When Lisa Kolak saw the opportunity to give back to the community that had supported her family’s journey with autism, she seized it.
She opened a We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym franchise in Naples on Dec. 14 with business partner Ed Paquette, an entrepreneur and veteran in providing special needs services —culminating her 20-year journey in special needs care and dreams of helping families with disabilities.
“My son, who is now 26, has autism, and my granddaughter also has autism,” Kolak said. “It was my dream to open a We Rock the Spectrum because all I’ve ever wanted was to give back to the community as much as possible.”
The Naples-based gym — Southwest Florida’s second, following a location in Fort Myers — caters to children of all abilities, focusing on those with autism, sensory processing disorders and other special needs. The facility provides an inclusive space where children can engage in sensory-friendly activities that enhance their physical, emotional and social development while having fun.
“We have found that all children can benefit from our uniquely designed sensory equipment, specifically tailored to aid children with sensory processing disorders,” Kolak said.
Kolak, who had opened several clinics specializing in speech and behavioral therapy before purchasing We Rock the Spectrum, first partnered with the gym when therapists at her previous company began taking its clients there.
Now, therapists bringing children to the Naples location can access the space for free.
“Therapists are already giving so much of their time, and their pay is minimal, so [charging a fee] is something that we would never do to them,” Kolak said.
In addition to supporting therapists, the gym offers resources for homeschooled families, as well as open play sessions, birthday parties, break times, private play dates and more.
Since the location is still evolving, Kolak is seeking ideas from Naples neighbors on how the gym can become an even greater asset to the area.
“We want to hear from the community,” Kolak said. “What do they need? Do they need a parents’ night out — which we offer — when they can drop their child off for a couple of hours and have some time to themselves? Do they want a teen room?”
The more the community engages, the clearer the vision for We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym–Naples becomes.
“The community can benefit from We Rock the Spectrum by gaining a safe, inclusive space for children of all abilities to play and develop essential skills. It fosters a sense of belonging and support for families of children with autism and other special needs,” Kolak said. “Additionally, it strengthens the local community by offering resources, awareness and opportunities for inclusion, which ultimately leads to a more connected and compassionate environment for everyone.”
And that is her highest goal.
“I would really like people to understand that every child is different,” she said. “Whether or not a child has a disability, each one is unique. We need to accept every child exactly as they are.”
This story was published in The Naples Press on Jan. 31.
