Bedtime Blues

By Susan S. Russo How many times can one read “Goodnight Moon”, “Brown Bear” or “The Cat in the Hat”? If you are a parent you know that the answer is probably close to a “gazillion”. When my four were tiny I resorted to reading all of their favorites using different accents…….Reading a la Fran… Read More »

I’d Pick More Daisies

By Nadine Stir Written when she was 85 years old If I had my life to live over again would try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very few things that I would take seriously…. Read More »

Give me a T-A-P-A

On Friday, October 11th the Theresa Academy was transformed into a Cheerleading Boot Camp with the help of the Gotham City Cheerleaders. Four cheerleaders from the unofficial team of the New York Giants taught a master dance and technique class to our TAPA students and guests from Impressions Dance Studio in Levittown.   All the… Read More »

Long Island Teaching Artist Workshop

ON FRIDAY, December 6th the Theresa Academy of Performing Arts hosted a workshop for teaching artists that live and work in both Nassau and Suffolk counties to explore adapting activities for a variety of students with disabilities.   A movement activity was led by Dafna Soltes Stein and a theater activity was led by I.D.E.A.S. Director and Founder, Lisa… Read More »

TAPA at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library

This winter, the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library had TAPA teacher Keyla Hiraldo as a guest teacher for Stories and Play for Children with Special Needs. The one-hour workshops allowed local students to sample TAPA classes and enjoy dance, drama, and performing arts activities through literature based lessons right in their hometown.   The classes brought classic… Read More »

Joys and Heartbreak of Special Needs

This was supposed to be a story of success about my daughter’s participation on the school soccer team. And in part, it was a success. To the credit of the school soccer coach, assistant teacher, and the athletic department, my daughter had the time of her life while being allowed to play soccer. She was… Read More »

Married Couple with Special Needs May Finally Live Together

Anyone who has ever been married will tell you that there’s an adjustment period once the excitement and exhaustion of the wedding wears off. For many, this adjustment period is necessary to grow as a married couple. Unfortunately for Paul and Hava Forziano, a married couple with special needs, that adjustment period was thwarted. Both Paul… Read More »