Our Team
We understand how Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects all aspects of your physical, mental, and emotional life and that’s why our trainers are invested in your wellness from the moment you walk into the gym. Learn more about who we are and how our professional training can help you in your PD fight.
Sarrisa Curry
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In 2006, Sarrisa’s family relocated from Madison, WI, to the Kansas City area, where she began her career at The Athletic Club of Overland Park (ACOP). Over the next eight years, Sarrisa took on various management roles, including Manager of Operations and Wellness for nearly five years.
In 2014 ACOP was acquired by a new owner and her position was eliminated. Sarrisa recognized the opportunity to change career directions and as a NASM-certified personal trainer with extensive experience in group exercise, she quickly found a role she enjoyed in the fitness industry. Her next stop was working with clients and leading classes at Prairie Life Fitness Center, Title Boxing Club, and Burns and McDonnell.
2015 was a pivotal year for Sarrisa. There was a growing interest in boxing for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). People found their way to Title Boxing Club in search of a class that might help them or their loved one. Rock Steady Boxing was born and became a groundbreaking approach in the medical community for managing the symptoms of this degenerative neurological disease. Sarrisa was intrigued by the potential benefits of exercise for those with PD.
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As research increasingly supported the benefits of exercise for managing PD symptoms, slowing progression, and improving movement, Sarrisa and Josh acquired additional certifications in Parkinson’s-specific exercise formats. In 2019, they transitioned Rock Steady Boxing Kansas City LLC into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center. They officially dedicated their mission and space to supporting the Parkinson’s community.
Sarrisa is now serving as the President and Co-founder of The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center and Chair of the Development Committee. She brings decades of experience and knowledge of the human condition to adapt and overcome to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She has used her management experience to build an organization of competent, caring, and passionate individuals
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Rock Steady Boxing
PWR Moves (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery)
Urban Poling
Stick Mobility
SpinPoi
Balance Matters
Senior Fitness Specialist, Functional Aging Institute
Hand Eye Body
Parkinson’s Art of Expression
Basic First Aid/CPR
Josh Biles
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Josh is a Co-founder, board member and coach at The Pewc and has been working with the Parkinson's community for over 15 years. His primary roles are teaching Rock Steady, Stick Mobility, Combo Blast, Pwr! Moves, Fit2Care, Personal Training, leading our “Guys Night Out” events as well as taking care of our gym dog and mascot Franky! He has a huge heart for the Parkinson's community and is the brainchild of our monthly social events and Fit2Care program.
He specializes in pre and post-surgery exercise rehab, and was awarded “Most Motivating Trainer” from the PFI Las Vegas Boot Camp.
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NSCA
Stick Mobility
Spin Poi
Functional Aging Specialist
Balance Matters
Rock Steady Boxing
Pwr! Moves Trainer
Stephanie Goodman
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Stephanie brings a creative and multi-faceted approach to the battle against Parkinson’s disease. Stephanie is also a professionally trained actor, director and arts-educator. Stephanie was a 2021 recipient of the Parkinson’s Foundation’s community grant for her innovative, theatre-based program, Parkinson’s the Art of Expression- PARTE™ which uses tools borrowed from the theatre to address the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. This two-pronged program additionally trains and certifies others working with the PD community) to facilitate the PARTE’ Method. National trainings have included Kansas City, Rock Steady Boxing HQ, (Indianapolis) and CoachCon Denver, Washington State, South Carolina, and Iowa. Stephanie’s diverse education includes an Applied Science degree from Metropolitan Community College, an MFA from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and a BFA from The University of Florida. Stephanie, a certified occupational therapy assistant, strives to stay current on PD research and intervention strategies via continuing education and networking with neurology-based therapists and educators. She is an integral part of the PEWC team of outstanding coaches and staff.
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PWR! Moves Therapist (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery)
Functional Aging Specialist (Functional Aging Institute)
Rock Steady Boxing Coach (Rock Steady Boxing International)
Level One, Stick Mobility Coach (Stick Mobility Academy)
Balance Matters Trainer (Balance Training and Learning Center)
Urban Poling Instructor (Urban Poling-Nordic Walking for Wellness Professionals)
Certified Spin Poi Instructor
Blake Spanjer
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Blake is a licensed and registered occupational therapist who graduated with her doctorate degree in 2022 from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
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Blake started her involvement with the PEWC in the fall of 2021 and completed her doctoral capstone project with the PEWC from January-April of 2022. She just couldn’t stay away from The PEWC long and asked Sarrisa and the board to officially come on as part of the team, and started in July of 2022 after passing her board exam.
Her primary role at The PEWC is to expand and maintain the program development in alignment with our mission and vision. You may see information about programs such as, the Fighter Fellowship, Live Well events, social work, or capstone projects, and she helped create those! She absolutely loves helping people with neurodegenerative conditions maintain their independence and quality of life. Another passion includes helping students learn about neurodegenerative conditions, client-centered care, and the benefits of community-based practice. Blake is also employed as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Occupational Therapy Education Department.
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Kansas State Board of Healing Arts – Licensed Occupational Therapist
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) – Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR)
Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) Certified Therapist
Certified Aging Specialist: Functional Aging Institute
Certified in Balance Matters: Step and Connect
Basic Life Support / CPR Certification through American Heart Association
Natalie Hull
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Natalie received her B.S. in Health and Exercise Science while playing basketball at Regis University in Denver,CO. She started working at the PEWC in 2021, just a few days after graduating college. She has always been passionate about understanding the body, particularly the extensive benefits of exercise and how to make it attainable by everyone. Since working at the PEWC her passion for training people with Parkinson’s Disease grows everyday. She continues to be inspired by the resilience and determination of every member. Natalie also coaches high school basketball, as the Head Junior Varsity and Assistant Varsity coach at Blue Springs High School. She is committed to making exercise both purposeful and enjoyable for individuals of all ages and abilities.
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Rock Steady Boxing
PWR! Moves (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) Trainer
Urban Poling
Functional Aging Institute: Functional Aging Specialist
Spin Poi!
Step and Connect: Balance Matters
Tiffany
Bio Coming Soon!
Hannah Tutt
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Hannah and her husband moved to Overland Park in July of 2023 from Fayetteville, Arkansas. She started working for the PEWC in April of 2024. She is a lover of the outdoors, music, and family-time. With a heart dedicated to service, she has always believed that the simplest acts of kindness can have the most profound impact on someone's life. Whether it's through a warm smile, a helping hand, or an attentive ear, she consistently goes out of her way to ensure those around her feel welcome and cared for. She believes that creating a welcoming space where others feel cared for is the most rewarding way to contribute to the world.
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Hannah received a B.S. in Communication from the University of Arkansas in 2022.
Franky
Gym Enforcer, Dog Extraordinaire
Board of Directors
Josh Biles, Co-Founder
Sarrisa Curry, President and Co-Founder
David Curry, Secretary
Bill Dondlinger, Treasurer
Kent Gasaway
Dick Hamill
Jennifer Hillner
Dan McDonald
Matt Stretz
John Williams
Ready to see the gym?
We’d love to show you around and introduce you to our trainers. Can’t come in person? We can meet on Zoom.