What’s the old saying? If you want something done right, do it yourself.
Christie Andreassi (Dillon), a Sachem alum, was traveling to Nassau County for mommy and me classes because she couldn’t find anything suitable in Suffolk.
“I thought, I can’t be the only one who is looking for a class like this for parents and babies,” she said, “and so, Happy FEET Suffolk was born!”
Happy FEET, an acronym for family engagement, enrichment and teaching, is in Speonk on Montauk Highway. Their grand opening event is Sunday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature free classes and open play, and other local businesses will be on hand to share their products.
What started out as a hobby on the weekends to socialize her son out of a dance studio, has blossomed into its own community of family fun and a business for Andreassi.
“As an eastern Suffolk mom and educator, I knew how important it was to socialize my son, Jack, and integrate sensory and music skills into his life,” she said.
What else can you expect at Happy Feet?
- Mommy and Me music and sensory classes for babies and toddlers
- Parent and me movement/fitness classes through elementary ages– including Yoga and Zumba
- Family Art Classes— “paint night” style but for kids and their parents through elementary school
- Parent Training and more
All classes are run by certified or well qualified instructors that are specialists in their area, Andreassi said.
“The goal of Happy Feet Suffolk is to provide an engaging and welcoming environment for families to gather, participate in family activities, and connect with other local families,” she said.
Andreassi has gathered her fellow Sachem alumni to start the business, including Alexandra Beuttner (Cardella), a speech language pathologist, Megan Kramer, a yoga instructor and postpartum doula and Rachel Emrick, an early childhood education teacher.