Julia Erman

Julia is a wife, mother, speaker, and advocate who is passionate about helping families build compassion and understanding around disability.

As a mother to two children affected by a rare genetic disorder within the NKH family, Julia has experienced firsthand the challenges that come with navigating developmental delays and special needs. She also saw something else — a lack of language and confidence many people feel when talking about disability.

In 2022, Julia founded The Hazelnut Movement, an initiative dedicated to helping children, parents, and educators start meaningful conversations about disability through storytelling and education. While the movement focuses on advocacy and awareness, Julia independently writes children’s books designed to help families introduce these topics in a gentle and approachable way.

Julia believes storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to build compassion. Through her books, she hopes to help children understand that everyone’s abilities look different — and that those differences make the world more beautiful.

Through stories that promote empathy, kindness, and inclusion, her purpose is to help replace uncertainty with understanding and to encourage open conversations about special needs to help children grow in compassion for others. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy, Julia continues working toward a more inclusive world for the next generation. Connect on social @thehazelnutmovement.