Different at School

THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF! 💕 Today, I had the absolute honor of kicking off Ridge Meadows’ INCREDIBLE Abilities Day… and wow. The work their school is doing to celebrate differences and build character is just amazing. I am so grateful I got to stand in front of their entire student body and be part of something so meaningful. It’s easy to rush to the next goal, the next book, the next idea. But moments like this are reminders to celebrate along the way… to pause and remember why you started… and to get excited about what’s ahead. Different at School was born from one brave little girl’s story and now it has grown into something I could have only dreamed about in 2024 when Makenna’s Brave Start was released. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YES, YOU!!!! So thankful & proud. Where should we go next? Let me know! 💛 #love #kindness #teacher #school #family

LET IT RIP! OUR FIRST BOOK IS LIIIIIVE! 📚 The dream that started Different at School is finally a reality. 🤘🏼 Our daughter’s alopecia diagnosis left us confused and scared. We worried about what her future looked like as a bald girl - especially in school. As parents we wanted to control her world, change people and protect her from pain. But as a teacher, I knew we could only influence her environment, ensure SHE was strong and be prepared to build her back up if necessary. After registering her for school, I looked for a book to read to her class highlighting leadership, friendship and kindness while telling the story of how brave she is to walk into spaces looking different than everyone else. I couldn’t find one. So here we are! Introducing, Makenna’s Brave Start. The first of a series of books written for families and teachers to positively introduce differences while encouraging strong character for all. I’m so thankful to everyone who has been supportive of this project from the start. I am without a doubt the luckiest! Link to the book is in my bio, or you can search Makenna’s Brave Start on Amazon and it will pop right up! I HOPE YOU LOVE IT! What’s next???? 🧩 #different #positivity #kindness #love#childrensbooks #school #firstdayofschool #friends #teacher #parent #kids

JANE LEADS AT LUNCH IS LIVE! OUR FOOD ALLERGY HERO! One thing about Jane is that she’ll tell you what’s on her mind. So when she needs to speak up about her food allergies, her bravery shines through. As a family, we try to empower her with knowledge about her allergies and show gratitude to people who support Jane. 💙Thank you @jodieeleee for writing the @differentatschool children’s books. 💙Thank you for writing a book about a little girl with a big voice. 💙Thank you for teaching empathy and reminding us that our differences make a difference. The link to buy Jane’s food allergy book is in my bio, or you can search Jane Leads at Lunch on Amazon. WE HOPE YOU LOVE IT! #different #foodallergies #school #teacher #family #love #kindness #book #childrensbook #new

Trey Plays His Way is here!! 🥹📚 This story is about so much more than sports. It’s about removing the pressure to be “the best” or “perfect” before we allow ourselves to show up for the world. Trey has a limb difference, and throughout the story he navigates the assumptions, stares, and self-doubt that can sometimes come with looking different. But this book is also a reminder that strength, ability, confidence, and courage do not all look the same. While I think Trey is perfect exactly the way he is, this book is for anyone who has ever held themselves back because they didn’t feel perfect enough yet. My hope is that this story helps children with limb differences feel seen, represented, and proud of who they are - while also encouraging others to look beyond differences and see the person first. You are allowed to take up space, try anyway, and do things your own way! #chikdrensbook #school #limbdifference #love #inclusion

No nephews were harmed. 😘 Representation matters. About 1 in 4 kids wear glasses - and while vision challenges are common, that doesn’t mean they don’t impact confidence. That’s why I always wear mine when I speak at schools. Because sometimes, the smallest thing can help a child feel seen. If a student looks up and thinks, “She’s like me,” then I’ve already made a difference. #kindness #school #love #teacher #family

Autism Acceptance April & Always 💙 Last year I read our autism book to a class and talked about having a brother with autism. After the lesson a student asked me “what’s it like to be a grown up?” And I was like… “ehhh 😂😉”. And he said “no with a brother with autism, does it get easier?” And my stomach flipped. I told him yes, but honesty it made me stop and think…. For me, it’s gotten easier and harder in different ways. I wonder what Kevin’s life would have been like without autism all the time. And your worries shift from stares to caretaking responsibilities. Life with a sibling with autism is challenging but - he’s the best buddy and teacher you could ever have. Worries will always be there but so will the lessons Kevin teaches us. Love you buddy! Here are just a few things Kevin has taught me. 💙🦋 #autism #kindness #positivity #love #family

Not all heroes wear capes! Some heroes show up every day, doing things their own way. Kids with limb differences aren’t defined by what’s missing… they’re defined by their strength, adaptability, and courage. They learn, play, and rise again and again, often without anyone realizing just how much resilience it takes. They’re not just kids navigating the world. They’re heroes showing us how to. #differentatschool #limbdifferences #kindness #love #positivity

Children with Alopecia Day 💕 All the feels today for National Children with Alopecia Day. We are so proud of our girl. Bald is beautiful. Swipe for a smile. #baldisbeautiful #alopecia #kindness #love #family

❤️making kids feel seen❤️ It’s Inspiring Young Authors DAAAAY. And I got to spend some time with 5th graders talking about the writing process… but more importantly, why their voices matter. Because the truth is— Their stories aren’t “someday” stories. They’re right now stories. And they are ready to WRITE ‘em! Inspiring young authors is as easy as letting them KNOW - 👉 what they think matters 👉 what they have experienced matters 👉 their story is worth sharing And once they believe that… everything changes. #parent #teacher #school # positivity #kindness

She is THAT GIRL! 💅 BUT… We’re about to release our 5th book and it’s our second highlighting visible differences. So let’s talk about it… staring. 👀 When M was little, we’d say people stared because they couldn’t believe how beautiful she is. Which, to be fair, is true. But as she’s getting older… she’s starting to notice, question and take it personally. Curiosity is human!! But if you catch yourself mid-look… check your face. A blank stare feels heavy especially for a kid! If you add a smile it feels much lighter, like a greeting! Raising kind kids isn’t just “don’t stare.” It’s teaching that noticing is natural, but staring is a choice. Instead, teach your kids it’s okay to look, smile and maybe even say hi! Thank you for being a part of this community and for your commitment to shaping a kinder, more inclusive world for all kids! #parent #school #differences #positivity #kindness

BOOK 5 COMING SOON! 🔥🔥Illustrator crushes it AGAIN. 🤘🏼 Get ready to root for Different at School’s next hero!! He is teaching us to never underestimate ourselves or others! Hooting and hollering in the sauna over the finalized illustrations!! Book 5 coming SO SOON!!!!! Can’t wait for you guys to meet our newest hero! Be kind, love each other and stay tuned!!!

To: My Kind Valentines! ❤️: Different at School This Valentine’s Day I challenge you to send 3 kind texts to a friend, colleague or someone you know who is working hard to make their community a more kind place! Thankful for all of you!