Jenni is a mother of two neurodivergent children, both of whom began their gymnastics journey at North Shore Gymnastics (NSGA) in the SONIC program. SONIC is an adaptive gymnastics program for children with physical and/or developmental disabilities. The SONIC program brings out the best in every child with an approach tailored to their individual strengths and personal goals at each stage of development.
“Gymnastics wasn’t just an activity for my kids — it became a place where they felt included, supported, and seen,” said Jenni.
A Transformative Experience in Special Olympics
Jenni’s daughters continued their progressions until they aged out of the recreational classes. Then, NSGA’s Coach Megan formed a Special Olympics team, and it became a life-changing opportunity for one of Jenni’s daughters, Anna.
“Coach Megan has the biggest heart,” said Jenni. “She made my daughter feel like she could do it and made gymnastics feel safe, even though it can be intimidating.”
The team began as a small, tight-knit team, and then blossomed into a dynamic program that paired NSGA’s team gymnasts with Special Olympics gymnasts for mentoring, encouragement, and friendship. The peer-coaching model created something truly powerful, and the program grew significantly over time and eventually offered nearly 1:1 coaching support. Jenni became a volunteer coach!
In 2022, Megan applied to coach the USA Special Olympics team, and Anna was selected as a gymnast. Jenni recalls the experience as nothing short of transformational: “It was a life-changing opportunity for Anna that never would have happened without Megan’s dedication.”
What Makes North Shore Different
Jenni describes North Shore as a place where personal connection comes first — even outside the gym.
“When we went to the USA Games, everyone knew Megan. Athletes from other teams were hugging her, asking for help. That’s just who she is.”
She contrasts this with other gym environments, where coaches often work with larger athlete ratios and less individual attention.
“At North Shore, you feel like they’re there just for you. They’re excited to see you and they know your kid.”
She emphasizes that her children, like many neurodivergent children, may struggle with communication or emotional regulation. But North Shore’s coaches meet them exactly where they are.
“They know how to connect, how to motivate, and how to help them shine. Megan sees their strengths and knows how to bring them out.
Conclusion
For Jenni and her family, North Shore Gymnastics is more than a gym — it’s a safe, inspiring, and life-affirming space that believes in every child’s potential. Through inclusive programs like Special Olympics and SONIC and the dedication of coaches like Megan and Jodi, the gym has helped her children build strength, confidence, and lasting friendships.
“NSGA is a place where you belong. It’s fun, inclusive, and empowering. The coaches are patient, kind, and know exactly how to stretch each kid to grow at their own pace.”
