Yuki Nishizawa

Yuki Nishizawa works in special education at the Bridge Program, an alternative learning classroom for students with special needs. She grew up in Tokyo, Japan, where she was classmates with many Olympic athletes. She has been in the Boston area since 2003. Nishizawa enjoys dancing, working out and hanging out with her kids.

What got you into special education?
There are a few factors. I grew up with a cousin who has an intellectual impairment and a seizure disorder. I was born and raised in Japan and the kindergarten-elementary school I went was partially inclusive, so we always had a classmate with special needs in our class. And I always gravitated towards hanging out with and getting to know people with disabilities and especially with intellectual disabilities and autism. When I went to college and graduated, I took a gap year in Japan and I had a chance to work with adults with special needs. I fell in love with that job and here I am, after 20 something years.

Do you think there’s a lot of difference between working with children versus young adults?
Yes, children have more energy. You have to be able to chase them around, or you have to be really physically strong. It requires stamina and an ability to be able to deal with situations where students become aggressive. Young teens’ hormones are off the roof, so you also have to deal with a lot of emotional changes.

Which college did you go to in Japan?
I went to a college called Nippon Sports Science University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. I was licensed to teach physical education in Japan, but I’m sure it’s expired since I moved here.

Do you have any food recommendations in Boston?
I live in Mattapan and there’s this Jamaican place called Irie’s. As far as Asian food, there are a lot of good Vietnamese restaurants in Dorchester. I would like to explore the Allston area for Korean food as well. My friend owns a food truck called Gourmet Kreyòl, I strongly recommend it.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work that you like to do?
I love dancing. I went on The Ellen Show once because I was dancing in labor and the video went viral, so I was invited on set and won a car. I still try to go to the gym to get some high-intensity exercise. I don’t like jogging or running, but I can dance all day and all night.