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Sensory Gym Grand Opening Virginia Beach!

8/11/2015

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A couple of weeks ago I got a behind-the-scenes look the SensoryAbled Kids Gym, a new Sensory Gym opening in Virginia Beach this weekend!!  Mompreneur, Tashia Smith, has been hard at work organizing and planning the opening and it's all set to roll out on Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 am. 

Disclosure: I have no affliation with SensoryAbled Kids or the owner or the manufacturers of the products featured here.  Though I plan at some point soon to start a Parent-led Social Skills Play Therapy Group that will meet at the gym.  More on that soon.

Grand Opening on Saturday!

The opening starts at 10:00 am this Saturday and Tashia plans to be open for open play Wednesday through Sunday each week from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.  There will be door prizes and giveaways.  Oaktree Counseling plans on donating a few sensory items as door prizes as well.  There is also a giveaway to a special Invitation Only Sneak Peek on Friday night, before the grand opening (details at the end of the post).

Why Do We Need A Sensory Gym?

I asked Tashia what inspired her to open a sensory gym in Virginia Beach. Tashia was looking for something in our area that would help her son with motor skills and socializing.  Something more like fun and less like therapy.  She came across a gym started by a group of autism mommies in Massachusetts.
I think a family-owned business is a good model for my children and allows me to be more active in their lives.
-Tashia Smith, 
owner of SensoryAbled Kids
But, at the time, there was nothing like it anywhere in Hampton Roads.   She spent the last year researching, thinking, seeking out funding and then jumped in head first and quit her job.

Tashia said, "I wanted to fill this need for my son and also the community at large. Plus, I think a family owned business is a good model for my children and allows me to be more active in their life vs working for someone else."

New Photos of SensoryAbled Kids Sensory Gym!

Be sure to check out the giveaway being hosted by My Active Child for three FREE family passes (up to 3 people from the same household) to the Sneak Peek on Friday Night!

See You Saturday!


For more details, including pricing, on the sensory gym check out my last post.


P.S. Tashia and I aren't the only ones who see the need for more sensory play experiences for our kiddos.  I also encourage you check out the open play hours at Brick Headz, another great resource in our area with sensory play equipment, ages 1 to 12.  As well as Cloud9, an amazing trampoline park.  And Green Bean, a new indoor play center, children 6 and under.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree Counseling and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.

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Virginia Beach is getting a Sensory Gym!

7/23/2015

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SensoryAbled Kids Sensory Gym is coming in August to Virginia Beach!
Hampton Roads is finally getting a Sensory Gym!  Mompreneur, Tashia Smith, plans on opening the SensoryAbled Kids in Virginia Beach on Holland Road, August 12th, if all goes according to plan. 

Her rates are totally reasonable and... AND... she's offering a discount for any additional siblings who tag along! (keep reading for more details).

(Can you tell I'm excited?!  I have nothing to disclose, I am not affliated with the gym or any of the websites or manufacturers mentioned here.  Neither Tashia nor SensoryAbled Kids is compensating me for this post in any way.)

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Sensory Friendly Show: The Croods

6/3/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

The Croods by Dreamworks
Cinema Cafe in Virginia Beach let me know that they are doing another sensory friendly show this Saturday at 10:30 am at the Pembroke location.

Guess what?  Tickets are only $1.50!!  Guess what else?  We have a pair to give away.  I'll tell you how to win in a second. :)
The Crood's family's motto is "Never Not Be Afraid."  When their cave is destroyed, they've got to set out for something new.  I think this is a great lesson for kids and can provide some great teaching moments after the movie.

Another Surprise!

Cinema Cafe has decided to have a regular sensory friendly event every month on the 1st Saturday morning of the month at 10:30 am.  For $1.50, I think there will be a lot of families who will be able to afford to take their kiddos to the movies.  Now getting everyone out of bed and to Pembroke by 10:30 on a Saturday morning, that might be tricky. ;)
Sensory Friendly Shows at Cinema Cafe mean that the lights are up, the sound is down, to offer a judgment-free space to enjoy the movies.

How to Win Tickets

If you'd like to win the tickets, leave two comments:
  • One on this giveaway post
  • And one comment that contributes to the conversation of a past post.  (Scroll down to find past posts or you can look through the blog categories).

We'll send the winner an email on Thursday (June 7th) at 8pm.  The winner will need to respond by 10pm Thursday evening to claim the tickets.  The tickets will be left in the winner's name at the box office.

Nikki Schwartz, LPC
Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. 

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Local Autism Resource Directory for Virginia Beach

4/14/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Tidewater ASA (Autism Society of America) updated their Resource Directory last month in January.  This is an invaluable resource for anyone new to Autism, Asperger's, or Sensory Processing Disorders, as well as anyone who's just moved to Virginia Beach with a child on the Spectrum.

Providers typically request to be part of the directory, so they are indicating that they specifically work with people with ASD.  This is great for you, since it can be hard to find Autism-friendly businesses sometimes.

We've added their Autism Resource Directory as a download on our site as well.  We've also added a calendar of many of the Autism-friendly events, meetups, fundraisers, and respites in the area.
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Click Image to Download the Resource Directory
NOTE: Neither Nikki Schwartz, Spectrum Psychological Services, nor Tidewater Autism Society of America, endorses providers listed.  All information is for informational purposes only. Please make sure to do your own research regarding providers, techniques and therapies.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. 

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Virginia Beach Autism Events: Local Calendar

4/1/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Looking for local Autism-Friendly events in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads?  Suzi Noyes, a realtor in Kempsville, Virginia Beach, has offered to let us post her calendar for you here.  It includes several types of events including respite nights, sensory friendly outings, social groups, fundraisers, meetings, support groups, etc.

Click here to see the full calendar
If you have a child with autism or know someone with Asperger's or another Autism Spectrum Disorder, this is a great place to find out what is going on.  If you'd like to add an event to the calendar, send Suzi an email and let her know.  We'll be hosting this Autism Events Calendar permanently on our site.  You can also check out our resources page for a local providers directory.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. 

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Sensory Friendly Show: Escape From Planet Earth

2/23/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

I was excited to see this morning that Cinema Cafe in Virginia Beach & Hampton has decided to continue offering monthly Sensory Friendly Shows for the Autism community! 

Escape from Planet Earth is a new Disney movie that will be showing at Cinema Cafe Kemps River and Hampton on Tuesday, February 26th at 4:30pm.  Tickets are only $4.75 each!

Sensory Friendly means Cinema Cafe will turn the lights up and the sound down.  The other families attending are familiar with sensory issues, so no one looks twice if your kiddo is stimming or has a meltdown.  This kind of judgement free space takes the pressure off of you as a parent.
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Drop Caitlyn Hylinski at Cinema Cafe a Facebook message and let them know you love the idea of Sensory Friendly Shows and you want to see more shows in the future.

Would you be interested in a seeing a Sensory Friendly Show with tickets for $2.50?  Cinema Cafe has considered offering a second-run movie showing for the Autism Community at Pembroke Meadows or Greenbrier.  Let me know in the comments what you think of the idea.

P.S. Stop by our blog next month, I'll be giving away tickets to the next sensory friendly showing at Cinema Cafe!

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Nikki Schwartz is a Counselor Resident at Spectrum Psychological and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.  You can find her on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, and Google+.

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Online Autism Support in Virginia Beach & Hampton Roads

12/30/2012

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There are lots of local autism support resources in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads.  I wanted to highlight a local Facebook group, Spectrum Parents, as a great support resource. 

I think that self-care for parents with special needs kiddos is so important.  One of the most important things about self-care is having a strong social support group.  That can be difficult when you're struggling just to keep up with all the therapies and interventions.  Online Autism support groups, especially local ones, can be the right solution for many parents.
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original photo by Patrick Hoesly via flickr
The Spectrum Parents group is made up of local parents of children on the Autism Spectrum.  The group is "closed" or private, which means you'll need to request an invite from the group moderator, Suzi Noyes. I know many parents who are able to build supportive relationships with others, even though everyone is so busy with life.  You'll find links to resources, websites, blogs, events calendars, and, most importantly, other parents to connect with.

One of the group's goals is to remain positive and helpful, which means that you can turn to other parents, without the fear of being judged.  If you're a parent in Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads with a child on the spectrum, I'd really encourage you to check out the Spectrum Parents group.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Counselor Resident at Spectrum Psychological and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.

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The Rise of The Guardians Sensory Friendly Show at Cinema Cafe

11/29/2012

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I am excited to announce that Cinema Cafe has decided to host a second Sensory Friendly Show! The Rise of the Guardians will show at 4:30 on Tuesday, December 4th. The feedback they received suggested that an earlier time would work better for many families. Tickets are only $4.75! Let us know in the comments if you plan to go to Cinema Cafe Kemps River or Hampton.

Thank you Cinema Cafe for hosting sensory friendly movies for the special needs community in Virginia Beach!
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Nikki Schwartz, MA, NCC at Spectrum Psychological Services
Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor, owner of Oaktree, and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. 

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Teachers and Parents Stores (TAPS) are Closing in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton and Richmond

11/27/2012

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I was visiting one of my favorite stores in the area, the Teacher and Parents Store, a.k.a. TAPS, a store that serves carries a variety of quality educational materials for teachers and parents.  They are sometimes the only place in our area to purchase specific items for special needs children.  I was disappointed to learn they are closing all of their locations in two weeks, unless a buyer is found.  Their website states, "Due to economic conditions beyond our control, we must close our store locations. We want to thank you for supporting us and for allowing TAPS to serve your educational needs for the last 26 wonderful years."  According to staff, TAPS owner is retiring from the business.

I wanted to say thank you to TAPS for serving our kids during the last 26 years and providing quality items for teachers, families, homeschoolers, and those with special needs.  You will be missed!


Nikki Schwartz, MA, NCC, Counselor Resident at Spectrum Psychological Services
Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree Counselor and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.

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Free Tickets Giveaway to Wreck-It Ralph Sensory Friendly Movie

11/9/2012

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I am so excited about being able to give away two pairs of tickets, Courtesy of Cinema Cafe, to the Sensory Friendly Movie Showing of Wreck-It Ralph this Tuesday, November 13th, at 6:30 pm, good for the Kemps River or Hampton locations. CONTINUE READING




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    Nikki Schwartz, Licensed Professional Counselor

    Nikki Schwartz,
    LPC, NCC

    About Nikki

    Nikki is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Oaktree.  She focuses on utilizing neurofeedback in the Virginia Beach area, as well as play therapy, and other counseling techniques to help clients and families play, live, and work together.

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