There’s an Athlete in All of Us.
OUR INSPIRATION
"STELLAR SPIRITS ARE OFTEN FOUND IN IMPERFECT BODIES."
Russel M. Nelson
When Todd Turner's youngest daughter Amarissa was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with autism, he and his brother Paul discovered a glaring gap — while therapy options existed for the special needs community, fitness and athletic programs were virtually nonexistent. That absence became the founding purpose of Team GUTS™.
Amarissa is the heart of this organization. Her spirit, strength, and joy remind us every day why this work matters.
OUR MISSION
The number of individuals in the United States who are overweight or obese is alarmingly high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five children and adolescents, and more than one in three adults, struggle with obesity. This concerning trend increases the likelihood of various diseases, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, along with numerous other health complications.
Some demographic groups, particularly the special needs population, are more affected than others. Children and adults with mobility limitations and intellectual or learning disabilities face a heightened risk of obesity.
Specifically, the CDC reports that obesity rates among children and adolescents with disabilities are approximately 38% higher than those of their peers without disabilities. Furthermore, 20% of children aged 10 to 17 with special health care needs are classified as obese, compared to 15% of children in the same age range without such needs.
Improving Lives Through Fitness
Regular physical activity offers crucial health benefits for this often-overlooked demographic, including improved cardiovascular and muscle fitness, enhanced mental health, and better performance in daily tasks.
Physical activity is particularly vital for the special needs community due to their unique challenges in staying fit. Research indicates low fitness levels and obesity within the Down syndrome community, even though studies show that physical activity can lead to physiological improvements. These low fitness levels and obesity are often linked to sedentary lifestyles, a lack of social and recreational opportunities, and low motivation to engage in physical activity.
Despite the availability of programs focused on physical, speech, and occupational therapy, there is a significant lack of fitness options for individuals with special needs. To address this gap, Team GUTS was established.
OUR FOUNDERS
The Turner Brothers
Todd Turner
Co-Founder
With over 25 years of experience as a trainer, Todd has worked with clients ranging in age from 5 to 93, and believes strongly in the life-changing power of exercise for individuals of all abilities.
Todd’s passion for inclusive fitness is personal. His youngest daughter was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with autism. When he discovered the lack of opportunities available for her to participate in fitness and athletics, he was inspired to help create Team GUTS—an organization built on the belief that “There’s an athlete in all of us.”
For more than 12 years, Todd and his brother Paul have been committed to helping individuals with special needs gain strength, confidence, health, and opportunity—because everyone deserves the chance to improve their quality of life.
Paul Turner
Co-Founder
Paul is a seasoned marketing executive and entrepreneur who has spent more than two decades building brands and guiding organizations through growth and change. His first entrepreneurial venture was Andrew Joseph & Company, a marketing firm that partnered with several Fortune 100 companies, including Mitsubishi Motors, Pepsi, Eli Lilly, and Honda.
In 2014, Paul left the corporate world to co-found GUTS Training Center. Alongside his brother, Todd, he helped develop young athletes for competition at the high school level and beyond. During this time, Paul also helped create Team GUTS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with special needs.
In late 2020, Paul and Todd dedicated their full efforts to Team GUTS, its mission, and the community it serves.
Paul earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business in 1987. He brings strategic vision, business expertise, and a deep commitment to service to his leadership role at Team GUTS.
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
David Phillips is a transformational business leader and educator whose career spans enterprise technology, real‑time location systems, and inclusive community fitness. After more than two decades leading strategic initiatives at Zebra Technologies, he transitioned into public education and now serves as an ASD program teacher in the Berkley School District, where he applies systems thinking to build structured, strengths‑based learning environments.
A CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and former co‑owner of Port Huron CrossFit, David has long championed accessible, community‑driven fitness, further reflected in his volunteer work with Special Olympics Unified Sports. Joining the Team Guts Board in January 2026, he brings a commitment to expanding adaptive programming, strengthening organizational systems, and ensuring every athlete is recognized as an asset to their community.
David Phillips
Dan Wolocko is a highly respected sports physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience in sports medicine and athletic performance. He is widely regarded as one of the preeminent sports physical therapists in the state of Michigan.
Dan’s professional work has focused on sports-specialized physical therapy, sports performance training, and coaching, as well as providing continuing education in health, wellness, fitness, and rehabilitation. He has also played a central role in developing, directing, and overseeing all programming and services for TrinityElite Sports Performance, on behalf of Trinity Health, serving athletes and active individuals throughout southeast Michigan.
Dan Wolocko
Brenda Roberts is a native of Michigan and a strategic business leader, she has dedicated her career to the cutting edge of enterprise technology. With a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives at Zebra Technologies, she has established herself as an expert in RFID, software consulting, and integrated technology solutions. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving key projects and shaping strategies that help businesses leverage technology to solve complex operational challenges.
Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply rooted in her community. She enjoys traveling and cherishes spending quality time with her family. Driven by a personal commitment to making a difference, giving back to the community remains a core goal in her life.
Brenda Roberts
Judy Lindstrom is guided by a deep belief in living with purpose and intention. She is passionate about supporting people, animals, communities, and the natural world, and seeks out opportunities that create meaningful, lasting impact.
Giving back is not an occasional act, but a consistent thread in how Judy lives her life. She believes that even the smallest actions, when done with care, can contribute to something far greater.
This philosophy shapes both her personal and professional journey, leading her toward work and relationships rooted in compassion, service, and connection.
Judy is grateful to live in alignment with these values and is proud to be part of the mission-driven community at Team GUTS.
Judy Lindstrom