Meet Evelyn Villarreal | Business Owner & Registered Behavior Technician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Evelyn Villarreal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evelyn, what inspires you?
I am inspired by ALL parents in general, my mother is my biggest inspiration, but I have a special place in my heart for parents with Special Needs Kids. Thier LOVE, patience, courage and advocacy for their children is everything!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I still can’t believe it at times that I am an owner of a business. Not in a million years would I have thought that I would become one. My goals growing up were far from what I am now. Life definitely works in mysterious ways. Growing up I had different expectations and goals.

with that being said, I wanted for all kids to have a space where they don’t feel like they are being judge. this is a place where finally you don’t have to say I’m sorry hundred times. I want all the kids to enjoy playing with each other no matter the differences. This is a place where we can teach our kids that we are all different but same when it comes to having fun.

Let me tell you a little bit about We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym-Downey it is a Sensory Friendly indoor playground, which we also rent for special event and birthday parties. We Rock the Spectrum – Downey was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. As the only kid’s gym that offers an inclusive philosophy, we have found all children can benefit from our uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. However, in our experience, all children are able to benefit greatly from this equipment and by allowing children of all ability levels to play together they are able to learn a great deal from each other and become the best motivation for success on every level.

Often a therapist for a child with special needs will attend the gym with the children in order to observe and provide their therapy while using the equipment in our gym. This allows kids the access they want to the amazing equipment while the therapist is able to take advantage of the support and availability of the staff and equipment which might not be present in other settings.

We hope to meet you and see you at the gym! YOU ROCK!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would go to the museums; watch some movies, do a lot of catch up.  I would leave it up to my friend to pick the places and make the itinerary. We would definitely eat out a lot, it wouldn’t be a complete visit to L.A if we wouldn’t go to Disneyland! 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate this Shout out to my family to my village as a lot of people would say. I might not say this a lot because I am always on the run but THANK YOU! for always being by my side. To my parents, especially my mom I love you! to my husband and to my Kids for having the patience with me and accepting having to share MOM with the business. I know it’s been difficult at time but your support throughout this process is what has kept me going, always believe in yourself. Always stay humble and always have a big heart.

Website: www.werockthespectrumdowney.com

Instagram: @wrtsdowney

Twitter: @wrtsdowney

Facebook: @wrtsdowney

Yelp: We Rock the Spectrum – Downey