Karin Moskov has a single favorite word, one that she uses more often than any other: “Relationships.”

The Auburn resident deals with personal bonds of all types on a daily basis, from being a mother to four children under the age of 10 to serving at her job as a therapist at Auburn's BOCES day care.

Recently, she and a friend, occupational therapist Bob Trapani of Skaneateles, decided to take their knowledge of interpersonal communication to another level. The pair are currently organizing the Family Wellness Institute, a series of classes in “alternative” programs such as hip-hop/breakdancing, fly fishing, infant massage and more.

“The (institute's) aim is to bring programming to the community that is not currently being offered anywhere and to hopefully serve as a community center,” Moskov said from the BOCES day care last week.

The institute is still in the planning stages, she continued, “and we'll add classes and programming based on people's interests.”

“The primary focus is ‘learning by having fun,' and by building good relationships,” she said. “You can't learn anything new unless you're connected to a person ... so that will be our philosophy.”

The institute has yet to find a permanent home, but Moskov said that several organizations have offered the use of their space. So this summer, Moskov said at least two classes will be offered, including hip-hop/breakdancing lessons for children 3-6. The six- to 10-week course will be taught by local dancer Zach Kellogg, who teaches at Champions for Life Sports Center.

“Our focus right now is on children, but if we find that (adults) are interested, we'll offer classes for them, too,” she said.

This fall, Moskov hopes to broaden the institutes offerings and include programs like fly fishing/fly tying, which Moskov said provides great exercise in fine motor skills. This class would be led by Bruce Yaw of Sempronius, a school teacher in Moravia.

Another class offered will be Certified Infant Massage Instruction, which teaches parents methods of therapeutically “touching” infants according to their individual body structure.

“(CIMI) is really a sensory technique that allows parents to nurture their children, and once again, build a good relationship with them,” she said. “Relationship, relationship, relationship.”

Depending on community interest, Moskov hopes to eventually implement the programs in day cares and kindergartens.

“One class we plan to offer is sign language for infants through 8-year-olds,” she said. “So if a group of parents wants (sign language) taught at their school, hopefully we'll be able to comply.”

The institute will charge a nominal fee for each six- to 10-week class, which Moskov said will likely be around $50, to cover the cost of paying the instructor.

“The great thing is, each fee will (provide membership) for an entire family,” she added.

The classes will be also be open to people with disabilities, and Moskov and Trepani are currently working with Kathie Snow, a disabilities activist from Colorado, to ensure the programs can include those with special needs.