As Lanterman Regional Center celebrates 60 years of advocating for inclusion, today’s spotlight highlights a shining example of the beauty that is created when everyone belongs.
This past weekend, Lanterman board member Natalia Lewis, her daughter Logan, and Lanterman Executive Director Srbui Ovsepyan had the honor of attending Groove at Creation Station’s 2026 recital, The Disco Ball, where Lanterman board and committee member Marie Zimmerle performed on stage. Marie participates in a wheelchair-accessible dance class that allows her to pursue one of her greatest passions – dance – and showcase her talents in front of an audience.
Dancing is just one of Marie’s many gifts. In addition to her service on Lanterman’s Board of Directors and Programs & Services Committee, Marie is a motivational speaker, podcaster and influencer. Through her podcast, “@EncouragementNotesPodcast,” she speaks candidly about the challenges she faced in her early adult years as she worked toward accepting her cerebral palsy.
She shares how that journey led her not only to accept her place within the disability community, but to embrace it fully, after being away from this work for 20 years.
Marie is an extraordinary self-advocate and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. She is deeply committed to promoting inclusion, protecting the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities, and ensuring that all people have opportunities to participate fully in their communities. At the same time, she brings joy, humor, and positivity to everything she does, inspiring those around her through both her leadership and her example.
As we celebrate 60 years of service, we are proud to recognize Marie and the countless individuals whose talents, determination, and advocacy continue to strengthen our communities and advance inclusion for all.
To learn more about inclusive social recreation opportunities funded by Lanterman Regional Center, contact your service coordinator.