This show is dedicated to Barbara Rondon and her Family.
In this week’s episode, we are joined by Natalie Brewster, a dedicated early childhood educator and the visionary founder of All Kinds of Friends. Natalie is on a mission to bridge the growing divide between neurotypical children and those with special needs by fostering inclusion through her interactive workbook, Different Kinds of Friends, and her heart-centered storybook, My Friend Cullen. Inspired by her own son, Cullen, Natalie shares how she is transforming classrooms into spaces where communication differences and "big feelings" are met with understanding rather than hesitation. We explore her journey of building a community dedicated to educating families and teachers on how to help every child—regardless of how their body experiences the world—feel seen, celebrated, and fully included.
The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Natalie offers a moving testimony about the moment she learned Cullen might have Down syndrome, providing a powerful message of hope for any mother facing the uncertainty of a new diagnosis. We dive into the "beautiful moments of understanding" Natalie has witnessed in the classroom, including the touching story of a little girl in 3K who took Cullen under her wing, creating their own unique language and way of playing together. Accompanied by a soulful Luke Combs song chosen specifically to honor Cullen’s spirit, this episode is a testament to the wonder that differences bring to our lives. Natalie’s story proves that when we open space for real conversations, we give a voice to those who may not yet have the words, replacing fear with a profound sense of hope and belonging.
