My eight year old grandson, Timmy, has autism.  When I watched his first lesson with Traci, I almost cried because everything was so difficult for him - he couldn't do the simplest kick or follow Traci's directions.  Within a few short weeks, he was able to follow three step directions and learn more complex moves.  Traci's patience and understanding helped Timmy gain confidence and strength.  She is firm with him when he needs it and changes the pace and activities of the lesson to address his moods and sensory challenges.  Traci is indeed a masterful teacher - I feel so fortunate that Timmy has the opportunity to study with her.   

                                   -Dayle Dickinson, Grandmother and Legal Guardian             

We found out about Traci through the internet and are so glad we contacted her.  She is the highlight of our autistic daughter Maggie's week.  We can't believe how wonderful Traci is with her.  We would recommend her to anyone!

                     -Michael & Anne Cristiani, Parents

I was skeptical about trying Karate for my 10 year old son, Conor, who has Cerebral Palsy.  Traci has worked wonders with Conor.  He has gained increased strength in his weaker left arm and leg, gained coordination and confidence.  Traci has so much expertise and patience it really helps my son push to his highest potential.  I would definitely recommend Traci as a competent professional Karate teacher.

                                     -Joe & Katy, Parents   

Our six-year-old son, Daniel, has cerebral palsy.  Since starting karate classes with Traci, he has become much stronger and more coordinated.  Most importantly, Daniel's self-confidence has soared.  He is now very motivated to participate not only in karate, but in other activities that would have intimidated him in the past.  He has learned not to let his physical disability stand in the way of anything he wants to accomplish.  We highly recommend Traci as a patient and encouraging teacher, especially for students with special needs.   

                     -Johanna and Dan Walker, Parents

Our six-year old daughter, Julia, has special needs that include low muscle tone, fine and gross motor delays and speech delays.  Julia started karate lessons with Traci one year ago and has made significant improvement in her strength, coordination, focus and attention.  Julia gets excited to see Traci and really works hard to follow the lesson plan.  Julia's self-esteem has also improved greatly.  She has learned that with practice and hard work she is capable of so many things.  Traci is wonderful with Julia.  She has tremendous patience and always encourages and motivates Julia to follow through with the lesson.  We would recommend Traci as an accomplished karate teacher who demonstrates all of the qualities that you would look for in a person working with your child.

                                  -Fred and Michelle Quinn, Parents

Traci has worked with our daughter in karate for seven years now.  Our daughter has become a black belt under Traci's great teaching skills.  Traci is consistently patient, kind, yet provided constructive feedback to help Rebecca continue to learn and grow.  We have loved working with Traci!

                     -Laura and Fu, Parents

Sensei Traci has been my son’s instructor for more than 5 years.  During this time, I have watched her interact with and teach children of various abilities.  She treats each student as an individual and always manages to motivate each child to attempt to reach their own potential.  I would recommend her to anyone who was considering karate lessons.

                                     -Hope Daggett, Parent

Traci taught an outstanding Karate class for eight weeks this past winter at Cotting School in Lexington, MA.  She worked with a class of fourteen special needs students ranging in age from 14-21 and designed a program to meet the diverse individual needs of each child.  I admired Traci's caring nature, excellent character and most of all patience when teaching the students.  The children were constantly engaged and challenged and truly enjoyed the class.  They were so proud to receive their yellow belts at the conclusion of the program.  We look forward to having Traci return to Cotting School this coming year!

Dan Cuddy, Adapted Physical Education Teacher/Coordinator Supplemental Services

Our six year-old son has been taking karate lessons with Traci for a year now.  The kids in his class are active and Traci is very patient with all of them.  She takes the time to correct each student's posture during the katas.  She has a good balance of discipline and encouragement.  As a result, the kids are excited to attend class and they've improved dramatically.  Traci also mixes in exercises like sit-ups and push-ups as well as "games" like dodge-ball to improve agility and awareness.  There are always choices, but we're happy to have our son learn from Traci.  We highly recommend Traci as karate and self-defense instructor.  We cannot wait for our three year-old son to begin lessons with Traci.

                                      -Dai & Anny, Parents

My son, Ian, has taken karate lessons from Sensei Traci for about six years.  He has learned how to DEFEND himself via her tutelage.  He has developed a fine control of his body movements.  I do recommend Sensei Traci as an instructor of Tae Kwon Do and Shorin-Ryu karate for children of all ages.  She has patience and respect for her students.

                                     -J. M. McGregor, Parent

Joshua was born premature.  His speech therapists recommended that we try to strengthen his core muscles.  We had Joshua join Traci's karate class at age four, hoping that it would help.  Traci has had Joshua help her with his younger brother Paul's class through demonstrations and holding the pads she uses for kicks and punches.  Traci is patient, kind and firm with her students.  Through Traci's teachings, I believe Joshua has learned many valuable skills to carry with him throughout the years.  Another thing he has learned from Traci's karate classes is self-defense.  He is an A student at a private school, has a lead role in a drama club play, skates for two hockey teams and has a brown belt in karate.

                                     -Paul & Michelle, Parents

Traci is an outstanding teacher.  My grandson took lessons from Traci and through her patience, teaching style and dedication she provided him with excellent skills in hand/eye coordination, patience, teamwork and dedication.  While watching my grandson, I became interested in Karate myself. 

As an older student, I am 58, I signed up.  In taking classes with Traci I just love the experience.  I have gained upper body and leg strength as well as I am now committed to an exercise routine under Traci's guidance.  Traci is very patient with me and the other "adults" in the class.  The class flies by and my abilities have increased along with my physical self-confidence.  She is just a wonderful teacher who makes learning fun.

                                     -Karen Nilsson, Student

Traci is a great teacher.  She is firm with the students, but is fair, and also lets the kids have fun.  My son has special needs, and she has been so patient and kind, but makes sure he works just as hard as everyone else.  She rewards their hard work, and lets them know if they are not working hard enough.  Traci is awesome, and I would recommend her class to anyone who is interested.

                                      -Bill & Carolyn, Parents