Nick and Christina Hagelin will not hesitate to tell you that Bash is their greatest achievement. He was born with stiff joints and weak muscles caused by Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC).
Doctors told his parents he may never walk and would not recover.
Nick and Christina wanted more for Bash and began their journey, exploring all modes of healing, finding the resources to get Bash the care he needed, and innovative technologies to maximize his lifestyle. Today, Bash is thriving. He is running, jumping, dancing, climbing, and feeding himself.
The Bashing Boundaries Project collaboration was inspired by Bash and the desire for the Atlanta Dance Theatre dancers to find a way to participate in the community, develop leadership skills, and a desire to create a space where kids with special needs could come to play and explore dance and movement.
Bash and his friends launched the first session in the fall of 2015. The program is not about therapy; it is about having fun together and enjoying the opportunity to get out and try new things.
Every great program needs great talent. Within the ADT family there is a lot of talent.
When discussions for Bashing Boundaries began, Julie Flanagan, an ADT parent, was inspired. Julie's daughter has been dancing with ADT for many years. When Julie is not fulfilling her role as an ADT parent, she is an Intellectual Disabilities Liaison for a metro Atlanta school system. Julie has enjoyed working with students with physical disabilities, autism, and significant cognitive disabilities for the past 28 years.
Julie holds a Master’s Degree in Adapted Curriculum and Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She currently trains and support classroom teachers, but really misses working with the students, which is why she is so excited to be working with Bashing Boundaries.
This project brings together two of her favorite things, dancing and working with students with special needs in an integrated environment. She looks forward to meeting you and getting to know your child.
