Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Amar
Nancy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Nancy Amar, though the kids have affectionately call me Miss Mancy, and I can’t tell you how much that warms my heart—despite the occasional confusion it causes! I’ve always had a passion for working with children, particularly those on the Autism Spectrum. To me, they’re not just students; they’ are my spiritual guides, teaching me profound lessons through their genuine presence and delightful honesty.
Like many, I have encountered my share of challenges, but the most profound was coming to terms with the realization that I would never have my own children. Growing up in an Orthodox Jewish community, where motherhood is often regarded as a central role for women, this understanding was especially difficult to accept. I found myself needing to redefine my identity beyond the conventional paths of marriage and motherhood. Instead of withdrawing, I embraced my passion for pediatrics and pursued my dream of becoming a therapist. Looking back, I recognize that this struggle was a pivotal moment in my life. What felt like a devastating loss at the time has ultimately become one of my greatest gifts, guiding me toward my true purpose and teaching me to trust in the journey of my life.
I made the move from Montreal to sunny Miami where I began my journey as an occupational therapist, gradually building my practice through word-of-mouth (thank you, lovely families!). Along the way, I faced another challenge—a medical scare that put my life on pause. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing serious, but it prompted me to reflect on how I wanted to spend my time. I began hiring other therapists to support my caseload, which allowed me to focus on my passions like writing my book, creating courses, giving workshops and connecting to the deeper purpose that drives me.
Then came the pandemic, a time that tested us all, but also gifted me with something precious: time. I started a non-profit organization to promote inclusion and job opportunities for young adults on the Autism Spectrum. I created a Fine Motor Toolkit that was sold at local schools, our clients and online. During the summer I hired Autistic Young adults to help assemble these kits. But I didn’t stop there!
Recognizing the need for a dedicated space for these young adults, I reached out to my network and found a studio to start our organization. What began as assembling boxes quickly blossomed into a thriving day program, where young adults not only found meaningful work but also a sense of belonging. Fast forward to today, and we’ve opened a beautiful new center in North Miami, complete with a state-of-the-art gym for therapy sessions (yes, we’re fancy now!)- a healing space where growth and inclusion can be celebrated.
At Miss Mancy Inc. and Beyond ASD, we’re all about honoring the unique abilities and contributions of everyone involved. With a fantastic team of six occupational therapists and three wonderful staff members, we’re dedicated to our families and their growth. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where children of all abilities can learn, grow, and—dare I say—have a little fun while doing it!
My dream is to develop a Miss Mancy campus that combines therapy, education, and community engagement. Picture a place where children receive therapy in a nurturing environment, while young adults gain valuable work experience in a café, a shop, and a training center, all under one roof. This vision transcends mere services; it’s about building a community where everyone feels they have a seat at the table and the chance to shine.
I truly believe that if we can see each other through the eyes of our hearts and souls, we can create a world where everyone thrives. Let’s keep celebrating the amazing souls in our community as we work toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve encountered my fair share of obstacles and challenges that have tested my spirit and resilience. The most difficult one to overcome was knowing that I would never have my own children. That was very difficult for me especially since I grew up in a jewish orthodox community where having children is quite an important role for women.
I had to redefine and rediscover who I was without being like other women. Since I wouldn’t be going down the traditional road of marriage and kids. I decided to do what I always wanted to do which was to go to school to medical school to work in pediatrics. At the time, this was looked down upon in my conservative community. A huge defining moment in my life. It’s so beautiful to be able to look back today and see that what I experienced at the time to be so difficult and devastating was in fact one of my greatest gifts. I was lead to go in the direction to do what I am meant to do for the world. All I needed to do was step in and trust the unfolding of my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Miss Mancy inc.?
At Miss Mancy inc. we provide private occupational therapy to children of all abilities. Our services include individual treatments at private schools, our center and in homes. We also offer after school programs at our center such as Social Skills Groups and Self-Regulation Groups. We teach children the skills they need to nurture relationships and also work on their ability to self-regulate emotionally by working on their resilience and emotional intelligence. We also teach in classroom at various private schools as part of their curriculum. We teach the kids classroom skills as well as regulation skills. Miss Mancy is always building our own curriculums for these classes/groups. We provide camps throughout the year when schools are out. Our kids love to come to our center and they are the ones asking us for more programming!!! In fact a few months ago, since so many of them were begging to sleep over at the center!! (what?) we hosted a Sleep Under! We had a pj, pizza, glow in the dark party but everyone went home!…Hence the sleep under! We really cater to kids and love to keep the magic of childhood alive!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
From all my life hurdles what I learned is to get clear about my life mission which is my highest passion. I trust that my excitement is my soul talking to me and therefore when I take a step towards accomplishing my life mission, I fully trust the unfolding even when a crisis arises…TRUST! Life happens FOR us and not TO us. There are lessons in everything we experience if we are willing to see from a higher more elevated perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.missmancy.com
- Instagram: @missmancyinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063581860170
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@missmancy
- Other: https://www.missmancy.com/beyond-asd/
