Haley Johnson: Adaptive Gymnastics President

Haley Johnson, a sophomore from Grand Rapids, MI majoring in Psychology and minoring in CASC, has had a passion for working with children since she was young. This passion has only grown since enrolling at the University of Michigan, where she currently serves as the President of community service/outreach club Adaptive Gymnastics. 

Her Campus : Tell us a little about yourself.

Haley Johnson: I have been at the University for almost two years now, and I love it! I grew up a Michigan fan, and it was always a dream of mine to come here! I’ve been involved in Adaptive for about a year and half now, and it has slowly become my whole world. I’m an avid county music fan! I’ve also played soccer my whole life. I’ve played on three IM teams since I’ve been here and love them. I have worked with children since I was about 12 years old and adaptive lets me be a kid again.

HC: What made you want to join Adaptive Gymnastics?

HJ: I had worked with children with all different abilities in high school, and I was really looking to get involved with the same thing here. The first time I went, I fell in love and have gone every weekend since.

HC: Tell me more about how Adaptive Gymnastics works.

HJ: Adaptive has a one-on-one volunteer to kid ratio. When volunteers arrive at the gym, they are assigned a kiddo. Each kiddo has their own notecard with some information about them so the volunteer can get to know them a bit better. When the kids come into the gym we do a little running and about five minutes of stretching. Then we go into two obstacle courses that the volunteers help set up. They are designed to help the kids work on their physical mobility. The last thirty minutes of the class are free time for the kiddos, and the volunteers are asked to engage with them in conversation and work with them on their confidence speaking in public.

HC: What is the most rewarding experience you’ve had in your time with Adaptive Gymnastics?

HJ: I have been running this program for a while now, and I am always amazed by how humbling the experience is. The most rewarding thing is watching the kids grow and become so much stronger, both physically and mentally. I am so proud of them each and every week.

HC: What is the main message of Adaptive Gymnastics that you think everyone should know?

HJ: The main thing I want people to get out of their experience is acceptance. Acceptance of those who are different from us and an understanding of the difficulties faced everyday by the kids. Adaptive Gymnastics is a place where the kids will never be judged for their differences and a place where they are always going to be accepted.

HC: How can readers get involved in Adaptive Gymnastics? Are there any special requirements?

HJ: The best way to get involved is by going to Maize Pages where we have a link for Adaptive Gymnastics. When people ask to be a member, they are put on our email listserv that comes out every week where we ask for volunteers. You can also email me at: haleygj@umich.edu. There are no special requirements and no gymnastics skills are required. All you need is an accepting attitude and a willingness to have fun with the kiddos!

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