Improving Senior Well-being: Sabrina Gray Brings Passion for Fitness to Shannondale

In August of this current year, Sabrina Gray was hired as the Shannondale Wellness & Fitness Manager. At Shannondale, we’re dedicated to improving senior well-being, and Sabrina ensures our residents have opportunities to stay healthy and active.

Family and Fitness

Sabrina grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She has called Knoxville home since 2009 and is thrilled to be here. Her closest family members reside throughout Tennessee. Sabrina’s mom is semi-retired and lives in Jefferson City while her brother, a disabled Air Force Veteran, lives in Morristown.

‍
From an early age, Sabrina was dedicated to fitness and well-being. “We were always listening to music, dancing and exercising in our home,” shared Sabrina. She began doing Jane Fonda aerobic workouts and having dance parties with her mom at age 11.

‍
Those passions continue today and are well represented in the personal and professional elements of her life. Sabrina is highly active and committed to her personal fitness. She runs with the Knoxville Track Club and was recently asked to join a team for a 200-mile race. She is also working toward running in her first full marathon.

‍
Sabrina’s only child, Izzac, is 22 years old and a student studying business and finance at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. Sabrina inspired Izzac by her commitment to fitness. He has gone on to champion well-being and recently finished 59th in the world in an international, cross-fit competition.

Career and Calling

Sabrina has been a dedicated physical therapy assistant (PTA) for 22 years. Her interest in this career began when her high school sweetheart was diagnosed with leukemia and lost the ability to straighten his arm. She experienced firsthand the positive impact physical therapy had as he regained full use of his arm. In addition to that experience, Sabrina contracted blood poisoning, losing the use of her right hand, and almost died. Physical therapy came to the rescue again and she gained full use of her hand.

‍
Sabrina knew that she wanted to give back and help people through her career. With that heart set, she serves the residents of The Lodge and patients at WellPark. Sabrina earned her associate degree in Applied Science. During part of her career as a PTA, Sabrina worked in the Home Health arena. She worked with so many patients who did not receive visits from anyone – not even family or friends - so she began to see herself as both a medical practitioner and a friend. She was always searching for how she could help. In her own words, “Everybody has a story. I like to listen to their stories and celebrate their accomplishments with them.” Sabrina carries that same passion into her work today at The Lodge and WellPark.

‍
Currently, The Lodge residents can attend classes in Tai Chi, Standing Exercises, Total Body, and Resistance Bands. These group classes are free to residents, and all are welcome. In addition to the group classes, residents can schedule one-on-one sessions with Sabrina for an additional fee. Sabrina estimates that she spends 60% of her time in one-on-one sessions and the other 40% in group training.

‍
The Shannondale community and team spirit continues with the addition of Sabrina’s new role. Other staff notify Sabrina when a resident or patient needs help with balance, mobility and strengthening. Collectively, the Shannondale and WellPark teams are committed to improving the quality of life for their residents and outpatient clients.

Defining Wellness

Sabrina is quick to point out that fitness is more than a physical feat. Emotional and mental well-being are also crucial. She designs and leads classes aimed at improving coordination which has been proven to slow the progression of dementia as highlighted in this article from helpguide.org. Sabrina says, “Sometimes I have people that just need someone to talk to. They know I care. They confide in me. I appreciate the trust of the residents.”

‍
When asked to define wellness, Sabrina responded, “Wellness is the ability to function in our daily living, to do the things we enjoy and to be present emotionally and cognitively. It is as important to be mentally fit as physically fit. One compliments the other and it is important to have a balance of the two.”

‍
This role allows Sabrina to combine her training as a PTA, love for fitness and true care for all. She says that she and her teammates do not see this “as a job.” These are people we care about and we do not want them to be alone.

‍
To learn more about Shannondale or visit tour click here. To see what WellPark has to offer follow this link.