We Rock the Spectrum children's gym opens this weekend in Rio Rancho

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, an international children’s gym franchise, announced Tuesday the grand opening of its new location: We Rock the Spectrum – Westside ABQ.

The opening will be accompanied by a celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4 at the new gym, 1101 Golf Course Road SE, Suite 103, Rio Rancho.

Families with children from all walks of life will get to experience a breadth of sensory and physically beneficial activities within a safe, clean and controlled environment.

We Rock the Spectrum is a franchise opportunity that provides sensory-safe play for kids with autism, special needs and neurotypical development. Each gym features 12 pieces of therapeutic equipment designed to work with many of the sensory processing issues that children on the spectrum face, while providing all children with the sensory-diet necessary for improved learning and neurological development. For example, the zip line helps children with vestibular sensations and sensory feedback while allowing them to better develop upper-arm and core strength.

Each We Rock the Spectrum location offers unique classes, children’s day camp opportunities, arts and crafts, additional pieces of play equipment and more.

An autism mom from California, Dina Kimmel, is the CEO and founder of We Rock the Spectrum. Kimmel opened the first gym in Tarzana, California, after her son was diagnosed with autism and she struggled to find a safe place where both her son and her daughter (neurotypical) could go together.

The motto for all We Rock the Spectrum gyms is, “Finally a place where you never have to say I’m sorry!”

Under Kimmel's leadership, WRTS facilities were able to offer essential child care for special needs families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courtney Lewis and Jeff Utrata are the new owners of We Rock the Spectrum – Westside ABQ.

Lewis is a licensed professional clinical counselor in the mental health field who has dedicated her career to providing specialized care to children and their families. Her passion has been to diversify how healing comes to all children.

Utrata identifies as neurodivergent and is a father of two neurodivergent children. He is committed to providing his children opportunities that weren’t available in his childhood.

The leadership team also includes a financial manager, Lorrie DeLoach, and program manager, Lindsey Salazar. Together, they hope that the children and families in the community will find WRTS Westside ABQ as a place to gather, celebrate and feel accepted in their neurodivergence.

The grand opening celebration will have a "Star Wars" theme and is open to children of all abilities.

Children will be able to play with all the specialized equipment, including the trampoline, swings and the fan-favorite zip slide. Admission is $16 per child.