Category Archives: Media

BRANDON — Sara Battaglia has always loved dance. Growing up in North Port, she recalls her mom working two jobs to help offset studio tuitions that eventually led her to the Sarasota Ballet School, the School of Russian Ballet. She eventually studied dance at the University of South Florida before a hip injury mid-semester caused her to withdraw from dance. “I was bored,” said Battaglia, 23. “I wanted to dance…

BRANDON (FOX 13) - It’s hard to believe less than two years ago 6-year-old Lizzie could barely talk or socialize with others. Lizzie is just one of the dozens of children who go to We Rock the Spectrum in Brandon to play and learn. The full-inclusion, indoor sensory gym welcomes all kids and abilities but specializes in sensory-safe experiences. It’s the perfect place for Lizzie, who has sensory needs and…

I say it again and again. But, I shouldn’t. I don’t know why I can’t seem to stop myself. Why do I seem to care so much about what everyone else thinks when it comes to my son’s needs? I won’t do it anymore. I won’t apologize for me or for my son. The sign on the all inclusive kid’s gym, ‘We Rock the Spectrum’ says it all. “Finally a…

‘Tennis For Fun‘ Competes At Florida Special Olympic Summer Games www.tennisforfun.org. Westfield Full Inclusion Back To School Bash The Westfield Mall Full Inclusion Back to School Bash is returning for a third year, and this year it will be bigger and better than ever. Westfield Mall, Simply Events, and We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym join together to create an event where families can support our children’s differences in a fun,…

Imagination Day At Westfield Brandon The 2018 Imagination Day will take place at Westfield Brandon on Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring the whole family out for a day packed with family-fun free activities and creativity. Imagination Day benefits We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym of Clearwater & Tampa. Entry, parking, and all activities are free and the first 100 Children will take home a Superhero Cape. There…

BRANDON — Sara Battaglia's love for dancing and generous heart has launched a feet-driven fundraising effort. When Battaglia first began holding free dance classes in her native Port Charlotte, she decided to ask parents for a small donation to go directly to a different charity each month. As a busy college student and dance teacher at four different locations, she wanted to volunteer, but simply didn't have the time. Battaglia,…

BY ERIC VICIAN   A children's gym serving kids with autism and special needs celebrated its Brandon grand opening in January. We Rock the Spectrum, a national franchise that started in 2010 in California, provides sensory-safe play for kids with autism, special needs and neurotypical development. The gym features 10 pieces of therapeutic equipment specifically designed to work with many of the sensory processing issues that children on the spectrum…

“Being the Grand Club Sponsors for Walk Now for Autism Speaks Los Angeles was one of the most incredible days of my life!” says founder Dina Kimmel.We stood in front of over 60 thousand people and know now more than ever that when a WRTS is opening, we are making a difference in the world and giving a home to so many families. “Finally a place where you never have…