• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Print Subscription
  • Contact Us

children

WC Kids Club: Why a Social Skills Program?

May 28, 2013 by The Inside Press

One of the things I am most proud of is the creation of my social skills program for young children.  Over eight years ago, WC KIDS’ CLUB was born.  With Marni Gross, a talented speech therapist, by my side, the program grew to be one of the most successful and respected social skills programs in Westchester County.

We find many of our students had social challenges that  interfered with their ability to function in the mainstream school setting.  We realized if we could create a setting that mirrored what children do in preschool and kindergarten and keep the ratio low, we could give children the ideal environment to grow socially.  We then proceeded to learn everything we could about teaching social skills to young children.

To all the families who have participated in WC KIDS’ CLUB, we owe you our heartfelt thanks for trusting us with your children.  It has been our pleasure to “play” with them each week. Please promise to stay in touch.  We would love to know how things are going!  For those of you reading this and aren’t involved in our program, please feel free to inquire.  For more info, visit my blog, wckidsclub.com or email me: wckidsclub@gmail.com

–Joan Weinstein

Filed Under: Special Needs Tagged With: children, Special Needs

Teaching Your Child To Make Friendships that are Extra Special

May 28, 2013 by The Inside Press

By Louise Weadock

WeeZee staff and coaches with WeeZee World Director, Kelly Harned’s daughter popping out of cake, Amani Kelly, 4, of Yonkers.
WeeZee staff and coaches with WeeZee World Director, Kelly Harned’s daughter popping out of cake, Amani Kelly, 4, of Yonkers.

As parents, teaching our children about making friends and how to be a “good friend” is critical. Being a good friend often includes accepting and appreciating someone who may not have the same abilities and interests. So, it is vital to encourage your child to learn about being a friend to a child with a disability. At some point your child will surely have a classmate with special “issues” or needs. Feeling comfortable with those that are “the same” is easy, but understanding what makes us “different (but also, the same)” can be the first step towards a friendship that may turn out to be extremely fulfilling and beneficial to both your child with his “issues” and another child, who has different “issues.” Here are some ideas to emphasize:

1. Teach your child that being different is “ok.” No two people are the same–some differences are just more noticeable. And, although you may not share exactly the same abilities or interests, there are always common activities you can both enjoy together.

2. Tell your child, if he is curious, that it’s ok to ask questions about “WHY the difference?”  Life is like a box of chocolates…WHAT makes each so different? Encourage both children to ask each other questions.

3. Explain that children can be born challenged or become challenged from an accident or illness.You can’t “catch” a disability from someone else.

4. Remind your child that a special need or issue, a difference or disability, is just one characteristic of a person. In fact, as a child Beethoven was challenged in one area, but extremely GIFTED in another!

5. Let your child know that children with challenges are often smarter or stronger. Why? Because they have to “get over” their challenge in order to “keep up.” Planting this seed may be enough to start an amazing friendship for both children!

IMG_24506. Emphasize feelings that ALL children share: We all want friends, respect and to be included.

7. Applaud your child’s kindness, inclusive and Respectful language when talking about someone with disabilities, and reinforce that mean names or jokes HURT and are never acceptable.

8. Reading or learning about special needs and disabilities can increase understanding and help to dispel any questions you or your child may have.

9. Above all, keep in mind: there’s no need for pity or sadness. Being different with a special gift or need is not a bad or good thing; each simply comes with its own set of challenges.

Building confidence, making friends and developing social skills is at the core of every program and activity at WeeZee…World of “Yes I Can!” including its popular Summer Camp and After School program (with different themes each week!), for which registration is now underway. The 18,000 square foot play space has been designed to make it easy for children to find things in common and easily socialize. Children on every level move through a host of highly engaging, interactive and imaginative sensory activities that exercise and strengthen intellectual, physical and social skills. WeeZee’s Sensory Coaches have been specially trained to teach children how to act in a spirit of cooperation, acceptance and inclusion.

WeeZee is Westchester’s only inclusive “family play space” offering kids of all abilities, ages 1-12, and their parents an expansive gym equipped with the latest state-of-the-art sports and fitness equipment and games.

The colorful, interactive facility is a matrix of large space and small rooms containing 135 plus unique attractions including a “Rainforest & Storm Zone,” a “Vibration Station,” an “Oxygen Bar” and “Cyber Action Floor;” as well as Sport Stalls and Reaction Sports Training; and a Music Room with a sound studio and a Karaoke room. The equipment and programs at WeeZee are based on a plethora of research by the Autism community.

Parents are invited to “play for free” or unwind in the “Zen Den” that features dim lighting, soothing music, iPads and full-body massage chairs–while their children are fully supervised as they follow their Sensory Fitness Plan or engage in Free Play.

Conveniently located at 480 Bedford Road in Chappaqua right off Exit 33 on the Saw Mill Parkway (in the Chappaqua Crossing complex), WeeZee is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on non-school nights.  For more info, go to weezeeworld.com

Louise Weadock is the founder of WeeZee…World of “Yes I Can!”

Filed Under: Special Needs Tagged With: children, friendships, Special Needs

Jodi’s Story

April 24, 2013 by The Inside Press

Photo by Bill Bramswig
Photo by Bill Bramswig

How Her Talent and Passion for Gymnastics Turned into a Lifelong Career

By Vicki de Vries

“Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life!” Most people nod in agreement and then walk away.

Not Jodi Levine, who started Jodi’s Gym 32 years ago and has proven that love and work can be a perfect 10, an old gymnastic term for the highest possible score. How did she do it, and how does she manage to continue running a successful business?

Jodi took what she loved and excelled in–gymnastics–and turned that passion into a new business idea—Jodi’s Gym, a gymnastics company catering to young children in New York City. The concept proved to be so successful that she eventually opened a Jodi’s Gym center in Mount Kisco. Over the years, Jodi and her staff, many of whom have been working with Jodi for over 15 years, have developed numerous offerings that range from “Teeny Tumblers” (ages 9 months to walking) to Girls Advanced Gymnastics (1st to 8th grade), attracting thousands upon thousands of children.

What accounts for the tremendous success Jodi’s Gym has enjoyed during the past 32 years? Is it the great business concept or the fact that all of the instructors are USA Gymnastics certified? Or maybe it’s the rich variety of offerings in a kid-friendly, pleasant, safe environment? Certainly, all of those factors have played, and continue to play, a key role in the Jodi’s Gym phenomenon.

But what has really made the difference is Jodi Levine herself.

Jodi’s Dance…to Gymnastics

One of Jodi’s earliest memories is about her wanting to be a ballet teacher. At around five years of age, she started taking dance lessons and acrobatic tumbling. “I really enjoyed being upside down,“ Jodi said. (Could that be when she began acquiring her remarkably perceptive slant on things?)

At age 12, Jodi began her first gymnastics class and by age 13, began competitive gymnastics. Entering her senior year of high school, she received a scholarship to attend the Walnut Hill School for Performing Arts in Boston. That honor required that she leave her hometown of Spring Valley in Rockland County, NY, for the year in order to pursue gymnastics training along with other scholarship recipients from around the country.

Jodi had such a successful senior year at the Walnut Hill School that after competing at the national level, she was awarded an athletic scholarship to Indiana State University’s nationally ranked women’s gymnastics team. She graduated with a BA in psychology and a certification coaching of gymnastics/physical education minor.

At that point, Jodi believed her gymnastics days were over: “After ISU, I truly did believe that I had completed my ‘gymnastics piece.’”

Next on her list was attending New York University to complete a master’s degree in psychology/organizational behavior. With graduation approaching, Jodi decided to take a break prior to pursuing a doctorate in child psychology. At the same time, she experienced what she described as a “gut moment pulling me back into the world of kids’ health, fitness and movement education.”

During her break from graduate studies, Jodi returned to coaching competitive gymnastics, something she had always loved. Here is where her story really takes off… “I really wanted to reach out to all kids, not just the ones who were inclined to be competitive gymnasts,” Jodi said. “I saw there was a great need for all kids to reap the psychological, as well as the physical, benefits of the sport that had given me so much. This was back in 1980, when ‘mommy and me’ gymnastics really did not exist. I saw a niche that was missing.” That niche was “gymnastics for the pure enjoyment, fun, education and benefit, where kids could work toward their personal best without having to compete for a score or how they compared to other kids.”

“In the sport of gymnastics, every fiber of a young person’s mind and body is fully engaged. I felt that so many children were missing out on the benefits gymnastics gave me, and I felt I just had to give it back to as many who would like to have the chance.”

The idea became a cause celebre for Jodi: “I felt as if this was what I was meant to do. There really was no stopping me. The energy was endless, the passion was so strong. Although the work was hard and those early days were very long, it never really felt like ‘work.’” Her athletic father was her main cheerleader early on: “If you love it, go for it!” In fact, “Dad always encouraged my sister and me to get back up, dust off the dirt and try again,” said Jodi. “He always wanted me to believe there was nothing I could not do because of my gender.”

Valuable words that would come in handy because in those early days, Jodi had no banker, no credit, no equipment, no staff, and no experience running a business. Surely the odds were against her, but Jodi was armed with a dream, boundless energy, and a strong passion for gymnastics and helping children.

Once Jodi’s Gym opened in New York City, it became an immediate success–the game in town for young children and their mothers. However, the business soon outgrew its space, and Jodi realized she would need to hire and train her first employee, who turned out to be a former student of hers. Her second employee was her mother, Carole, who came to “help out” with some administrative duties on a temporary basis. (To this day, Carole continues to assist her daughter’s business in New York City.)

Today, at any given time, Jodi’s Gym NYC and Mount Kisco between them will have from 25 to 40 employees—full and part time.

A Matter of Balance

Operating a business requires finding the right balance and constantly fine-tuning. Over the years, Jodi has developed a successful philosophy of business that is based on personal experience, common-sense, and a deep love for children and gymnastics.

Keeping a business on course includes “staying true to core values and goals while constantly innovating” and “keeping pricing fair while compensating staff well,” not to mention “maintaining the highest quality programs, high teacher/student ratios, and an extremely competent, well-trained, long-term, experienced staff.”

If that list sounds like too much somersaulting, Jodi would disagree because it’s what she has been doing for over 30 years. Her key advice to any business owner: “Listen to your customers, treat them as you want to be treated, be caring and sincere and accessible, and constantly innovate, always keeping in mind what is in the kids’ best interest.”

But, perhaps most importantly, Jodi is genuinely “in sync” with the kids themselves; she and her staff support and root them on because they’ve seen the positive results over and again, “knowing that children in our programs are feeling more confident and are developing a love for fitness and movement,” she stated.

Ultimately, “if this early positive exposure to movement keeps kids wanting to move and engage in active pursuits as they grow, we will have added to a healthier world. To me, that is success.”

Straddling Two Worlds

In the middle of her career, Jodi’s own two children became her students, and she and her husband, Hal, became, in effect, customers. Wearing the customer chapeau, she was able to see things from a mother’s perspective and learned to listen to the mothers who brought their children to her gymnastic classes.

In fact, Jodi felt better prepared to tackle perhaps the biggest challenge of all–being a parent: “Seeing so many different children and parenting styles over the years really helped prepare me to some extent for becoming a mom myself. I had so many role models.”

In a refreshingly candid way, Jodi added, “They helped me to be a better mom and got me to thinking, ‘What does a mom want? What does she deserve?’ That’s when I really started listening to what parents want for their children.”

Now that those mothers are grandparents, Jodi loves the fact that their children are bringing their kids to learn gymnastics: “When our ‘legacies,’ or second-generation kids, come through the door and the mom tells me of her great memories as a child at the gym and that she is now bringing her own child, I have been brought to tears on many occasions.”

Being sensitive to the needs and interests of families with children with all types of special needs, allergies, likes and dislikes further accounts for the variety of programs at Jodi’s Gym.

That sensitivity came close to home, shaping the parenting style of Jodi and her husband, Hal, who made physical activity and music a big part of their children’s lives. It also served as the inspiration for some innovative classes at Jodi’s Gym. For example, Jodi introduced gym and music classes after noticing how much her then two-year-old son, Will, enjoyed music. Later, when her daughter, Marly turned two, she enjoyed the musician Bobby Doowah so much that Jodi began featuring him in Jodi’s Gym birthday parties.

Now that Will and Marly are young adults and Jodi and her husband, Hal, are empty nesters, Jodi is thrilled that both children love working with kids. Will is a medical student, plays guitar and enjoys a lot of sports, including running, hiking, and skiing, while Marly, who is a junior in college, sings a capella, enjoys working out, yoga and dance. “And she recently became a Zumba instructor!” said Jodi.

Given all the successes, does Jodi have any regrets about her business? To her credit, Jodi freely admits a few: delegating more earlier on, asking for more help, taking less to heart, and being able to see more of the big picture. Would she do it all over again? A resounding definitely: “I have learned so much about people, relationships and myself. The bottom line is I feel I am really making a difference, and that makes it all worthwhile!”

Jodi’s Gym has plans to add more fitness and wellness-based classes to its offerings as well as expanding the “Jodi’s To Go” side of the business, which brings the Jodi’s Gym brand to schools, daycares, camps, and other locations in New York City and Westchester.

Nearest and perhaps dearest to Jodi’s heart is her plan to start programs for underserved populations in New York City and Westchester: “I would love to fill the gap for kids who come from homes where an active, healthy lifestyle is not so easy.”

That expresses not merely Jodi Levine’s business acumen, but more importantly, her warm and caring heart. Jodi is truly an “all-around” winner. Gymnastic aficionados will know that means “a strong competitor on all events.”

Vicki de Vries is a freelance writer/editor and educator living in Westchester “country.”

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: children, fitness, Gymnastics, Jodi's Gym

Play Care Is Tops For Learning And Fun!

March 5, 2013 by The Inside Press

playground1. Warm and nurturing educational and positive socialization environment for ages 2 months-5 years

2. Flexible schedule–choice and number of days

3. Extended hours available–P.M. classes, early morning drop off, lunch hour

4. Excellent teacher/student ratio with small 
classroom size

5. Extensive, well maintained facilities, fenced in large, shaded playground

6. Music and creative movement/yoga classes as part of the regular curriculum

7. Enrichment classes–for example: Art Around the World, Adventures with Dr. Suess

8. Encourages cooperative learning through parent participation at school

9. Special Events Days: for example: Pajama Days, Hat Days, Two By Two Zoo, Ranger Rick, Maritime Aquarium, etc.

10. Licensed by NY Office of Children and Family Services

Filed Under: Top Ten Sponsors Tagged With: children, playcare

Chinese Language Instruction for Children: CHILDNESE

October 23, 2012 by The Inside Press

GLOBAL WISDOM FROM OUR SPONSORS

States Peiling Liu, owner: Everyone knows Chinese language skills are important in a global economy, and the best way to attain those skills is to begin learning at an early age. CHILDNESE teaches Chinese in a fun, creative, effective atmosphere integrating games, stories, songs, art, and culture to reinforce Chinese language concepts.

CHILDNESE focuses on educating youngsters; however teens and adults will find programs tailored to their needs as well. Class sizes range from 4-6 students, assuring excellent personal attention. Try it!

CHILDNESE is currently offering a free trial lesson. Contact us at www.childnese.com, Facebook.com/Childnese, or call (914) 328-8818.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness with our Sponsors Tagged With: children, Chinese, language skills

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Page 8
  • Page 9
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Please Visit

William Raveis – Armonk
William Raveis – Chappaqua
White Plains Hospital
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Briarcliff
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
NYOMIS – Dr. Andrew Horowitz
Raveis: Lisa Koh and Allison Coviello
Purple Plains
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Korth & Shannahan
Douglas Elliman: Chappaqua
Wonder food hall
Houlihan Lawrence: Harriet Libov
Roamfurther Athletics
Compass: Aurora Banaszek
Houlihan: Kile Boga-Ibric
David Visconti Painting & Contracting
King Street Creatives
New Castle Physical Therapy

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Armonk Inside Chappaqua and Millwood Inside Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Publisher’s Note Regarding Our Valued Sponsors

Inside Press is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse or not endorse any advertisers, products or resources referenced in either sponsor-driven stories or in advertisements appearing in this publication. The Inside Press shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services or resources made available through this publication.The Inside Press is published in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertising or sponsor driven stories that appear in this publication. The views of advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher’s.

Opinions and information presented in all Inside Press articles, such as in the arena of health and medicine, strictly reflect the experiences, expertise and/or views of those interviewed, and are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by the Inside Press. Please consult your own doctor for diagnosis and/or treatment.

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2025 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in