With over two decades of experience as a massage therapist and trainer, Frank brings a multifaceted approach to fitness. He also draws upon his personal, lifelong battle with the chronic illness Neurofibromatosis. Since 14-years-old Frank has undergone five back surgeries, two brain surgeries and the accompanying post-surgical complications. Frank has a breadth of fitness knowledge. He knows what it’s like to learn how to walk, speak and swallow again from personal experience with illness. He knows what it’s like to motivate the everyday athlete to stay on top of their health, and he knows the elite world from working on collegiate athletes who compete in the A-10 conference, athletes who compete in Kona-Iron-man world championships and Ultra marathoners.
Today Frank still manages the trials of his own illness, but through his encouragement of clients and helping them be their best selves he is consistently reminded that wellness is an everyday job that ultimately leads to better living.
In 1996 Frank began his career in the fitness industry when he first became a trainer and massage therapist with a degree in therapeutic body work from the New York College of Health Professions. He opened his first company in NYC in 2001 where he owned and operated a fitness consulting company that provided management systems to gym and tennis facilities. He later opened fitness studios in NYC and Great Neck Long Island.
Later in search of a less hectic lifestyle, Frank found himself in the fabulously fit, Davidson NC where he has owned and operated Training Ground at Davidson since 2010.
Frank has studied from some of the top professionals in the fields of biomechanics, sports management, sports psychology, stress management, holistic wellness, myoskeletal alignment (MAT), myofascial release and more. He continues to learn daily and is enthusiastic about sharing what he has benefitted from over the years.
Clientele has included (and in some cases continues to include) sports professionals, celebrities and the everyday badass e.g.: NASCAR racers, Team USA Bob-sledders, Olympic trial whitewater kayakers, Ironman, Crossfit games competitors and internationally ranked divers. He also works with Davidson College swimmers, divers, cross country and track athletes and others.
Aside from Training Ground, Frank’s passion lies in travel through Trekking and disaster-relief efforts. He has climbed a solo-trip on Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, trekked through rainforests in Peru and loves Adventure racing particularly through “Adventure Enablers” in the Shenandoah Valley. Frank is also part of the disaster-relief organization Team Rubicon. Through Team Rubicon he is inspired everyday by retired veterans and civilians who work in disaster relief to help citizens thrive after a natural disaster.
Frank lives in Davidson with his loving wife Cathryn and their tireless pups Ollie and Nina. The family can easily be spotted running through town, at the local farmers’ market or on one of Davidson’s majestic trails.
Jess is an avid dog lover, outdoors woman and gym enthusiast who recently moved to Davidson, North Carolina with her husband Luke. Prior to Davidson, Jess spent the first half of life in Arizona and the second half in Ohio. While pursuing a degree in English from Ohio State University, Jess was exposed to the field of outdoor education. After graduating with a BS in English it was the outdoor education that tugged at her heart. She has lived outdoors and off-the-grid for periods of more than a year working as an instructor with the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Later she became Program Manager of the small non-profit organization Walk with a Doc*.
Jess finds joy in helping other people stay active and healthy as part of their everyday lifestyle. She is an ACE-certified personal trainer with certifications in corrective exercise, senior fitness, pre and post-natal exercise, balance training, run technique training, and health coaching. She focuses on strength, mobility, natural and functional movement, and cardiovascular endurance to help her clients reach their goals. Jess knows that a healthy lifestyle, beginning from wherever the client may be is key to emotional and mental wellbeing.
She is there to help others keep themselves from avoidable injury, work through current and past injuries and get through periods of lacking motivation. Whatever is keeping you from the level of fitness you want to achieve, she’ll be there to help. She wants you to do the things you love to do and feel great while doing them. Her goal is to embody and help clients embody their best selves every day, inside and out.
*Walk-with-a-Doc organizes group walks between community members and healthcare professionals across the country. It allows community members to get questions answered, get some free health education and spend time with neighbors outdoors.
Born and raised in New York City, Allison relocated to Davidson in 2022 along with her two children and dog, embarking on a new chapter alongside her partner, Sandor. With 20 years of experience in group fitness instruction and personal training, she is a seasoned and devoted fitness enthusiast. Beyond the fitness community, Allison is widely known as a dedicated Speech Therapist/Special Education teacher for the NYS public school system, where she has spent 25 years working with children diagnosed with Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and various disabilities.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for helping individuals achieve their health and fitness goals through tailored exercise programs. Through her own personal experiences and the knowledge she gained, Allison realized that fitness and wellness were not just hobbies or career paths, but lifelines that could save lives. Her unique perspective and empathetic approach allow her to connect deeply with her clients on a personal level. She understands their struggles, as she has walked a similar path herself. Her journey has instilled in her a strong belief in the mind-body connection and the importance of holistic well-being.
Known for her energetic and engaging teaching style, Allison has led a diverse range of classes, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), boot camps, strength training, and dance fitness. Her ability to create a supportive and inclusive environment in each class has made her a favorite among participants.
In 2011, Allison received a proposition from her best friend and mentor, leading to a collaboration to create Total60™️, a fitness class that rapidly gained popularity on Long Island, NY, and eventually expanded to the tri-state area. The program garnered attention from local news outlets and emerged as a unique powerhouse, affording Allison opportunities to work closely with ASICS. Together with Kathy, they were enlisted to instruct their program at “Classes on the Cobbles,” a notable event held on the streets of NYC. This achievement led to their invitation to introduce T60™️ at the annual NYC fitness convention hosted at the Marriot Marquis, where Allison had the privilege of collaborating with prominent Beachbody personalities. She also had the chance to share her ideas, talents, and passions with industry professionals from around the world at the DCAC fitness convention in Virginia. However, in 2018, the trajectory of Total60™️ took a heartbreaking pause when Kathy lost her battle with Glioblastoma after 14 months.
Allison’s clients appreciate her ability to provide a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their potential and overcome their limitations. Her dedication to their success is evident in the individualized attention and motivation she brings to each session. Allison believes everyone deserves to experience the life-changing benefits of fitness and wellness, and she is committed to helping her clients unlock their true potential.
Allison has been told that her story serves as an inspiration to those who have struggled with their own challenges. She credits fitness and wellness for not only saving her life, but also transforming it into one of purpose and fulfillment. With a compassionate and motivating approach, Allison empowers individuals to embrace a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lifestyle.
