A Life In Motion: Tiffany’s Journey of Living Fully & Fearlessly
Tiffany’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, adventure, and the strength of family. For 37 years, she has been passionately dedicated to gymnastics, competing in both rhythmic and artistic events. “I do rhythmic and I do artistic,” Tiffany shared. Her favorite events include beam, floor, vault, and bar—and she’s earned hundreds of medals along the way. “How many gold medals did you get at state?” asked Mary. Tiffany proudly replied, “10!”
She’s also embraced new challenges like tramp and tumbling, and has performed at major events including the Twin Cities Invitational and the Stars and Stripes Championship at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Her coaches and teammates consistently praise her for her positive attitude and sportsmanship. “She keeps a positive spirit, which is what I like most about her,” Mary said.
Tiffany’s accomplishments extend far beyond state competitions. In 2006, she represented Minnesota at the USA Special Olympic Games in Ames, Iowa. More recently, in 2023, she was selected as one of just six athletes to represent Team USA at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany—a tremendous honor. At both the USA Games and the World Games, Tiffany competed in her favorite artistic gymnastics events: beam, floor, vault, and bar. Facing talented athletes from countries like Ukraine and Slovakia, she delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home four medals: one gold, one silver, and two bronze. “I just wanted one gold. And I got my one gold in all around. That’s pretty amazing—going to Worlds and competing against people from other countries,” she said.
In addition to gymnastics, Tiffany has been a longtime participant in other Special Olympics sports. She’s competed in bowling, basketball for over a decade, and poly hockey, showcasing her versatility and love for athletics. Her dedication across multiple sports highlights her commitment to staying active and connected with her community.
Recently, Tiffany was selected for another extraordinary honor: she became a Special Olympics Global Messenger. This prestigious role is part of the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership program, which empowers athletes to become spokespeople and advocates for inclusion. Global Messengers are trained to share their personal stories, speak at public events, and inspire others to get involved in the movement. Tiffany and her mom, Mary, spent two weekends receiving specialized training to prepare for this leadership role.
As a Global Messenger, Tiffany is invited to speak at various functions, where she encourages participation and spreads the message of acceptance and inclusion. Her speeches are heartfelt and powerful, drawing from her own experiences as an athlete and advocate. “It’s a big honor,” Mary said. “She’s using her voice to make a difference.”
Her achievements have made her a role model for younger athletes. One admirer wrote, “You are a great athlete. You’re my inspiration. I just want to be like you.”
But Tiffany’s adventures aren’t limited to the gym. She and her mom, Mary, are avid travelers, taking annual trips to Disney World, cruises to the Caribbean, and visiting sunny destinations like Fort Myers and Sarasota.
“We go every year to Disney World and sometimes twice a year,” Mary said. Tiffany loves swimming with dolphins and stingrays, exploring new places, and making memories with loved ones. “Swimming with the dolphins and then I also went swimming with the stingrays,” Tiffany recalled. Whether braving hurricanes in Florida or trying the FlowRider surfing simulator, Tiffany approaches every experience with joy and enthusiasm. “We have lots of fun,” she laughed.
Family is at the heart of Tiffany’s journey. With six siblings and five nieces and nephews, holidays are always lively. “Christmas is usually about 20 people here and Thanksgiving too, because we have a large family,” Mary said. Tiffany’s family is her biggest cheer squad, supporting her at competitions, performances, and community events. Before she left for Worlds, her brother gave her a heartfelt gift: a plaque featuring her and the other five gymnasts chosen for Team USA. “When I got it, I started crying. He wrote a note to me like, ‘You’ve got this. Go to Germany, bring home a gold,’” Tiffany recalled. In return, Tiffany is always cheering on her nieces and nephews at their different sporting events and games. She genuinely enjoys supporting them and being part of their lives, just as they are part of hers.
Tiffany’s employment journey is a huge source of pride. With support from Brenda, one of Reach’s dedicated employment specialists, Tiffany created a video resume that showcased her strengths and accomplishments. Brenda guided her through the job search, helped her polish interview skills, and supported her as she learned new responsibilities. After years of searching, Tiffany landed her first real job at Mini Hops Gymnastics, where she’s now been working for nearly a year. “A year in October I will be here,” Tiffany said with a smile. “When we finally got the call… Oh gosh, we were so happy. I was beyond happy that I got a call from Mini Hops.”
Tiffany adores her boss and the supportive work environment. “My boss, I love her. I wish people would do something for her because she’s amazing. She’s kind and generous and supportive. Can’t say enough positive about her.” Tiffany helps with everything from cleaning cubbies to preparing ice packs for athletes. Her job has given her a sense of independence, accomplishment, and pride, especially when she received her first paycheck. “When I got my first paycheck… Oh my gosh, look at how much money I made. I was like in shock. Like, is this actually real?” she said.
Her boss and coach, Michaela Chelberg, shared this reflection on Tiffany’s impact: “Tiffany’s warm and friendly demeanor lights up every room she enters, making genuine connections wherever her travels take her. Her ability to build relationships not only uplifts our athletic team culture but also strengthens the vital support she provides to the Mini Hops Gymnastics staff and the 1,200 students they coach.
Tiffany’s presence is a true reflection of inclusion in action—she reminds us daily of the power of kindness, connection, and community.”
Even while managing a rare metabolic disease, Tiffany remains upbeat and committed to giving back. She volunteers with her mom at the Salvation Army and Feed My Starving Children, and participated in the Polar Plunge to raise funds for new rhythmic costumes. “I like doing the Polar Plunge because it raised money for our new rhythmic costumes that cost a lot of money. It was fun! I jumped twice!” she said.
Tiffany’s journey reminds us that with family, community, and a spirit of adventure, anything is possible. Her triumphs in gymnastics, her zest for life, and her resilience continue to inspire everyone around her. We’re proud to have Tiffany as part of the Reach family and grateful for the dedicated staff like Brenda who help make dreams come true.