At The School at Springbrook, progress looks different for every student, and for Charlie and Isaiah, it’s measured in strength gained, confidence built, and exceeding goals.
With the support of Physical Therapy Assistant Kristina “Tina” Lauvas, both students have committed themselves to improving their physical fitness and overall wellness. Since spring 2025, they’ve been traveling regularly to the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, where they dedicate 45–60 minutes per session to cardio and strength training. Each visit begins with a warm-up which includes time spent on equipment like the treadmill, elliptical, or recumbent bike before moving into focused strength training. But what happens during those sessions goes far beyond physical exercise.
For Isaiah, the fitness center has become a place of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Drawn to free weights like the bench press and bent-over rows, he has embraced both the challenge and responsibility that come with them. After experiencing a knee injury, Isaiah had to slow down, a moment that could have discouraged him. Instead, it became proof of his determination. Today, he’s not only regained his strength but continues to build on it, with a strong focus on safety, control, and balance. His progress is reflected not just in his physical strength—particularly in his upper body—but in his increased independence, awareness and respect of others, and ability to confidently navigate a shared fitness space.
Charlie’s journey is equally inspiring. Utilizing a wheelchair and dual canes for mobility, Charlie has made remarkable strides. Over time, he has progressed to walking into the fitness center and moving between equipment using his canes, demonstrating increased strength and mobility. Through the use of his assistive communication device, Charlie actively participates in every part of his workout. He communicates the equipment he’s using, the resistance level, and the number of repetitions which takes ownership of his fitness routine in a powerful way. His dedication has led to measurable progress, moving from higher repetitions at lower resistance to fewer reps at greater strength levels. When asked about his favorite part, Charlie shares that he enjoys warming up on the recumbent bike, and more importantly, how strong he feels since beginning this journey. His goal is simple and powerful: to keep getting stronger and improve his mobility.
Together, both students have gained more than physical strength. Their time at the fitness center has fostered independence, improved social awareness, and encouraged a positive mindset, one that embraces challenges and celebrates growth.
Tina reflects on their journey with pride. She has seen firsthand how their confidence, stamina, and independence have flourished. By giving students the ability to make choices while encouraging them to push beyond their comfort zones, she’s helped create an environment where real progress can happen.
While access to a well-equipped facility like the Clark Sports Center has been invaluable, it also comes with challenges. The 30-minute commute each way, the coordination of transportation—especially for students with mobility needs—and the time taken from the school day can all limit how often students can participate. Expanding and enhancing on-campus fitness opportunities could help remove these barriers and allow even more students to benefit from experiences like this.
But at the heart of it all is the relationship and trust built between Tina, Charlie, and Isaiah. With her guidance, encouragement, and belief in their abilities, both students have grown not only stronger physically, but more confident in themselves. Tina meets each of them where they are, celebrating their progress while gently pushing them toward new goals which is helping them recognize their own potential every step of the way.
For Charlie and Isaiah, this journey is about more than fitness—it’s about independence, resilience, and pride in what they can accomplish. And with every visit, every rep, and every step forward, they are proving just how far determination and support can take them.