Linda and Suzy have created a unique program that combines yoga and music for children. Musical Yoga Adventures provides a fun way for families to exercise together, as well as providing an exciting and innovative way for teachers and therapists to address goals for their students and clients.

 

Linda Lara

Linda received her Master of Music from Westminster Choir College, Rider University, in 1995, with a concentration in Composition. She has been a choral director and workshop presenter at various Williams’ Syndrome Association Conventions, and is listed in Who’s Who in American Women, as well as Who’s Who in American Education. She has participated in the NJ Symphony Master Teacher Collaborative, and is the creator/author of Special Music for Special Learners, a music book/CD published by Shawnee Press, Inc. In 2006, she was the recipient of an award for outstanding achievement in the arts, awarded by the Somerset County Cultural Commission. She serves on the Advisory Board for Berkshire Hills Music Academy, and is a member of ACDA (American Choral Directors’ Association) and MENC (Music Educators’ National Conference).

Since 1995, she has been teaching music to students at a private special needs school, The Midland School, in North Branch, NJ. “Working with these students has changed the way I look at the world and see life, and they continually teach me great things.” At the school, Linda developed the first full-time music program, which includes: chorus, drama and instrumental lessons in keyboard and percussion. About 5 years ago, she and Suzy Frank developed a unique and successful program for their students, which is a combination of music and yoga. Linda has been practicing yoga for 5 years, and lives in Milford, NJ with her husband, Alejandro. She has 2 grown children and a granddaughter, Eric, Nicole, and Niya. All 3 enjoy practicing yoga, and have been an inspiration to her.

 

Suzy Frank

Suzy Frank is a pediatric occupational therapist. She received her B.S. in Occupational Therapy from University of Florida and presently lives with her "downward dog" Darla in New Jersey. She worked at Children’s Specialized Hospital, a pediatric rehabilitation hospital, for 10 years. Since 1995 she has been an occupational therapist at the The Midland School, providing services for students with special needs.

From her experience working with children, Suzy saw that those who lead a healthy lifestyle and have adequate sensory motor experiences function at their best; this led her to develop a variety of programs. Suzy initiated bringing an accessible, community-built playground to the school, developed an award-winning lunchtime walking program, The Midland Milers, and helped create a schoolwide Nutrition program, the “Healthy Heroes.”

Yoga has been a part of Suzy’s life for many years, and after attending a “YogaKids” course, she was inspired to add this component to her therapy practice. She then received her Level 1 Yoga Fit Certification in 2005.

Suzy has always seen great value in incorporating music in her therapy sessions as well and feels very blessed to help children find their “inner happiness” while being able to combine so many of her own passions. Suzy says the children she has worked with through the years have made her "adventure” more special than she could have ever imagined!

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