A SPARK ALL HER OWN
KATARINA PILKINGTON’S
STORY OF FAITH, STRENGTH, AND SELFLESS DREAMS
PHOTO BY SUZANNE HENRY
Helping Families Care for Loved Ones
AREAS OF PRACTICE
• Guardianship
• Guardian Advocacy
• Relative Adoptions
• Estate Planning (wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, etc.)
• Elder Law
• Probate
At DiFranza Law we understand that each family and every situation is unique. The details of these matters have long lasting impact, and we are dedicated to helping families navigate them with confidence and peace of mind. The four pillars of our law firm are
MEMBERSHIPS INCLUDE:
Florida Bar Association | Elder Law Section
Past Chair of Estate Planning, Advance Directives & Probate Committee Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (AFELA) National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA)
Fourth Circuit Pro Bono Committee 2018 Small Business Leader of the Year, JAX Chamber, Beaches Division
Past Chair (2019-2020) Past Vice Chair (2018-2019) Florida Bar Consumer Protection Law Committee
ISSUE PREVIEW
• Meet the Team (06)
• Nominations Open (07)
• Publisher’s Note | Connect Online (08)
• Community Resources (10-11)
• Cover Story | Katarina Pilkington (12-15)
• Professional Perspective | Fidgets (16-17)
• Feature Story | Raymond Tetschner (18-19)
• Nonprofit Spotlight | Foundation of Stength (20-21)
• Sponsor Spotlight | We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym (22-23)
• Preferred Partners (24)
Music Therapy Services
MEET OUR TEAM
MEET THE UNIQUELY YOU TEAM
At Uniquely You, our passionate team is dedicated to uplifting, informing, and connecting the special needs and neurodivergent communities of Northeast Florida.
Each month, our writers share heartfelt stories of triumphs, challenges, and everyday moments that spark empathy and understanding. Our photographers capture authentic visuals that celebrate individuality and inclusion.
Our contributors include local experts, educators, caregivers, and community leaders who bring a wide range of
perspectives and lived experiences. Their voices help shape a publication that reflects the full spectrum of life within the IDD and special needs communities—offering insight, guidance, and connection.
Behind the scenes, our Social Media Director fosters community engagement, while our owner leads with heart and vision to ensure our mission stays on course.
Together, we are Uniquely You—a team committed to honoring every voice and experience.
KATIE ANDERSON Writer
KYLIE POWERS Social Media Coordinator
MEGHAN WEAVER Owner
BETHANY FREDERICK Writer
LAUREN BUSTA Writer & Photographer
SUZANNE HENRY Photographer
CAROLINE HODGES Photographer
LET’S CONNECT!
Hey Northeast Florida Parents—Let’s Connect!
If you’re a local parent looking for support, resources, and real community—welcome. We’re so glad you’re here! Uniquely You, Northeast Florida was created to celebrate families, share helpful information, and connect you with others walking a similar path. And that connection continues every day on social media.
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for local resources, inspiring stories, event highlights, and everyday encouragement.
• @Uniquely You Northeast Florida
• @uniquely.you_northeastflorida
We post real-life content from the families we feature, helpful updates, and ways to engage—like open calls for stories, Q&As with local professionals, and polls to help shape what we cover next.
It’s a simple, supportive way to stay in the loop— and be part of something bigger.
Follow along, join the conversation, and help us grow a space that truly reflects you.
With appreciation,
Meghan Weaver
Owner, Uniquely You, Northeast Florida
We love what we do, and it shows!
Play Works Therapies, P.A. is a therapist-owned, private practice in Jacksonville, FL providing Pediatric Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Early Intervention Services to the greater Jacksonville area. Our therapists serve children birth to 18 years of age with a variety of feeding, speech/language, and occupational concerns.
Specializing in services for children with:
Expressive Disorders • Receptive Disorders
Phonological / Articulation Disorders • Apraxia / Dyspraxia
Stuttering / Fluency • Augmentative Communication needs
Feeding / Swallowing Difficulties
• Social / Pragmatic Difficulties
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Fine Motor Delays
• Oral Motor Difficulties
• Social & Emotional Dysfunction
www.playworkstherapies.com
• 904 -288 -8910
Must Know Community Resources & Connections
A handy list of go-to contacts and organizations ready to help with services, support, and information.
Ability Tree First Coast
Phone: 855- 288-6735
Website: abilitytreefc.org
Ability Tree First Coast is committed to meeting the needs of families impacted by disability by offering Recreation, Education, Support, and Training.
Agency for Health Care Administration
Website: https://ahca. myflorida.com/medicaid
In Florida, the AHCA oversees Medicaid, which provides health care for low-income individuals, the elderly, and people with disabilities, including coverage for nursing homes and long-term care.
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) –Northeast Region
The agency supports persons with developmental disabilities in living, learning, and working in their communities.
Phone: (904) 992-2433
Website: apd.myflorida. com/region/northeast
The Arc Jacksonville
Phone: 904-335-0155
Website: arcjacksonville.org
The Arc Jacksonville serves and advocates for adults with intellectual and developmental differences to achieve their full potential and to participate in community life through living, learning, working, and thriving.
The Arc of the St. Johns
Phone: 904-824-7249
Website: arcsj.org
The Arc offers programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential care, adult day training, and a therapeutic learning center for children under 5.
Bright Feats - Jacksonville
Website: brightfeats.com/ jacksonville
Special needs resource directory and events calendar.
Call 211
Phone: 211
Website: www.211.org
For disability and mental health assistance in Northeast Florida, the United Way 211 Help Center provides free and confidential access to a compassionate person who can provide referrals to local resources, including disability support, mental health services, crisis intervention, and other social services.
City of Jacksonville
Disabled Services Division
Phone: (904) 633-0760
Website jacksonville.gov/ disabled-services
Provides support for accessibility, transportation, housing, and employment for individuals with disabilities.
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
– UF Jacksonville
Phone: (904) 633-0760
Website: pediatrics.med. jax.ufl.edu/autism
Offers free support and assistance to individuals with autism and related disabilities, their families, and professionals.
Center for Independent Living (CIL) Jacksonville Phone: 904-399-8484
Website: ciljacksonville.org
Offers programs to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independent living goals, including medical equipment loans and sign language interpreting.
Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) Phone: (904) 353-6300
Website: dsaj.org
Provides resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood.
Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida Website: dsfflorida.org
Florida Department of Education, Blind Services Department
Phone: (904) 348-2730
Website: dbs.fldoe.org
The Florida Division of Blind Services supports blind and
visually impaired individuals in gaining independence and self-sufficiency through programs like the Blind Babies Program, Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living, Braille and Talking Books Library, and the Career, Technology & Training Center.
Florida Department of Health- Early Steps
Phone: (904) 427-7600
Website: https:// floridaearlysteps.com/
Florida’s Early Steps Program provides early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers, from birth to 36-months, with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions.
Florida Disability Resource Hub
Website: fldisabilityhub.org
The Florida Disability Resource Hub provides a comprehensive directory of regional Florida resources and opportunities for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
Fun 4 First Coast Kids –Special Needs Resources
Website: fun4firstcoastkids.com
Lists resources for families with children with special needs, including enrichment programs, support services, and educational options.
Hope Haven
Hope Haven offers neuropsychological assessments, early autism evaluations with Earlipoint, educational advocacy, and Employment & Transition Services.
Phone: (904) 346-5100
Website: hope-haven.org
Nemours Children’s Health
Phone: (904) 348-2730
Website: nemours.org
Nemours Children’s Health offers comprehensive outpatient pediatric care— including specialties like oncology, neurology, endocrinology, and mental health—as well as therapy services such as physical, occupational, creative arts, and animal-assisted therapy, alongside family support programs and research initiatives.
StepUp for Students
Website: stepupforstudents.org
Step Up For Students offers two main types of scholarships: FES-UA is for students with qualifying disabilities, while FES-EO is for K-12 siblings of students with unique abilities. The program also expands to include dependents of U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement officers.
St. Johns County Health & Human Services
Phone: (904) 209-6140
Website: sjcfl.us Provides services in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including sign language interpreter services.
Wolfsons Children’s Hospital
Phone: 904-202-8000
Website: wolfsonchildrens.com
Wolfson Children’s Hospital is a nationally recognized pediatric facility offering comprehensive care across a wide range of specialties, including trauma, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, and oncology, along with advanced therapy services such as physical, occupational, speech, and music therapy, all delivered through a family-centered, multidisciplinary approach.
Have a suggestion for an important connection that could be added to this page? Email your suggestion to meghan.weaver@n2co.com.
A SPARK ALL HER OWN
KATARINA PILKINGTON’S
KATARINA PILKINGTON’S
STORY OF FAITH, STRENGTH, AND SELFLESS DREAMS
BY
KATIE ANDERSON, PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUZANNE HENRY
up,” she says with a hint of hardearned humor. But Kat proved them all wrong.
From the moment she came home post-surgery, she began to grow, thrive, and show the world that she was here for a reason. By the time she was three, she wore a shoe lift to support her shorter right leg, sported glasses that became bifocals, and began wearing hearing aids. Her medical folder grew thicker, and so did her family’s determination to fight for her to reach her full potential. “There were therapies, doctors, appointments… we pushed for every little thing we could,” Kristin shares. “And we kept praying.”
In the sunny stretch of Jacksonville, Florida, where pool days outnumber chilly ones and family is never far away, you’ll find 15-year-old Katarina “Kat” Pilkington living a story that’s both rare and remarkable.
Kat is a vibrant eighth grader at Landmark Middle School with a passion for Roblox, a purple wardrobe, and a heart full of dreams. She’s not just navigating school—she’s helping lead it. This year, she joined the Landmark girls’ softball team as their team manager, standing proudly beside her interpreter and mentor, Ms. Erin.
But her leadership doesn’t stop at school. Kat is an active part of Chets Creek Church, where her faith continues to deepen. She participates in LifeGroups— small groups of students based on grade and gender who meet weekly to share life’s joys and struggles while studying Scripture together. These gatherings help Kat grow closer to God and build strong friendships rooted in encouragement and accountability.
She also volunteers with the church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS), an exciting, high-energy week where kids build friendships, learn about Jesus, and discover that God has an incredible plan
for their lives. Whether she’s helping with activities or simply offering a warm smile, Kat is known for showing up with her whole heart. And during Summer Wednesday services in the Kids Ministry, she continues to pour into the lives of younger children, reflecting the very love and joy that she herself has received. It wasn’t always this way.
Kat’s journey began with complications no new parent imagines. Diagnosed after birth with Mosaic Trisomy 14—a rare chromosomal disorder that doctors hadn’t suspected until after open-heart surgery at just three months old—her early days were filled with uncertainty, prayers, and medical appointments stacked higher than hope sometimes felt. “She wouldn’t eat. She was failing to thrive. Then we were told she needed open-heart surgery. It threw us for a loop,” her mom, Kristin, reflects. “We didn’t even know her diagnosis until after that surgery.”
With her husband serving in the military, Kristin says even those around them struggled to understand the reality of what they were facing. “It was so rare, people thought we were making it
One of the pivotal moments in Kat’s development came when the school system recognized a need not only for accommodations—but for the right placement. She was moved to a school with a strong ASL and Deaf/Hard of Hearing program, and that’s when everything changed. “She thrived,” Kristin says. “The ASL teachers, her DHH support—it made all the difference.”
Two of those key people in Kat’s world are Ms. Potts and her interpreter Ms. Erin. With their encouragement, Kat has not only grown academically but emotionally and socially. “They’ve helped her improve mentally too,” Kristin says. “They’ve taught her
Paint Wars Youth Event at Chets Creek Church
that she can do anything she puts her mind to.”
And Kat has dreams—big ones. She wants to become an interpreter one day, just like Ms. Erin, so she can help people like herself. She also has her eye on a job at Scooters Coffee, a local favorite. “She just loves helping people,” her mom says. “She wants to make others feel included and seen.”
While Kat’s life may be filled with daily challenges, her family’s outlook remains rooted in faith. “Without God, things would have turned out so differently for us,” Kristin says. “From the moment we prayed for a child to now, God has carried us.”
That belief is something Kristin shares freely with others in the special needs community—especially those at the beginning of their journey. “Even when it’s hard, it’s always worth it,” she says. “The smiles when they succeed make the small battles worth it.”
Kat’s story is also one of advocacy in action. Her family connected early on with S.O.F.T.—the Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13, and Related
Disorders—a nationwide community offering information and connection for families navigating rare diagnoses. “They’ve been such a great resource,” Kristin says. “We want others to know they’re not alone.”
Even with a rare diagnosis like Mosaic Trisomy 14, Kat’s family chose not to let labels limit what they believed she could do. Her story is a living testimony that the right support, a committed community, and unwavering faith can move mountains—even medical ones.
And while Kat may love mac and cheese, TobyMac songs, Minions, and the Jacksonville Jaguars—what makes her shine brightest is her servant’s heart. Whether managing the softball team, guiding young kids at church, or dreaming about interpreting for someone who needs a voice, Kat is showing the world that rare doesn’t mean limited. It just means extraordinary.
Kat isn’t just living with a diagnosis—she’s living with purpose. And she’s just getting started.
Fidgets: Tools for Focus or Just Toys?
A parent’s guide to understanding the difference
BY LESLIE SUROWIEC
IN TODAY’S CLASSROOMS and homes, it’s common to see children using fidgets—small objects like spinners, putty, textured rings, or even chewable jewelry. For some kids, these items are not just fun accessories; they’re essential tools that support concentration, self-regulation, and learning. But as fidgets become more popular, a question arises: how can parents tell whether a fidget is helping or hurting their child’s ability to focus?
Here’s the bottom line: if a fidget helps a child stay focused, calm, and engaged—it’s a tool. If it causes distraction, either for the child or others around them, it becomes a toy.
What Fidgets Are (and Aren’t):
At their best, fidgets are simple tools that support kids who need movement or sensory input to concentrate. Children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, or sensory processing needs may benefit greatly from having something in their hands to occupy the “extra energy” their body holds while they try to listen or work. Contrary to some misconceptions, a fidget isn’t a cure-all or a free pass to play during instruction time. It’s a regulated support—much like glasses help a child see the board or a weighted blanket helps a child feel secure. The purpose of a fidget is to improve attention, not divide it.
The Tool-or-Toy Test:
A simple way to guide your child’s fidget use is with this rule of thumb: “If this fidget helps me stay focused, it’s a tool. If it distracts me or others, it’s a toy.”
Encourage your child to ask themselves this question before using a fidget at school or during homework. If they’re squeezing a stress ball while reading and it helps them stay seated and on task, that’s a success. But if they’re spinning a noisy gadget, watching it instead of reading, or showing it off to friends, it has become a toy.
HOW TO TELL IF A FIDGET IS WORKING
Signs a Fidget Is Working
• Your child remains on task for longer periods.
• They are calmer and more emotionally regulated.
• The fidget is used quietly and unobtrusively.
• Teachers report improvements in attention or behavior.
Signs
It’s a Distraction
• The fidget is used for play, not support.
• Your child is watching the fidget instead of the teacher.
• It creates noise or movement that disrupts others.
• It becomes a source of conflict or correction in class.
Supporting Responsible Use:
Here are some tips to help your child— and their teachers—use fidgets effectively:
1. Choose the right type – Quiet, nonflashy, and age-appropriate fidgets are usually best for school. Think putty, textured bands, or soft sensory rings.
2. Set clear guidelines – Let your child know that a fidget is a privilege and a tool, not a toy to show off or trade.
3. Model and practice – Help your child practice how to use the fidget during homework or calm moments so it becomes a habit, not a novelty.
4. Talk to your child’s teacher – A quick note or email explaining that your child uses a fidget as a focus tool can promote understanding and collaboration in the classroom.
Final Thought: Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work
for another. But with the right guidance, fidgets can be powerful tools that help children regulate their bodies and minds, setting the stage for better learning and less frustration. As parents, when we treat fidgets as intentional supports—not just trends—we give our kids one more way to succeed on their own terms.
Leslie Surowiec is a veteran educator with 30 years of global experience as a teacher, principal, director, and curriculum developer. She teaches at Greenwood School in Jacksonville, FL, and is passionate about STEAM, especially robotics, 3D design, and gardening. At home, she enjoys a mini farm with a dog, cat, chickens, turtle, and axolotl. She’s working to merge her interests in pets, plants, and AI to inspire students to connect with the world around them.
RAYMOND TETSCHNER
A Life Brewed with Passion and Percussion
BY MELISSA KLATT, PHOTOGRAPHS BY CAROLINE HODGES
Raymond Tetschner’s life moves to the beat of a drum—both literally and metaphorically. A Jacksonville local with Down syndrome, Raymond is a barista by day and a drummer by night, pouring as much energy into crafting the perfect latte as he does into mastering a Bruno Mars riff. His story isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it’s about living with rhythm, resilience, and a double shot of determination. Whether he’s steaming milk at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee & Happy Brew, jamming at Riverside Arts Market, or walking the sandy shores near his beachside condo, Raymond embodies a mantra his family swears by: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”.
DIAGNOSIS AND DRUMMING THROUGH
CHALLENGES
Born with an extra chromosome, Raymond’s journey began with a diagnosis that might have limited others—but not him. His mother, Michelle, recalls how early inclusion in general-education classrooms and activities like Special Olympics and
theater shaped his confidence. “When people presume confidence, it changes everything,” she says.
Raymond’s high school years were marked by advocacy, from speaking at inclusion events to drumming at fundraisers and even meeting Congress members to champion Down syndrome awareness. Yet, the transition to adulthood brought new hurdles. Enrolling in the University of North Florida’s On Campus Transition (OCT) program was a milestone—Raymond thrived in independence, rooming with peers and joining the pep band—but the need for additional support eventually led him home. “His favorite part was making his own choices,” Michelle reflects. “He just wanted to be like everyone else.”
BREWING
SUCCESS: INDEPENDENCE, JOBS, AND JAM SESSIONS
Today, Raymond’s life is a blend of routine and adventure. He works two coffee jobs (with a third on the
horizon), relishing the camaraderie at Bitty & Beau’s and Happy Brew. “He loves the variety,” Michelle laughs. Off the clock, he’s a fixture in Jacksonville’s music scene, playing pop covers at local gigs and practicing drums for two to three hours daily—a discipline that mirrors his work ethic. His beachside condo, shared with a roommate, is a testament to his hardwon autonomy. From performing in Tampa and D.C. to shooting hoops and swimming, Raymond’s days are as dynamic as his playlists.
A MESSAGE FROM MOM: “PRESUME CONFIDENCE AND BUILD COMMUNITY”
Michelle’s journey as a parent began the moment Raymond was diagnosed with Down syndrome as an infant. From the start, she embraced a simple but powerful philosophy: “Always have a vision of what you’re looking for—and lead others to it.” The biggest challenge, she says, wasn’t Raymond’s diagnosis but the low expectations others
projected onto him. “People assumed limits before even giving him a chance,” she recalls. “But when you presume confidence—when you believe in your child’s potential and find ways to make it happen—everything changes.”
Her advice to other parents? Build your village. “Join every local community you can—support groups, recreational programs, advocacy networks. We stopped and talked to other parents constantly, learning what was possible and discovering activities we’d never considered.”
From theater camps to Special Olympics, each opportunity helped Raymond grow—and helped Michelle connect with families who understood the journey. “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” she says. “Lean on others who’ve walked this path. Celebrate small wins, stay stubborn about your vision, and remember: your child’s life is theirs to shape.”
A STANDING OVATION FOR THE EVERYDAY EXTRAORDINARY
Raymond Tetschner isn’t just a drummer, a barista, or a beach lover— he’s a trailblazer rewriting the script on what’s possible. His rhythm isn’t confined to a stage; it pulses through every coffee cup he fills, every wave he walks by, and every barrier he breaks. As Michelle puts it, “We are all better together.” And with Raymond in the mix, the world sounds a little sweeter, one beat and one brew at a time.
“Lean on others who’ve walked this path. Celebrate small wins, stay stubborn about your vision, and remember: your child’s life is theirs to shape.”
FOUNDATION OF STRENGTH
Pioneering inclusive fitness for all abilities
BY MEGHAN WEAVER, PHOTOGRAPHS BY C&L MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
As the fitness world continues to evolve, Foundation of Strength is breaking new ground by creating opportunities for individuals with all abilities to engage in physical fitness. Foundation of Strength partners with gyms to offer programs that improve the physical fitness of individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other different abilities, working to make fitness more accessible, empowering, and transformative for all. Founded by strength training enthusiast Charlie Taylor, the organization was born out of a realization that affordable and inclusive fitness opportunities for individuals with special needs were nearly nonexistent. While Charlie could have opened a gym specifically to serve this community, his mission was much bigger: “I want to change the minds of the athletes about what they’re capable of achieving,” Charlie explains. “I want
to build their confidence. I want to improve their health. And I want them to be aware that that’s what we’re doing as much as possible. I want the parents to see that just because my child has special needs, it doesn’t mean they can’t go weightlift.”
BEYOND LIMITS: A MISSION ROOTED IN TRANSFORMATION
For Charlie, it’s not just about weightlifting. That happens to be his platform, but the message is broader: “Don’t put an arbitrary limitation or ceiling on what your child is capable of. You don’t know until you push them just a little bit—but make sure it’s fun. That’s what helps them let their barriers down.”
Rather than establishing a single centralized facility, Charlie’s goal is to bring this inclusive philosophy into existing gyms, educating trainers,
building community awareness, and planting seeds of cultural change.
“I could open a gym tomorrow and have a ton of people there, but that’s not the mission. The mission is to go into the different gyms and show them what’s possible so that one day it just exists without me. That’s how real change happens.”
BREAKING BARRIERS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP AND PROGRAMMING
Foundation of Strength collaborates with gyms to offer customized training programs that cater to people with intellectual and physical disabilities. These year-round programs don’t just make fitness accessible—they make it meaningful. Trainers are equipped with the tools and techniques to create a safe, inclusive environment that meets each participant where they are.
Trainers often begin unsure, but as Charlie puts it: “There’s always a first athlete. But I’ve never talked to a trainer who only had one. They all say the same thing: ‘This is incredible. This is life changing. I want to do this forever.’ That’s what I call discipling.”
A PERSONALIZED, PATIENT APPROACH
The organization’s Barbell Club meets twice a week in participating counties and follows CrossFit-style programming that is carefully adapted for various ability levels. These sessions are designed to build strength, coordination, and resilience—all while creating a sense of belonging and accomplishment.
Foundation of Strength currently serves 30 athletes across three counties— Clay, Duval, and Nassau—with weekly training sessions continuing until the Powerlifting season begins in August. Partner gyms include: Bold City CrossFit, First Coast CrossFit, CrossFit 32034
Charlie recognizes that not every athlete is ready for formal competition right away. “I tell parents: I don’t think your athlete will be ready for a sanctioned meet in three weeks—and that’s okay. Let them do the full season of practice. Let them try the Barbell Bash instead.”
That’s why the Barbell Bash is scheduled in early December—to give new athletes four full months of training after they join in August. “And if they’re still nervous, I make the rules. If an athlete doesn’t want to wear the uniform? Fine. We’ll figure it out. It’s about slow, steady progress and building confidence.”
Unlike traditional competitions that focus on comparison, the Barbell Bash is designed around personal achievement and inclusion. The rules are flexible. The atmosphere is celebratory.
COMPETING AND THRIVING: FESTIVUS GAMES MILESTONE
In April, athletes from the Barbell Club hit a major milestone: their first CrossFit competition at the Festivus Games. This grueling event tested their physical and mental strength—and showed the world what’s possible with the right support.
For many of these athletes, it was their first exposure to high-level athletic competition, and they finished with pride, cheered on by coaches, parents, and peers.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN 2025
Whether you’re a gym, trainer, or volunteer, Foundation of Strength is growing and always looking for support. Volunteers are welcomed at any of our Barbell Club training sessions. The need is real, the impact is lasting, and every bit of help matters.
The Special Olympics powerlifting season will kick off in August and runs through November, while the 4th annual Barbell Bash is tentatively set for 12/6. The best way to reach out is by emailing Charlie@foundationofstrength. net or messaging the team on their Facebook account.
Foundation of Strength is proving that inclusive fitness isn’t just possible— it’s powerful. Through personalized training, community education, adaptive competitions like the Barbell Bash, and strategic partnerships with gyms, the organization is building a world where strength has no limits.
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Jacksonville
An inclusive space where all kids can learn, play, and grow
BY BETHANY FREDERICK
In December 2016, Board Certified Behavior Analysts Marissa Chunn and Lea Wells opened the doors of We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Jacksonville (WRTS JAX) with a mission to create a place where all children, regardless of ability, could play and learn side by side. Having met during their graduate program, the two professionals spent 3 years working in clinical settings before realizing that their community
Families can stop by anytime—no membership required—and enjoy swings, climbing structures, and other equipment that promote both fun and development.
was missing something vital—an inclusive, sensory-friendly environment for children to thrive.
Their shared vision led to the founding of WRTS JAX, a play-based facility where open play, therapy, learning, and community connection intersect. Unlike traditional play spaces, WRTS JAX features sensory equipment designed to benefit children with a variety of needs, from strengthening motor skills to promoting social interaction in a calm and accommodating environment.
At its core, the gym serves as a welcoming play space for children of all ages and abilities. Families can stop by anytime—no membership required—and enjoy swings, climbing structures, and other equipment that promote both fun and development. For families who frequent the gym, flexible membership options are available.
Beyond open play, WRTS JAX offers a variety of services tailored to meet the needs of the Jacksonville community. Their popular inclusion-based drop-off camps run during the summer and holiday breaks, offering structured learning, sensory activities, arts and crafts, and group games for children ages three and up. The facility is also a hotspot for birthday parties, fundraisers, graduations, and homeschool group events.
For parents in need of short-term care, WRTS JAX provides drop-off respite services throughout the week, offering both group care and individualized 1:1 support depending on each child’s needs. And thanks to their innovative We Rock on Wheels program, the fun doesn’t stop at the gym! They bring their fully equipped sensory bus to schools, birthday parties, and community events across Jacksonville.
What sets WRTS JAX apart isn’t just its variety of services, it’s the heart behind them.
From dim lighting and scent-free policies to avoiding loud music and allowing flexible clothing choices, every detail of the gym is designed to support children with sensory sensitivities. Their equipment mirrors the therapeutic tools found in occupational therapy environments, providing kids with developmental support in a space that feels like playtime.
The commitment to inclusion extends far beyond the walls of the gym. Through their nonprofit, My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation, Marissa and Lea help support families in need—offering scholarships for summer camp, funding for educational tools, and resources for basic needs and respite care through monthly fundraisers.
As they look to the future, Marissa and Lea envision expansion across Jacksonville, increasing accessibility and involvement in local schools, therapy centers, and community events. With nearly a decade of impact behind them, WRTS JAX continues to be a cornerstone of support and joy for families in the area.
The gym’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. Since 2022, WRTS JAX has been a Bold City Best finalist in three categories:
Family Amusement, Best Birthday Party Spot, and After- School & Summer Camp Programs.
Marissa and Lea also continue their work in behavior analysis through Au_Some Behaviors, LLC, an ABA clinic located at the back of the gym, where they provide 1:1 ABA therapy in a familiar, engaging environment.
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Jacksonville isn’t just a gym, it’s a movement toward community, growth, and empowered play for every child.
This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!
ADULT DAY CENTER
PineCastle (904) 733-2650 www.pinecastle.org
APPLIED
BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Natural Behavior Solutions (904) 465-0090 www.natural behaviorsolutions.com/
ATTORNEY – ESTATE
PLANNING & FAMILY LAW
Difranza Law PA (904) 372-0216 www.difranzalaw.com
Tupper Law (904) 270-9684 www.tupperlawjax.com
COFFEE SHOP
Happy Brew (904) 575-4940 www.happybrew.org
Noah’s Agape Café (954) 648-8723 www.noahsagapecafe.org
COMMUNITY RESOURCES/ DISABILITY CARE
YMCA of Florida’s First Coast (904) 265-1824 www.fcymca.org
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Arc Jacksonville (904) 355-0155 www.arcjacksonville.org
DANCE
Adaptive Superstars (904) 878-0602 www.adaptivesuperstars.com
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
FIRE Foundation of NE Florida (904) 510-8785 www.FIREFoundation NEFlorida.org
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Chick-fil-A Mandarin (904) 292-4668 www.Chick-fil-A.com
HOME CARE
ComForCare - Home
Care St. Augustine (904) 680-5908 www.comforcare.com/florida/ st.augustine-daytona-beach
KID’S SENSORY GYM
Sensory Towne (904) 551-6443 www.sensorytowne.com
We Rock the Spectrum (904) 330-0362 www.werockthespectrum jacksonville.com
MUSIC THERAPY
Upbeat Music Therapy (904) 993-9840 www.upbeat musictherapyjax.com
ORAL SURGERY/ DENTAL Lakeside Dental Surgery Center (904) 395-7772 www.lakesidedental surgerycenter.com
ORTHODONTICS
Henry Advanced Orthodontics (904) 429-0095 www.henryadvanced orthodontics.com
PEDIATRICIANS
Pediatrica Health Group (786) 628-7579 www.pediatrica.com
RETAIL AND DONATIONS
Spectrum Thrift Store (904) 342-2528 www.spectrumthriftjax.com
SCHOOL North Florida School of Special Education (904) 724-8323 www.northfloridaschool.org
SPEECH AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Play Works Therapies PA (904) 509-2450 www.playworkstherapies.com
SWIM LESSONS / TEAM We Rise Foundation (904) 815-1550 www.werise-foundation.org
TOY STORE
Heydey Kids (904) 321-8697 www.heydaykids.com
VETERINARIAN, MOBILE HelloVet (904) 712-3554 www.hellovetjax.com
At Adaptive Superstars, we believe everyone deserves the chance to move, connect, and shine. Our mission is to create meaningful recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities—with friendship and fun at the heart of everything we do.
Our flagship dance program has become a beloved part of the Northeast Florida community, serving over 50 families and growing. More than just steps and music, it's about building an inter-ability community grounded in joy, creativity, and connection. Each season culminates in a spectacular performance—complete with bright lights, a big stage, and even bigger smiles. But it's the friendships and shared moments behind the scenes that make the biggest impact.
We’re always thrilled to welcome new participants, volunteers, and sponsors into our family.To learn more or join our vibrant community, visit us at www.adaptivesuperstars.com.
This season, we also pause to honor two cherished members of our dance family: Macy Wiggins and Ember Gill. We miss you deeply and are forever grateful for the time we shared together. Your light continues to inspire every step we take. We love you! www.adaptivesuperstars.com
