Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure to hear Katie and Tommy from Kindering speak.  Instantly, Tommy and I had a connection – my son is ALSO obsessed with superheroes. So when Tommy showed up in his red Power Ranger suit – that could also pass for Spiderman, I knew we were going to have a good time.

Kindering provides individualized, family-centered early intervention therapies and special education for children who are disabled, medically fragile or vulnerable because of abuse or neglect.

.@KCEGP Campaign Co-Chair @KCC_Claudia kicked off the season with a visit from Katie and son Tommy to share support from Kindering Center. pic.twitter.com/tTqPrk236T

— King County Council (@KCCouncil) October 10, 2016

Katie shared with the legislative branch at their Annual Giving Drive kick-off about the all-encompassing care her family received from Kindering from the day Tommy turned 6 weeks old and then for years to come.  You can meet Katie and Tommy in this video. 

Did you know that 80% of brain development happens by the age of 3?  75% of Kindering graduates narrow the development gap and 46% do not require special education.  This is amazing!

There were 25-30 of us in that room and about 5 were familiar with Kindering’s work prior to Katie and Tommy’s visit.  When we left – we were all incredibly touched, some of us changed forever, and now we know about the incredible work they do and can share it.

After the meeting, Councilmember Balducci took us to Council Chambers and Tommy got to be the Superhero once again and “chair” a meeting approving anything she asked for!

Tommy’s infectious laughter, huge smile, and story will stick with me for the rest of my life. Yesterday, I got to meet an everyday Superhero and in so many ways he rescued me.

Ambassadors:  If you would like to schedule Katie you can find Kindering on your Speaker’s List in SharePoint.