Today we’d like to introduce you to EKATERINA (Katia) MUKHAMMADIEVA.
Hi EKATERINA (Katia), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a mother to a wonderful daughter with profound autism, and our family’s journey is the heart of why this nonprofit was created. From my daughter’s early years, our daily life revolved around finding the right support for her. We spent countless hours driving all across the DFW metroplex to access therapy services, adapted sports, music and art lessons, and social groups. While we were grateful these opportunities existed, the constant travel was exhausting. It required significant time, energy, and financial resources, and it often took a toll on both mental and physical health as a caregiver. Children with special needs often require multiple therapies, frequent doctor and specialist appointments, and ongoing support. Many also have coexisting medical or developmental conditions that increase both the complexity and the cost of care. On top of that, families invest in tutors, adapted sports, specialized classes, and enrichment programs to help their children thrive. These expenses add up quickly and can place an enormous strain on families, even before considering everyday living costs. As time went on, one question kept coming back to me: Why does our own hometown not have these opportunities? In Wylie, TX, there was a clear lack of inclusive services, social activities, and community spaces for children and teens with special needs. Families were forced to travel long distances and pay additional fees just to give their children a chance to connect and belong. This often led to isolation, burnout, and difficult choices about what services families could afford to keep. While I continued to do everything possible for my daughter, I also felt a growing desire to create change right here in Wylie. I wanted to build a local, inclusive community where children and teens of all abilities could feel accepted, supported, and celebrated—and where families could finally feel less alone. I knew firsthand how much families already spend just to meet their children’s basic needs, and it became incredibly important to me that cost would never be a barrier to participation. That is why, from the very beginning, I committed to keeping our programs and activities free of charge. In September 2023, All Abilities Hub was born. What began as a small, volunteer-driven effort quickly grew into a mission-centered nonprofit focused on inclusion, accessibility, and community. Our goal is simple but powerful: to provide FREE social, recreational, and enrichment opportunities for children and teens with special needs, while easing the financial burden on families. At All Abilities Hub, we offer arts and crafts, STEM, LEGO clubs, sensory-friendly events, social groups, and other inclusive activities designed to support social skills, creativity, confidence, and friendship. Every program is thoughtfully planned with diverse abilities in mind, creating a safe and welcoming environment where participants can be themselves. All Abilities Hub exists because of lived experience, compassion, and a strong belief that inclusive communities should start close to home. What started as one mother’s response to the challenges her family faced has grown into a shared mission: to ensure that every child and teen, regardless of ability or financial circumstance, has the opportunity to belong, connect, and thrive—right here in Wylie, Texas. I am so grateful for my family and friends for supporting me every step on the way by volunteering, donating supplies, making monetary donations to help our nonprofit grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles in the beginning was simply finding a place to meet. We started wherever we could—reserving rooms at the local library when they were available and gathering at parks when they were not. I still remember one art session where we were painting rocks and the wind was so strong that the rocks were literally blowing off the tables. We were determined to keep going, no matter the circumstances.
When our first summer arrived, we faced another major challenge. The Texas heat made meeting outdoors unrealistic, and we needed a consistent indoor space. I started a GoFundMe campaign, and friends and family generously donated to help us rent a facility for the summer. At the same time, word of mouth connected us with Sharyn and Mike King, founders of Powered To Move. They had recently opened their community center in Wylie and welcomed our group with open arms. We still meet there today, and I am incredibly grateful for their friendship and support.
Another challenge has been finding volunteers. Like many nonprofits, we always need helping hands—whether it’s assisting during clubs, leading activities, helping with fundraisers, managing social media, organizing donated supplies, or supporting events. The need for volunteers never really goes away.
Another ongoing challenge has been securing sponsors and donors. As a nonprofit, we work hard to keep our programs free and accessible for families, which means we rely heavily on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners. Finding financial supporters who believe in our mission and are willing to invest in inclusion and opportunities for people of all abilities is an ongoing effort, but every donation and sponsorship makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear several hats:
For the past 13 years, I have been self-employed teaching Russian language to young children through play-based learning. I believe children learn best when they are engaged, having fun, and building meaningful connections. Over the years, I have had the privilege of helping many families preserve their language and cultural heritage while fostering a love of learning.
I am also a homeschooling parent to my daughter, Nastasia, who is autistic and will turn 17 this summer. Raising and educating her has taught me patience, creativity, resilience, and the importance of seeing each person’s unique strengths and abilities.
In addition, I am the Founder, CEO, Program Director, and Lead Volunteer of All Abilities Hub, a nonprofit organization.
What I am most proud of is building a community that began as a desire to create opportunities for my own daughter and has grown into a place where many families can find friendship, acceptance, and support.
What sets me apart is that my work comes from lived experience. I understand the challenges families face because I live them every day. Rather than focusing on limitations, I focus on possibilities, creating spaces where people of all abilities can learn, connect, contribute, and thrive. My goal has always been simple: to help build a community where everyone belongs.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would like people to know that our special needs community is more approachable than many realize. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, start a conversation, or come introduce yourself. We would love to make new friends and welcome more people into our community.
Many individuals with disabilities and their families experience isolation, not because they want to be separate, but because traditional activities and environments can sometimes be overwhelming or inaccessible. That’s why spaces like All Abilities Hub are so important—they allow people to participate, connect, and thrive in an environment designed with their needs in mind.
I encourage neurotypical individuals and families to come visit us, join an event, volunteer, or simply spend time getting to know our participants. Inclusion is a beautiful thing, and it benefits everyone involved. When we take the time to slow down, listen, and understand each other’s experiences, we discover that we have far more in common than we may have imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allabilitieshub.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all_abilities_hub_wylie_tx?igsh=dnplOTZ6YWJnMDd3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15sqDJSh2AS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: allabilitieshubwylie@gmail.com
