Our Story
Keep Moving Vermont was born of the idea that movement is more than just exercise - it’s a way to stay connected, build strength, mental and emotional balance, and age by living life to the fullest. Founded with the vision of keeping Vermonters active, independent, and engaged, our mission is to provide accessible, medically based programs that empowers individuals to move with confidence, no matter their age or ability.
From high-energy classes like Rock Steady Boxing Williston, designed to help individuals fight back against Parkinson’s Disease, to community driven adventures that promote social connection and mobility, Keep Moving Vermont is hereto ensure that every Vermonter has the opportunity to stay strong, active, and engaged in the world around them.
We’re more than just a movement program - we’re a movement.
Meet Our Team
Head Coach Dr. Sydney Swindell
Dr. Sydney Swindell has over five years of experience in various inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings. Before becoming a PT, she served 10 years in the U.S. Navy and spent six years managing security operations in the defense industry. In 2016, she transitioned to physical therapy, earning her doctorate from the University of Vermont in 2019.
Specializing in neurologic and balance disorders, Dr. Swindell has extensive experience treating Parkinson’s Disease, Ataxia, and stroke. She holds certifications in Advanced Manual Therapy, Neurologic Dry Needling, and Rock Steady Boxing and serves as a clinical instructor for UVM’s DPT and Exercise Science programs. She has also presented at the American College of Sports Medicine national conference.
Passionate about keeping Vermonters active and engaged, she leads community programs like Rock Steady Boxing and KVM Adventures. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her two daughters, Daisy and Audrey, and their playful sheepadoodle, Simon.
Coach Maggie Holt
Maggie is a Physical Therapist whose career has spanned 4 decades (UVM class of 1984). She moved towards a new job with UVMMC in 2023 after having established a program called PushBack at Parkinson Disease(Sydney was a volunteer). While PushBack was in its early years (2016), Maggie sought out certification as a Rock Steady Coach at the home of Rock Steady: Indianapolis, Indiana. When Sydney started KMV Rock Steady, Maggie was eager to dust off her mitts and enter the ring. She is happily married to Andy, has 2 sons who have flown from the nest (and from the east coast). Still at home are: a Springer Spaniel named Kerry and a black cat named Mr Bags.
Coach Kailey Russell
Kailey is a senior studying exercise science at UVM. Kailey found her passion for boxing last fall volunteering at Keep Moving Vermont and is excited to be a new coach and part of the team! She is interested in adapted physical activity and neuroscience, and is currently working towards applying to graduate school for PT. She loves playing soccer, hiking, skiing, cooking, and her cute pup, Sierra :)
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Our Amazing Cornermen!
We truly appreciate everyone who supports and motivates our boxers! Each person brings something special that makes every class more enjoyable for all. We are ROCK STEADY!
Luke Boggess
Luke Boggess is a huge boxing fan. He used to train using boxing exercises in the 80's and loves to watch boxing online. He discovered RSB during PT with Dr. Sydney Swindell and decided to volunteer as a Coach! Luke enjoys the community RSB creates and the dedication of the athletes.
Olivia is a senior studying exercise science at UVM. Olivia found her passion for boxing this winter volunteering at Keep Moving Vermont and is excited to be a new addition to the team! She is interested in sports psychology, kinesiology, and strength training. She is also currently working towards applying to graduate school for PT. She loves playing and coaching tennis, hiking, skiing, strength training, and her gecko, Iroh!
Olivia McConnell
