I AM CURIOUS

I AM Movement

“Whether the diagnosis is Parkinson’s, aging, or an impairment–I AM Movement is for people who embrace an active lifestyle, want to fight back, and have fun doing it.”

Our Founders

Timorei “Timi” Spaulding (pronounced as if her parents couldn’t decide between the names “Tim or Ray” so they just mashed it all together) is certified as both a Rock Steady Boxing coach and DanceAbility instructor.  She has always had a passion for the power of movement as exercise and art, and its ability to bring people together. Timorei spent her college years at San Francisco State University and the University of Oregon in pursuit of her Bachelor of Science in Dance and Business Administration minor.  This is when she fell in love with body mechanics and exploring the mind-body connection through somatics work (nerd alert). Under DanceAbility International’s founder, Alito Alessi, Timorei earned her DanceAbility instructor certification in 2016. She is excited to implement DanceAbility pedagogy in her dance classes to explore movement with people of all abilities in an open, supportive space.  Her new passion for boxing is thanks to her mom, Donnella. Being introduced to Rock Steady Boxing, Timorei is eager to help people fight back against Parkinson’s. She is also First Aid/CPR/AED certified through the American Red Cross. Next up, is completing her comprehensive Pilates certification. When Timorei is not movin’ and groovin’, she’s likely munchin’ on Mexican food or trying to hop on a plane to get the next stamp in her passport.

Donnella “Nel” Andraos (AKA Timi’s mom) is a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach. Based on personal experience, she firmly believes in the mental and physical benefits of boxing. That may sound counter-intuitive, but it’s not. Nel is a triple-negative breast cancer survivor who started kickboxing to counter the effects of chemo-brain and neuropathy, both cancer souvenirs. She credits the intense kickboxing workouts for helping her reclaim her life. Beyond the body and mind conditioning attributes, she quickly realized kickboxing was cathartic too. An important bonus when one is dealing with pent up frustration over something they can’t control. She has since taken her martial arts training a step further actively learning Muay Thai (Thailand’s national combative sport also known as the “art of eight limbs”). A Reach to Recovery volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Nel shares her recovery story with the patients she mentors to encourage and instill hope in those still in the trenches. She is First Aid/CPR/AED certified through the American Red Cross and earned her Group Fitness Instructor certification through ACE (American Council on Exercise). Fun fact: Nel’s favorite fix is a Randy’s maple bar with a Diet Coke chaser. Yum, yum, yum! 

 

Frequent Questions

Do you offer private lessons?

Yes, I AM Movement does offer private lessons. Click here to send us a message.  Include the activity you’re interested in and your availability.

Can I volunteer? I want to help!

Volunteers are a big part of our I AM Movement community, but you must be 18 years old to help out. Click here to request our volunteer guidelines and application.

I'm a personal trainer without a gym. Can I rent space from you?

Yes, I AM Movement has a state of the art dance floor, Pilates reformers, a boxing gym with a ring, and a fitness area that are available to rent. Space is available for single- or multi-use to hold yoga classes, rehearse a dance routine, practice martial arts, acquire Pilates hours for certification, or other activities. Click here to request detailed studio rental information.

What do you do in a Rock Steady Boxing class?

Rock Steady Boxing Irvine classes are exercise-driven workouts that concentrate on attacking the neurological side effects of the disease.  These non-combative classes include ring work, heavy bags, speed bags, focus mitts, calisthenics, circuit training, jump roping, and fun. Vocalization techniques and mental engagement activities are also part of the mix.  No boxing experience necessary. Click here to schedule a Meet and Greet appointment so you can observe a class.

Reach Out

  • Hidden

Wellness Center Hours

Monday-Friday:

8am-7:30pm

Saturday:

8am-2pm

Sunday:

CLOSED