About Us

About We Rock the Spectrum Hickory

Colleagues and friends in a North Carolina public school system with a dream to open a center for individuals with autism and their families. We are so excited to bring We Rock the Spectrum to Hickory! Our gym will help meet the needs of our community and will help develop social skills and lifelong friendships among the children and families we serve.

Tracey Holton

Tracey is the mother of four children ages 10, 18, 21, & 23. She is a National Board-certified teacher with 24 years of experience teaching students with autism and related conditions. Her teaching career began in general education, but after working with her first student with autism she found her calling and never looked back. She has worked with students/clients ages 3-30. Currently, she also serves as an Autism and Behavior Specialist for a public school district and a BCBA for a private ABA company in North Carolina. 

“I am excited about this latest adventure and am looking forward to serving my community by providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.”

 

Kathryn Grandgenett

Kathryn is the mother of two children ages 11 and 16. An educator for 20 years, Kathryn has been an active member of the Hickory International Council and has served as a Board member for local charities. She moved to Hickory in 1998 from Ontario, Canada. Her son, Liam was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4 which started her on a journey to find information, services, and support for him and for other families of children with autism and other disabilities.

Kathryn developed a summer camp program in 2019 for children with autism and neurotypical children, which fueled her desire to create more opportunities that foster inclusion for children of all abilities. 

She has been an EC teacher in both a separate and resource setting and Kathryn understands the struggles that many special needs families face. She is an active member of her church, and currently teaches middle school ESL (English as a Second Language).  She has a passion for helping newcomers to our area learn English and find resources for their children.

“We Rock The Spectrum Hickory will be a meeting ground for families and children of all abilities, cultures, and backgrounds and our programs will transform our community into one that embodies inclusion for the families and individuals we serve!”