Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Zakka, licensed & registered occupational therapist, yoga instructor.
Tiffany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started Kidnetics as an occupational therapist, to empower children who struggle in school to make mind‐body connections, build inner strength, and self‐confidence for them to become independent learners.
I help children move their mind to manage their emotions, reduce anxiety and increase focus.
Through my experiences and depth of education in occupational therapy and movement, I saw a need for children who were falling behind, have anxiety, and/or don’t have an official diagnosis but really had a hard time at school, “When I began to integrate wellness, strength‐based movements and yoga principles into my sessions, the changes became evident. Working with children to instill self‐mastery of their minds and bodies helps them realize their own potential. And when that happens, it’s transformative.”
I want to take the stigma out of occupational therapy and revolutionize my approach to help children find their inner strength and feel successful in their everyday activities. We all need that extra push and just like adults sometimes need to hire a personal trainer to help motivate and improve their fitness lifestyles, I can be seen as a personal trainer for children. When working with me they will find the same benefits as I assist them to push past barriers allowing them to find comfort and success with the challenges they may face on a daily basis. When we provide our children with the right tools and strategies to succeed, they will.
Kidnetics is also international working with families in Ghana, West Africa. We provide workshops, webinars and consulting.
In addition, in the past year, I have opened my second business Sweat Move Yoga (SWOGA), which allows women and men a safe space to come together, push past barriers to leave feeling stronger physically and mentally. SWOGA aims to provide yoga and fitness classes to the community and has organically grown. When I took my certifications, I had a hard time imagining myself as an instructor, but I have found true joy in being able to share my yoga practice with women, men, children, teens, and athletes. My goal is to keep the space a non-judgmental place for people to find joy in movement and look forward to the positive “aftereffects” that can be felt after completing a class.
I want SWOGA to be a place for people to feel more energized, gain strength and a healthier mindset. To go beyond making it a checkmark on the list, to live their best life, and to fall in love with themselves.
As a mom of four, influencer in healing through movement, yoga teacher and a licensed OT, I have had the opportunity to introduce Peace in Postpartum, one of my true soul projects which aims to help moms in the fourth trimester – a trimester often overlooked by professionals, by focusing on self‐care, pelvic health, lessening their anxiety and educating moms about the development of their infant and the importance of tummy time.
It’s truly been a blessing for me to be able to run two companies, but it is not one I have done alone, thanks to a strong foundation and support from my husband and four children who have all played a role in being there for me, allowing me to keep me going and not give up. It’s not every day you get to say you work with your children, but I feel lucky enough to work with my eldest daughter, a recreational therapist and yoga instructor and my son who is a certified personal trainer.
I am thankful that both businesses have been built on a love for exercise and helping others find strength in movement, just as I have.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it definitely has not been smooth as a mother of four children, managing schedules meeting the demands of home life and work has had its moments. when life gets overwhelming I come back to “Why” I started, why I created these businesses.
Some of the struggles:
Having to always explain what I do as an occupational therapist, no one understands what it is and the benefits gained from it, it’s not just about meeting writing goals, it’s about mental wellness, movement and being able to engage in activities and love what they do.
Being truly understanding where a person is a moment that you are meeting them lessons learned- not to take things that happen personally, staying focused on myself and my goals, everyone has been through their own emotional roller coaster called life, and with all the no’s and failed attempts there’s something bigger waiting for you.
I feel people don’t truly understand that occupational therapy is more than rehabilitation, handwriting and fine motor or how it can benefit all areas of life. socially, emotionally and physically.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
For my practice, it’s about leading with heart, showing up and being present.
Strengthening foundational movements for sports and everyday activities helping children on the cusp of failing to get A’s and B’s. Decreasing their anxiety during transitions, academics, and sports helping moms in their fourth trimester take the stress out of bringing their infant home with a postpartum care plan, tummy time and development.
I’m most proud of my honesty, work ethic being supportive.
My ability to see past a child’s behavior or diagnosis and lead them to find joy and want to learn more.
To create a space where people find comfort and calm when every other part of their life feels chaotic.
What were you like growing up?
I have always enjoyed reading, music, and exercise.
I was often bullied by peers and had more of a quiet personality.
I found exercise when I was in high school and made time to work out before school or after it has become part of my lifestyle, an outlet and a place to really find my power and strength mentally and physically and it has carried me through.
Contact Info:
- Address: sweat move yoga 8929 Sw 129 St
- Website: kidneticsfitkids.com, swogalife.com
- Phone: 7863060054
- Email: [email protected], [email protected]
- Instagram: @kidneticsfitkids, @sweatmoveyoga
Image Credit:
Frank Navas
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