The Woman who Changed our Lives
I would like to honor my son, Gabe’s dance teacher/therapist Jackie Zamora. Jackie has a dance class called Zamdance.
It’s for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
A little about us…
My name is Nicole. When I was 29 years old my husband passed away while I was 12 weeks pregnant with Gabe.
When he was 18 months old Gabe was diagnosed with autism.
He is now 9 years old and is non verbal with significant delays.
I never thought I could be happy again after Gabe was diagnosed because I thought we would be forever isolated.
We met Jackie a year ago and she has changed both of our lives.
She is one of a kind, a true savior for the kids in our special needs community in Maryland where we live.
Her class allows our special needs kids and adults to be confident, and happy!
Our special kids and adults have a place they can be a part of and be themselves! Gabe has made so much progress in a lot of areas in his life that I attribute to Jackie’s class.
He tries to vocalize much more often, I hear him humming the songs she plays all the time, he is even starting to follow along with the moves in her class.
Although that is not a requirement!
He loves Jackie!
Zamdance brings so many families in our community together. I don’t feel like I’m in this alone.
We love our special needs community and family!
More about ZamDance:
ZamMovement, Inc., is a non-profit organization for children and adults with the developmental differences. The purpose of the organization is to allow the children and adults with special needs to express themselves through dance in a way that builds confidence, creates empowerment and unites a community that accepts them as they are. The program introduces a structured environment while allowing the students to be able to move at their own pace. Our students are entertained by the music and dance movements. The movement of their bodies to the rhythmic music has many health benefits that transcend aerobic activity. Click HERE to learn more about them!
Written by, Nicole Lusardi Gottesmann
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Nicole Lusardi Gottesmann and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.)
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
