Break the Barriers: Terra Lynch

Break the Barriers is a place in Fresno where people of all abilities can perform, learn, and grow. It’s a gym, dance studio and a supportive community. For one woman, breaking the barriers is something she does every day.

At Break the Barriers, the team is getting ready for a busy holiday schedule. Terra Lynch, a veteran of the team, performs in a wheelchair but is able to walk with assistance.

“I was born with cerebral palsy and my parents were looking for activities for me to get involved in, just be active,” Lynch says. “Around age four, I signed up for classes at Break the Barriers, and it was just the gymnastics class and loved the atmosphere and the friends I made here and continued to stay.”

Stay she did. Lynch has performed with Break the Barriers for over 20 years.

“It’s ingrained in me that I’m no different than anyone else. People ask me what are my struggles being disabled? But I think my struggles are just like anyone else would experience,” Lynch says.

Her life-long friend Kyle Carlson thinks Lynch is an inspiration.

“She works so hard,” She, even though she struggles with the things she has. She just gives 100%. I remember as a kid, we used to watch how many steps she could take. And it was – it just made me feel like I can do so much more,” Carlson said.

Lynch is a graphic designer, part of the marketing team here at Break the Barriers and twice a week, she teaches sign language.

“Just giving the people the tools to just start building relationships with these people because they’re no different than you and I. Then mission accomplished,” Lynch said.

Clearly, this is a proud Fresno State grad who is a woman who does whatever she wants.

“I drive, I have a job, it’s like my mind is blown. It’s like we can contribute to society too. I feel like here break the barriers, I don’t see people giving up,” Lynch said.