Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Roseman.
Hi Gabrielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a mother of three boys, and my youngest, who is now four years old, was diagnosed with Autism and Speech Delay. Watching him grow and navigate a world that often isn’t built with him in mind is what inspired me to create The Free Play Foundation.
The idea came from a very personal place. I wanted my son to have the same opportunities as his older brothers and peers. I wanted him to run, play and be part of something with his peers. I wanted him to experience the joy and confidence that comes from being on a team, hearing his name called, and being celebrated for who he is and not sidelined because of a diagnosis.
Unfortunately, we quickly discovered that traditional youth sports programs often aren’t designed for children with developmental delays, sensory needs, or communication challenges. That reality was heartbreaking. I didn’t want him to feel left out, not just from sports, but from moments of belonging that so many families take for granted.
So, I created The Free Play Foundation, a nonprofit built to give my son, and children like him, the chance to participate in sports in a team-like setting, just like any other child.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting The Free Play Foundation while working full-time as a CFO, being a wife, and raising three boys, including one with autism who is nonverbal, has been a major balancing act. My two older sons have demanding sports and academic schedules, and my youngest requires therapy, structure, and lots of emotional support.
As a parent, I know the emotional weight of not wanting your child to experience rejection or disappointment. That fear is what drives me to create a space where kids can feel included, safe, and celebrated and where parents can feel reassured that their child belongs.
While it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve been blown away by the encouragement and support we’ve received. The program is taking off faster and better than I ever expected, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful and blessed.
Every time I see a child light up or a parent express relief and joy, I know we’re doing something that truly matters.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Free Play Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to provide inclusive, adaptive sports and play experiences for children ages 2–7 with autism, developmental delays, and other disabilities.
We specialize in creating safe, enclosed, and judgment-free spaces where kids who are often excluded from traditional programs can experience the joy of being part of a team.
What sets us apart is our intentional design from sensory-friendly activities, every detail is built around what our kids need to feel confident, comfortable, and just have fun. We don’t focus on skill or performance, we focus on connection, participation, and pure joy.
We’re proud to be one of the few organizations in Texas offering structured yet flexible programs that meet children exactly where they are developmentally. Whether a child is nonverbal, sensory-seeking, or has never joined a group activity before, The Free Play Foundation gives them a chance to feel included, seen, and celebrated.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that parents trust us. They know their child will be safe, accepted, and supported, not just by staff, but by an entire community that truly understands.
We want readers to know that The Free Play Foundation isn’t just a program, it’s a movement. If you’re a parent, volunteer, educator, or community member looking for a place where every child matters, we’d love to welcome you to the Free Play family.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The Free Play Foundation would not be what it is today without the incredible people who have surrounded me and poured into this mission from day one.
First, I want to thank my husband, who has been more than just supportive, he’s been a dedicated coach, showing up every week with patience, passion, and a true heart for these kids. His commitment has helped set the tone for what Free Play is all about: meeting kids where they are and lifting them up.
I’m also deeply grateful to my entire family, who didn’t hesitate to jump in as volunteers when we first started. Whether it was helping set up activities, keeping kids engaged, or simply offering encouragement, they’ve played a huge role in making our camps feel like a true community.
I owe a huge thank you to our sponsors and local partners who believed in the vision early on.
And of course, I want to recognize the parents and families who took a chance on this program. Their trust and feedback have helped shape everything we do, and their words, “This is the first time my child has ever been included like this,” fuel me daily.
This isn’t something I could have built alone, The Free Play Foundation is the result of love, teamwork, and an entire community choosing to believe in every child’s potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefreeplayfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreeplayfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574756503498#
