07/16/2020
I had the opportunity to be trained by Joanne when I was only a freshman in college. She was an artist, an intellect, and someone who had a passion to make the world a better place through movement. Without her and her work, I would not have the opportunity to share Autism Movement Therapy with my community. Thank you, Joanne for your life's work. You will be missed, Joanne. ❤️
The special needs community lost an incredibly inspiring and genuinely wonderful woman last month. Joanne Lara valiantly fought ovarian cancer for more than a year. Despite this obstacle, she continued to work as a founder, creator, and director of three very important organizations. As the founder and creator of Autism Movement Therapy, Joanne utilized her professional dancing background to improve the lives of individuals of autism through movement and music. Through Autism Works Now Joanne provided a mentorship, placement, and ‘on the job’ work support program for individuals with autism and related disorders. She was also the director of Glorious Pies, a non-profit company serving coffee and desserts that provided youth with autism with the opportunity to make their own paycheck.
Joanne had a legendary impact on every family and child that she met. Our CEO & Founder, Dina Kimmel, had a close relationship with Joanne and worked with her on both a professional and personal level. Dina is incredibly thankful that she, along with our owners in the Southern California area, had the chance to know and work with Joanne and earn their certifications in Autism Movement Therapy.
“We will forever cherish the time we had with you, Joanne. You are a treasure that will never be forgotten in our community. When my son, Gabriel, couldn't express through his words, you taught me how to teach him to dance and move his body for expression. It changed his and our lives forever. You will be greatly missed."
