A Time to Give Thanks: Why We Are Thankful This Year

November 12, 2020 | In: Why We Rock

We can hardly believe that it is already November 2020, We Rockers! It is the time of year where, normally, we gather together, give thanks, and hold our loved ones. However, this year’s festivities will look a little different for many of us. Though we are not able to gather with our friends and family like last year, the We Rock family still has a lot to be thankful for this season! 

We asked the We Rock the Spectrum Worldwide Corporate team and some of our owners what they are thankful for. Here’s what they had to say!

Corporate Team

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Dina Kimmel, CEO and Founder of We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym

First and foremost, I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that my children have been so incredibly courageous and brave tackling virtual learning. I’m grateful that my husband was one of the very few who was able to continue working through the pandemic.

Second, I am grateful to this entire franchise and our amazing owners! I’ve never been more proud, as the founder of WRTS than as I am today. I’m grateful to see so many of them become incredible innovators and the support they have given one another has been overwhelming to watch. The love, the beauty, and the respect that they give one another is why we are here today! #StrongerTogether has always been our motto and it will continue on.

Lastly, I am forever grateful to my east and west coast Corporate team. Without their support during this past year most specifically, we would’ve not been able to continue providing our safe havens across the world in 8 countries and in over 20 states.”

Gail Field, Chief Operating Officer 

I’m thankful that we made it through these past seven months and that we have been here to provide the essential care and therapy space that our community needs. I am so grateful to have been working alongside a great team, both at my gym in Boca Raton and the east and west coast corporate teams, throughout this time! I am also especially thankful that my family has stayed healthy.”

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Shane Stahl, Chief Strategy Officer

I am thankful that the company we all work for was able to survive the hurricane of a year 2020 has been so that we can continue to provide a safe haven to families in need of WRTS.

I am also thankful for my family, friends, and loved ones who are there to lean on for support through these crazy times and being able to return the favor as their support system.”

John Canaday, International Franchise Development 

“I am thankful for the entire WRTS Corporate Team and Franchisee Owners and the impact they make in the lives of special needs families. I am thankful for my loving family, friends, and colleagues who always strive for good in everything they do and persevere with strong faith and a great attitude during these unprecedented times.”

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Henry Aghassi, Chief Business Officer

“Every year we start by giving thanks for the things we have. This year I want to start by saying I am thankful for all the people throughout the world affected by this pandemic that have made it back into the arms of their loved ones. 

As tradition goes, I am thankful for the health of my family and friends who mean the world to me.  I am also grateful for joining the We Rock family and extending a helping hand to all the families in our reach. I hope that in 2021 everyone will extend the chain of love throughout the world from one to another and not let it break.”

Melisa Stahl, Director of Audit & Compliance 

“I am truly thankful for the love and support of my family and their unconditional love for me. I am thankful that I can feel the physical pain in my body only because it reminds me that I can feel it and know it can always be worse and grateful it’s not.  I am extremely grateful for my husband that works so hard to provide for his family and I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to be able to contribute, as well, especially in these difficult times that our country and world are going through now.  While I’m looking outside at this beautiful day from my couch in my robe, I am grateful that on good days, I get another, and bad days “This too shall pass.”

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Grace Covino, Project Manager

“I am thankful for my children, who make everyday an adventure and their amazing father, who supports me in everything I do. I’m so lucky to have my family on the east coast, who even during the pandemic, still manage to find the time to check on me and show me love from across the country. Last but definitely not least, I am thankful for my We Rock Fam who not only provide me with an amazing work environment, but also provide my children with a safe haven to play every day.”

Tyler Tanner, Project Manager

“With the past year’s uncertainty, there are still numerous reasons to be thankful. First, I am thankful for my family and how healthy they are keeping. I am thankful to have the privilege of continuing to work throughout this pandemic. Finally, I cannot thank my support system enough from my family, friends, and We Rock team. Happy Holidays!”

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Dana Aghassi, Marketing Director, My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation

“I am thankful for my family and friends and especially thankful for my amazing husband who has given us the life that we deserve. I am also very thankful for being a part of this We Rock family and having a gym that I can call my own. We are all going through difficult times right now, but as long as we have our family and our health there is nothing to complain about.”

AJ Silberman, Community Manager

“I’m thankful for my fiancée, Courtney. In a year of uncertainty, she is my rock and continuously pushes me to be better. I’m thankful for my friends and family who support me. Lastly, I am thankful for We Rock the Spectrum. To have a leader like Dina fight as hard as she does every day to keep this franchise afloat and keep not only these owners in business, but to keep her employees, is nothing short of a blessing. I am able to support my family and continue to live a lifestyle where I can prepare for the future because of the opportunities that are presented to me.”

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Gym Owners

Taylor Singleton, Owner, WRTS – Cincinnati

“We are thankful to be a part of the We Rock family and have the opportunity to provide an inclusive space for our community!”

Taylor Wiesner, Owner, WRTS – Dallas

“I am most thankful for the health of my family and friends, and being able to provide a sanctuary escape for so many families to feel safe and comfortable in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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Vee Patel, Owner, WRTS – Fort Myers

“I am thankful for the opportunity to raise awareness of inclusion in our SWFL community and be able to continue to provide an inclusive play facility for all kids to learn and grow together, especially during these tough times.”

Pip Carty, Owner, WRTS – Audubon

“I am grateful for my fellow owners.  I know I could call upon any We Rock owner at any hour of the day for help and they’d answer the call.  During 2020, I spent more time than ever on the phone with fellow owners who I consider family.  We have spent countless hours strategizing, developing new business concepts, commiserating, but always finding ways to encourage one another to keep moving forward. I will never forget the bonds we developed this year.  Hopefully we’ll all be able to get together in person post-pandemic to hug and celebrate all that we accomplished together. We Rock’s “stronger together” motto represents everything our fellow owners did together in 2020.”

Margaret & Edmond Lee, Owners, WRTS – Sugar Land

“We are thankful for the unexpected time that 2020 has given our family. Life gets busy, schedules get packed. We were forced to slow down, spend time together and reflect on what matters most.”

Through the good and the bad of this challenging year, we remain thankful for our global We Rock community, who have shown us how important it is to cherish every moment. We are grateful for you, We Rockers, and all of the hard work and perseverance you have put into making the world a better, more inclusive place for the special needs community and beyond. From all of us at We Rock the Spectrum Worldwide, have a safe, ROCKIN’ Thanksgiving holiday!

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is proud to provide a space for children of ALL abilities to learn, grow, and play together in a safe, inclusive environment. Our facilities worldwide are offering essential limited capacity sensory gym play. Find your nearest location today!