Nitzalis Rivera: I moved to Hagerstown in 2009 from Puerto Rico and have loved watching my community grow and diversify. I am a mom of two, Steven and Gianna, as well as a grandma of two, Ellie and AJ. As an educator of 20+ years, I love learning, building relationships, and empowering others to become their best selves. I am the owner of Spanish 4 ALL, a woman and minority owned, small business which provides language services across all fields. I am a proud Latina with music and dance running deep in my roots, and which I also combine with my passion for health and wellness to teach my dance fitness classes. This community has given me a home away from home. Having the opportunity to participate in Dancing with the Arc Stars is deeply meaningful to me because it combines my passion for dance with the opportunity to make a positive impact in our community while continuing to support the mission of the Arc of Washington County in helping people with disabilities.
Michael Smith: I was born and raised in Williamsport, MD. Even though I moved out of the area, I still have a great connection with Wash. Co through my work at Meritus Behavioral Health, Hagerstown YMCA, and part of the Board of Directors for both Leadership Wash. Co (Class #33) and Wash. Co. Free Clinic. Have a wonderful marriage to my husband of 13 years (together for 27 years). I love spending time out in my backyard garden which is my Oasis for peace and therapy. Other interests are getting away and traveling the world. . Upon graduating from High School, I started working at the ARC Day Program. I found it to be a very rewarding career as I was able to help people with disabilities achieve and concur daily challenges. I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of DWTAS as a means to bring about awareness and to help raise funds to keep the program thriving with new services.
Upon graduating from High School, I started working at the ARC day program. I found it to be a very rewarding career as I was able to help people with disabilities achieve and concur daily challenges. I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of DWTAS as a means to bring about awareness and to help raise funds to keep the program thriving with new services.