We had the good fortune of connecting with Lourdes Zarro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lourdes Zarro, what inspires you?
Inspired means being in spirit. My passion and vision for working with families living with disabilities has inspired me to look for ways to improve their lives. I find inspiration in the things that I enjoy such as being in and around water. Water is therapeutic. It can soothe the soul and calm the mind. As an entrepreneur I have joined my passions and knowledge in the area of Exceptional Student Education and have formed my two companies that compliment each other. At Sensy By The Sea https://sensybythesea.com I design and provide families with sensory products that will create that sense of focus and calmness that we all need. My first product, Sensy the weighted dolphin has provided calming support for many families. At Sonfish Outdoor Adventure Program https://sonfishoutdooradventure.com we provide outdoor marine related adventures for children and young adults living with disabilities. My two companies compliment each other. Living in spirit is essential to creativity and vision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a global thinker. I always see the end product and walk towards it. Being in the field of Exceptional Student Education for over 30 years I have been exposed to many types of individuals and settings. I would say that risk is part of any endeavor. If you have a vision but don’t take a risk you will never accomplish your dream. I have learned to share what I envision with others. You never know who might be listening. Taking a step in that direction however small is critical. If this is truly your passion and you are inspired (in-spirit) what you need will show up at the right time. My companies focus on Social Sustainability. I believe that this is what sets us apart. It is not enough to create or provide a service. We must teach others to take care of themselves and their children. During our events we always provide the families with resources and gifts that will help their child . We teach them how to use the materials and pass it forward!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The beaches are my first pick. Miami Beach with its stunning crystal blue waters is a must. The restaurants on Hispanola Way are reminiscent of a town in Europe. I especially love the Flamenco restaurant. Of course, the Fountain Bleu is a Miami Beach Icon and their restaurant is also phenomenal. Brickell offers a lot night life. You can’t go wrong with Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita or the Capital Grille with their incredible steaks. Coral Gables is a must. Stop at Books and Books for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine at their outdoor terrace bar. Music is played on Friday afternoons. Of course you have to drive through Old Cutler as you view the spectacular homes. Be sure to visit Matheson Hammock State Park and Fairchild Tropical Gardens. At the end of your trip head to the Florida Keys for a relaxing time of boating, fishing, snorkeling or dining. If you have time stop at Island Dolphin Care where I take many of my Sonfish families to. They provide therapeutic dolphin swims for families living with disabilities. Be sure to say to Dina and Eli. Oh, and my favorite dolphin FiJi.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This past year I had the opportunity to take Sonfish Outdoor Adventure Program to the Island of St. Kitts. We hosted a day of fun that culminated with a dolphin swim for children from the St. Kitts Spectrum Services Centre. This was a collaborative effort between Dr. Sheryl Rosin and Lourdes Zarro. Dr. Rosin is a speech pathologist from Florida, who had worked tirelessly from 2015 to make sure that the children and families with autism would have services on the island of St. Kitts. This March we had the opportunity to create a partnership that enabled families from the St. Kitts Spectrum Services Center to participate in an adventure they never thought they would have. Sonfiish Outdoor Adventure Program provided the dolphin swim. Sensy By The Sea donated a backpack filled with a beach towel, weighted sensory dolphin, t-shirt and finger dolphin puppet. Dr. Rosin and her staff took part in the activities. This was a spectacular day filled with smiles and joy!

Website: https://sensybythesea.com https://sonfishoutdooradventure.com https://lzspecialneedsparentlifecoach.com
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