In September 2020, Vanessa and Mark Albano opened We Rock the Spectrum, a kids gym and preschool that provides fun sensory experiences and fosters learning.

“All kids love a zipline, a rock wall and swings,” Vanessa says. “There’s also a trampoline, imagination station, art room and serene calming room.” We Rock’s gym also has therapy equipment.

Located off Hendersonville Road at 63 Turtle Creek Drive, We Rock the Spectrum offers an interactive, fun, safe and nurturing environment for all kids and ability levels.

We Rock the Spectrum’s Learning Through Play is a popular preschool program for 3- to 5-year-old potty-trained children, where kids learn to explore their natural curiosities through play every day! The program includes circle time, sensory time, art, social skills and open-gym play. Students can attend two to five days a week.

“We meet kids at their level, teaching preschool skills, kindness, inclusion and empathy,” Vanessa says. “Taught by elementary school educators, children feel loved, respected and encouraged to develop to their fullest potential while celebrating their diversity.”

Their mission is rooted in a whole-child perspective, cultivated in both academics and social-emotional learning. “We develop critical problem-solving skills through mindfulness, free play, Montessori-inspired classrooms, sensory fun, music, movement, Spanish and sign language, self-directed learning opportunities and teacher-led activities,” Vanessa says. 

We Rock the Spectrum also offers birthday parties, from small, low-key gatherings to large and fully decorated events. Party-goers enjoy exclusive access to the gym and party room during the hours of their party!

Other programs at We Rock the Spectrum include private playdates where families can rent the space for one-hour or two-hour blocks, school break camps, morning-out and night-out events, toddler classes and after-school programs.

Vanessa and Mark have five children, but their fourth child sparked their desire to open We Rock the Spectrum in Asheville. After an autism diagnosis and seeing their daughter’s differences in function in social situations and sensory processing, they wanted to create an inclusive environment that could help not only her but also other children in a safe and supportive environment. 

“My husband and I were discussing opening a community center for some time,” Vanessa says. “We wanted a place where families could gather and find commonality, share stories and watch their children grow together. Our brains and bodies are different. Kids don’t see those differences, and now we have an environment where we all can play together.”

Visit werockthespectrumasheville.com. Pre-registration is required.