Marsché Johnson first experienced Hochstein’s summer arts program in 1998, when her mother, Lawana Jones, enrolled her and her sister when they were young girls. Marsché is on the autism spectrum, and various doctors advised Lawana that it was unlikely she would be verbally communicative.
One day at home Lawana noticed Marsché playing on her toy piano, and duplicating a song on a commercial, playing it accurately by ear!
With consistent piano and voice lessons, Marsché continued to develop her talent, and began to communicate with her peers. Hochstein provided a warm, inclusive place where their family could further enrich their lives through the arts.
Today, Marsché is an expressive, wonderful young woman whose capabilities far surpass the assessments made years ago. She is currently taking dance classes with Vanessa Watters.
Marsché was one of the featured performers at the Hochstein Gala in April, singing “Only Hope” by Jon Foreman, accompanied by Hochstein music therapist Elizabeth Clough. The audience was moved to tears, and she received a standing ovation!
Marsché’s love and commitment to music will continue to help her learn, grow, and flourish.
Lawana says, “Both of my children really enjoyed the teachers that they had. … I would say it’s a magical place. My daughter, Marsché, really learned how to interact socially with other young children.
"It was exciting to see her smiling and laughing with others. Hochstein has definitely positively impacted my daughters’ lives.”
Consider making a gift to Hochstein before our fiscal year ends on June 30: https://hochstein.org/Support#donate.
Your generosity will help Hochstein continue to have a profound impact on wonderful students like Marsché.
See below for a video about Marche’s experience at Hochstein.