and athletics, he immediately began to help Tommy improve in the areas of physical endurance, strength and coordination.  In that moment, an idea was born. Chris began to envision a place where special needs individuals like Tommy could participate in meaningful individualized physical activity.  A place where given the right kind of training they could become physically and mentally stronger, gain more independence, and as a result become happier and healthier. Chris’s new found passion combined with his knowledge and experience led to the creation and now continued success of Fitness 4 Focus.

crussell@fitness4focus.com

Ally is a Hershey, PA native. Growing up, she was involved in many sports, although soccer was her true passion and talent. Her lifestyle emphasis on physical activity led her to Messiah College, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education and will be graduating in May of 2019.

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Ally first took notice to Fitness 4 Focus while attending the Walk for Apraxia in 2015. She was drawn to the enthusiastic love displayed by the employees towards their athletes. F4F was not only a chance for her to work with individuals with special needs through physical fitness, but also one of the greatest and most rewarding opportunities to impact these individuals.

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Ally enjoys seeing the physical, mental, and personal growth exhibited by each and every F4F athlete that walks through their doors. Being able to witness and be a part of their progress is one of the (many) reasons Ally enjoys being a part of the F4F crew. Being a part of the F4F family has impacted Ally's personal growth, giving her the opportunity to become a more understanding, empathetic, patient, and accepting human being

aconfer@fitness4focus.com

After graduating from Elizabethtown College in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Chaz immediately began working with kids with various disabilities. He began in the field of social work as a Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) serving Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties of Central Pennsylvania.

Over the years he has also volunteered/worked with various programs as a respite worker and behavioral consultant for Special Olympics Area M, Easter Seals and Aaron’s Acres.

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As a multi-sport athlete growing up, Chaz spent a lot of time enjoying outdoor recreational activities which led to his colligate soccer career and an overall love for coaching. In his spare time he spends time with family and loved ones. 

cvennie@fitness4focus.com

Sean has firsthand experience in supporting those with special needs due to being the twin brother of an individual on the autism spectrum. Outside of the gym Sean likes to read, play the guitar, run, and play pickup soccer or basketball.

Sean first recognized his passion for fitness through his high school gym teacher, who made his brutal 90 minute training sessions seem enjoyable by engaging with his students and encouraging them to go beyond their self-imposed limits. Sean hopes to adopt this ethic every time he works with a Fitness 4 Focus athlete. In addition to working as a F4F trainer, Sean is involved with updating our website, editing printed and online information, and expanding the company’s social media presence.

sjarman@fitness4focus.com

Katelyn has a Bachelors of Science in Applied Health Science from Messiah College. Go Falcons! She grew up in the Mechanicsburg area and has stayed active within it her whole life. Katelyn played softball and field hockey.

Outside of the gym, you can find her spending time with family and friends, spending time outdoors, going for a walk with her dog, exercising, and crafting. Katelyn has a special heart for individuals with special needs. She was a volunteer therapy aid at Leg Up Farm and a buddy at Special Olympics throughout high school. Then in college, she continued to be a buddy at Special Olympics and worked as a camp counselor at Aaron’s Acres, which is where she first found out about F4F.

Katelyn became an intern at the F4F Hershey location in the summer of 2016. That fall, she joined the newly opened Mechanicsburg location. She came on board at Fitness 4 Focus because she understands the necessity for exercise for individuals with special needs. She enjoys using her passion to make an impact in their lives.

Katelyn loves being able to not only help athletes’ with their fitness goals but with other aspects of their life too. F4F has made her realize that the smallest things can make a big impact in the lives of our athletes and their family. This was a great lesson for her life outside of the gym as well. One athlete that has particularly impressed her started at the gym shortly after the Mechanicsburg location opened. He could only do a small jump - now he is able to jump far and do a box jump. Katelyn can’t wait to see how many boxes he can jump onto.

Kmckiernan@fitness4focus.com

Alec has first hand experience helping others with special needs stemming from his 5 years at Aaron's Acres. He loves to help and encourage everyone to both reach their goals and live a healthy lifestyle. Outside of the Gym, Alec loves to run, play drums and spend time with family.

Alec’s love for fitness grew during high school track and marching band, both activities took a lot of physical effort and mental strength. Alec tries to use the lessons he learned during his athletic training to both strengthen the athletes muscles and their mind’s. Alec is looking forward to working with everyone to accomplish their goals and strengthen themselves.

acarriedo@fitness4focus.com