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Gymnastics center Applied behavior analysis therapist Occupational therapist Preschool Special education school Speech pathologistAbout the Club
The world's first and only preschool, gymnastics & ninja programming club, with both ABA and Speech therapy on-site center catering to neurodiverse kids, teens & adults living with developmental & intellectual disabilities. Our special needs preschool, gymnastics & therapy programs target social-emotional development, nurture - social skills, communication, engagement & confidence through movement and play. We are committed to world classes services creating unique individualized plans for each and every client to maximize their success in an extremely fun and play-based environment.
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Reviews
Lindsey Pinnick
β 5
We found Spectra for my son when he was in 5th grade. He did the teen class until he was 17. Now he is 21 and still says Spectra is one of the few places he felt that he could be his true self and was supported and accepted. This was life changing for him. I knew I had to be a part of Spectra and happily joined the team in 2023!
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Timothy Devlin
β 5
Spectra is a very cool space with a lot of kind and knowledgeable staff. They have a variety of services that help their community. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to check it out.
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Sharon T
β 5
My wife, daughter, and I moved completely across the country from Texas to Oregon so that my family could be somewhere safe and without judgement. Other companies had never given me any clear or direct answers or communications within a timely manner until I applied here! Karissa and Emily responded within just a couple of hours!! It was so nice to finally get to talk to someone face to face who could walk me through the process of beginning my new journey here in Oregon! Coming onboard with the Spectra Family has really made a positive difference for me!
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Brianna Townsend
β 1
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Suzanne Conrad
β 5
My kiddo started here when she was little. Then we circled back at around age 10. But this age 13 has been so critical. We had a medical event that kept us away for a couple months. After returning today you can see her confidence and joy are back. Itβs great exercise, but also a social opportunity that is priceless. Thank you Karissa!
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Hailey Arend
β 5
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Tetesa Pattison
β 3
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Kelly Lyon
β 5
This school is fantastic. The staff are so patient and wonderful with all of the children and really accept them and meet them where they are at. The gymnastics facility is incredible. Our son has really thrived here when traditional preschool didnβt work at all.
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Melissa Gray
β 5
It was a long time in searching for somewhere my child was fully accepted and understood. The amount of growth she has had here in the last year has been incredible!! It is her absolute favorite place to go, so itβs a joy to take her every week.
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Alexis Marona
β 5
Thriving company (and much needed facility) with an owner that is an inspiration of light to our community. Please open up more spaces in the Portland Metro area! Thank you for everything that you do and have brought to this community!
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Melissa Gray
β 5
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Olivia Mancini
β 5
Just started here, but my kiddo loved his first class and is excited to go back!
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Lauren Schroeder
β 5
Spectra has been a gift to our family, and we are forever grateful to the Spectra team for their incredible work with our child. It is a truly inclusive and happy space, and I have watched my child absolutely thrive since joining their preschool class and speech therapy with Alexis. We only want our child to participate in resources that she genuinely enjoys and supports her neurodivergence for the special super power it is, and Spectra definitely shares that philosophy. She absolutely loves Spectra and canβt wait to go to school each day! Speech therapy has also supported truly remarkable growth and development, and Alexis has ensured she takes an approach that is suited to our childβs active and puzzle loving personality, and to say it is working is an understatement! The gymnastics piece of the preschool program is also absolutely genius! It allows the kids to express themselves in an intentionally set up physical space, and feel more settled for the classroom time, while also just having a ton of fun too! A 5 star review definitely canβt ever express the level of appreciation and gratitude we have for this wonderful place with such kind, caring, and professional staff who clearly love what they do. Writing this review brings happy tears to my eyes, and I only wish there was a Spectra in every city in the world, so that every neurodivergent child could have the opportunity to experience this special place.
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Nicki Youngsma
β 5
For families with kids who have sensory issues, ADHD, and or autism, I recommend checking out Spectra Gymnastics. My kids (neurotypical & neurodivergent) love coming here for classes and camps! The wifi is a great perk for while I wait for pickup.
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Dan Wade
β 5
Sensory based special needs gymnastics
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Kiorlanda Rodriguez
β 5
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sydney toops
β 5
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Ellen Scott
β 5
I couldn't be more thrilled with our experience at Spectra. They provided a safe environment for my son to reintegrate into group care after being home for a year, and helped his transition so much. Such a wonderful organization, thank you so much!
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Hilary Murillo
β 5
I cannot recommend this gym enough! My daughters experience at Spectra was amazing. All of the staff were incredibly patient and supportive of my childβs needs. They were very loving, and my daughter was always so excited to see her teachers. The owner, Karissa, is flexible and very empathetic. Weβre currently on a break from gymnastics, but hope to have my child back in this gym soon. Overall the experience exceeded my expectations!
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Christina Kemper
β 5
Our 4yo son started at Spectra Gymnastics about 3 months ago and it has done wonders for him and for us as a family. He had a bit of a motor delay since infancy, but the gap seems to already be closing between him and his peers, and he is showing more confidence in what he can do. Even more importantly, he is learning to set his own and follow his own and others' limits and follow instructions, which has been a struggle with his ASD. He really bonds with his teacher and is so excited to go to gymnastics each week. Best of all, he really gets his energy out in that super fun gym, because it's hard for us parents to keep up with him every day!
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Anita Decamp
β 5
Spectra is amazing for children with disabilities. It has helped my daughter with optimal physical function and helped her mental well being. This has given her much more opportunity as schools donβt offer exercise for children with disabilities. It has helped tremendously with her emotional growth and a lot of it is due to the owner Karissa. She is a breath of fresh air and the most positive person with a heart of gold. I canβt say enough great things about Spectra and the staff. Exercise and mental stimulation is so important for humans and this is the perfect and safest place to find it.
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AP P
β 5
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Fabian Smith
β 4
This establishment is very clean & professional . Miss kim.
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Erin Montgomery
β 5
Such a wonderful resource for our family; our kids love going to camps at Spectra and we love seeing them learn and grow through the experiences they have here.
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Robyn Damkroger
β 5
Spectra is a wonderful gym! The equipment is really unique and fun. The atmosphere is inviting and the staff is patient and awesome. Highly recommend giving it a try. My kid canβt get enough of the classes!
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Sarah Jayne
β 5
SO much love for Spectra. My 4 yo attended their kinder prep program and absolutely loved it. He had never been to a childcare setting before and the transition was seamless. Staff are fun and friendly with excellent communication to parents. It was so nice to see my kiddo smiling before and after class. He has grown so much in this program and I feel confident in his ability to transition to a larger class size setting in the future. Thank you, Spectra :)
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Olivia Shimkus
β 5
We are so glad that we've found Spectra Gymnastics and their array of services. The instructors are attentive and friendly. My daughter loves going to Fostering Friendships, and we've booked birthday parties as well.
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Robert Scotton
β 5
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Corey Jones
β 5
The crew here is very welcoming and supportive. I have two boys that attend, one neurotypical and one ADHD, and they both absolutely LOVE coming to Spectra. It's so wonderful to have a place where they can find success, learn coping skills, and have the best time with all of their new friends! We are very thankful for Spectra :)
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Becky Powell
β 5
This place has great classes with the most amazing staff! The teachers really develop strong bonds with these kids and have a lot of knowledge about all kinds of special needs. Our son is not on the spectrum, but has other special needs which the staff has been incredible dealing with. Our son has LOVED his experience here! Highly recommended!
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Jennifer McDonald Lowder
β 5
We have been going to Spectra for several years, we have participated in several of their classes, and have had several birthday parties there as well. We love Karissa and know that she is very selective about her staff. We trust she makes good decisions based on our kids' needs and abilities. We ALWAYS recommend Spectra to anyone and everyone!
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Reuben Nisenfeld
β 5
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Christopher Davio
β 5
Would highly recommend! The team and equipment at Spectra Gymnastics creates a dynamic, interactive experience!
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Zack Gallinger-Long
β 5
The work that the instructors do at Spectra Gymnastics is nothing short of amazing. The owner, Karissa, and her staff have huge hearts and are dedicated to helping children every step of the way. I highly recommend this gym!
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Tonia Doering
β 5
Very clean facility with TONS of great developmental activities to keep your kiddo growing and learning! The owner Kerissa is amazing to work with. The fees are very reasonable which is a bonus π highly recommend
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Lisa Scott
β 5
Karissa , the owner has a heart of gold, sheβs sweet, professional and caring, iβ Been known her for years . She loves children and put so much passion in this.
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Ashley Lukas
β 5
My Son has downs and LOVED going to gymnastics. The staff is amazing, price is right. The owner is cool and great with every students individual needs
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Tyler Johnson
β 5
This place is amazing, so glad we found it for our family. The staff is very helpful, patient, and excellent at communicating with us and our kids. We couldn't be happier with the programs and can't wait for summer camp.
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Elena Blanco
β 5
Amazing place for your children. Amazing and knowledgeable staff that CARES about the kids and the parents. I would highly recommend it
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Bobbie Riggs
β 5
Karissa is one of the sweetest and patient women I have ever met. Very knowledgeable and would trust her in the care of my children anytime.
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Eddie Merrifield
β 5
Caring and compassionate
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Amie Liscinski
β 5
The owner is very friendly and offers many unique and helpful services for the Autistic community.
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Linda Miller
β 5
I took my grandson to the open gym & he had the best timeππΌ The facility was welcoming, clean, organized & we experienced a FUN, safe place to play, learn & share experiences with other children. Such a beautiful place for ALL children β€οΈ
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Sharron Donnelly
β 5
Knowledgeable, professional, and passionate staff!
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Jack Venny
β 5
I discovered this gym a few months ago for my nephew and cannot believe the progress he has made. The staff are extremely patient and attentive. Place is clean and professional. Karissa was so helpful throughout our original enrollment process and continues to be whenever we are there. Wish they had an option for 6 stars!
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Jared Fischer
β 5
Great facility, well run, organized, knowledgeable, and helpful staff!
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Christina Harp
β 5
Our son has gone to Spectra since they opened and we absolutely couldn't recommend it enough. Karissa helped us so much be it learning gymnastics, patience and taking turns, recognizing emotions and communicating them with us, spacial awareness and body control, I could go on and on. Karissa and Spectra have been an invaluable addition to our lives and you won't regret sending your children here for fun and learning. β€οΈ
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Deb Bearden
β 5
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Katie Ruffalo
β 5
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Jennifer Schlipp
β 5
I have had the pleasure of knowing Karissa for many years professionally & I couldnβt be more grateful for the wisdom, insight & experience she has shared with me and our entire childrenβs movement industry. Her work with children on the spectrum and for those with more specialized needs is ground breaking, effective, insightful and truly remarkable! Her love for children, her fair & outstanding business practices, and her overall contagiously positive energy are all reasons I would recommend her at 5 stars!!!!
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Ashlee Rice
β 5
Have organized several field trips here for my class! The kids I work with are impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities. The field trips are specifically tailored to our special needs, the staff are highly trained in research based social skills methodology, and our kids have so much fun every time! Several of my students have gone on to join classes at Spectra and have loved it! Grateful for this venue and the authentic social experience it provides for my students! ππ½π
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Barbara Anne May
β 5
Spectra Gymnastics is a wonderful program for children. Caring and knowledgeable coaches always make sure every child feels how important they are. They are set up to celebrate success... progressing physically at their own pace - safely with encouragement. I strongly recommend Spectra Gymnastics!
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Jezell Halton
β 5
Spectra Gymnastics is nothing less than wonderful! The owner, instructors, space and programs available make this facility a choice you wonβt regret!
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Dominic Ward-Hall
β 1
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Katy King
β 1
Unorganized, unfriendly and disappointing.
About 2 years ago we scheduled an intake with owner, she wasn't there, didn't let anyone else know there was one scheduled, and didn't bother to notify me that she wasn't going to be there at all. The two classes we attended were chaotic. There were 3 instructors for one class, and no clear indication as to what they were having the kids do, some were wandering around and others tuned out early on.
I hope they have themselves better organized now, because the amount of money they charge is ridiculous for the experience we had
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Samuel Pettit
β 5
Excellent place with fantastic pricing
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Jeremy Hewitt
β 2
There was an annoying preteen boy who appeared to be the son of the woman working the reception desk all up in everyoneβs business. He nearly kicked a ball off my head twice, twice belched in my wifeβs ear, and just generally annoyed the bejesus out of darn near every patron in the place. 4 stars minus the annoying know it all.
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Joana Jones
β 5
My autistic grandson, now 5 years old, has had many breakthroughs in speech and behavior because of the excellent instruction he received from Karissa and get team.
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Andrew Henderson
β 5
We come here for open gym on Saturdays from 9-12. Our 3 year old son who is on the spectrum loves it. They have all kinds of cool stuff to run around on, jump, climb, swing, etc. The staff are always really friendly and nice. They limit the amount of kids in there at one time, which is really nice and prevents it from becoming too crowded. Spectra has been a great spot to let our boy play (especially when its raining and we can't go outside) and for us to meet and talk with other parents with kids on the spectrum.
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Hana Omrane
β 1
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Kavitha Rayappa
β 5
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Frank Sahlein
β 5
Spectra Gymnastics, from my perspective as a global children's activity center consultant, is one of the most unique, authentic, progressive and effective services available for autistic children and their families. The innovative combination of ABA therapy principles, gymnastics as a skill-building tool, and social play works wonders for the children. I have viewed private, semi-private and group classes at the Spectra main site in Portland, Oregon on many occasions, and the consistent and high degree of care and focus on the children by these professionals is heart-warming. The owner and founder, Karissa Johnson, has spoken at the national level in both the USA and Australia, spreading the word about Spectra's approach. Definitely a 5-star business with 5-star people and a 5-star mission.
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Sarah Ahl
β 5
Great place for kids of all ages and all abilities! The staff are kind and encouraging and extremely knowledgeable. There is something here for everyone. Give it a try and see!
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Trevor Calton
β 5
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Why Hate
β 1
Terrible communication, poor business practices.
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Ricardo Correa
β 5
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James Bertelson
β 5
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