Nancy F. Goodfellow
Inspiring understanding through honest conversations.
Nancy Goodfellow believes that when children understand differences, they grow into kinder, more inclusive adults. Her presentations invite open dialogue about disabilities, kindness, and respect—helping students see that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and friendship.
Accompanied by Michelle Anderson, a self-advocate with Down syndrome, Nancy creates a space where students can ask questions, learn about differences, and recognize that inclusion begins with empathy.
Each presentation supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) goals and can be tailored to fit your school’s needs and age group.
School Presentations
Designed for students k-12, these engaging sessions use storytelling, video, and relatable examples from books and movies to help kids connect to the message.
Nancy leads discussions on how to treat everyone with respect, avoid hurtful language, and build inclusive friendships. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences and leave with a deeper understanding of what inclusion really means.
Topics include:
-
Understanding disabilities and differences
-
The power of respectful language
-
How to ask questions appropriately
-
Building friendships through empathy and kindness
More than 20,000 students have participated in Nancy’s school programs across Illinois—always with positive feedback from children, teachers and staff.
Parent Presentations
Parents play a powerful role in shaping how their children view others. Nancy and Michelle speak to parent groups about the importance of honest, age-appropriate conversations about disabilities.
Nancy shares strategies for talking with children about classmates who may learn, communicate, or move differently—and how those conversations can help prevent bullying and foster inclusion. She also offers practical advice for parents of children with disabilities on advocating for understanding in and out of the classroom.
Teacher and Staff Presentations
Educators and support staff have a lasting impact on how students experience inclusion. Nancy provides training sessions that focus on real-world classroom examples—what works, what doesn’t, and how small changes can make a big difference.
Drawing from her own experiences as both a mother and an advocate, she discusses how inclusive language, thoughtful communication, and collaboration help create classrooms where all students feel valued.
Michelle shares her personal experiences as a student with Down syndrome, offering insight into how teachers helped shape her success and confidence.
"Hearing from Michelle was the best part . . . the kids were able to better understand what it is like for a person to have a disability, and were able to see that she is just like them."
-4th grade teacher
"Wonderful program!"
-Grade school principal
" . . . Loved how you talked about how we can't always see a disability or difference on the outside."
-4th grade teacher
"You guys were fabulous!"
-3rd grade teacher
"The presentation was informative, age-appropriate and heart-wrenching. Wonderful job!"
-2nd grade teacher
"Paper activity was a great visual!"
-4th grade teacher
"I loved that students were able to have an open conversation about this topic in a safe, positive way."
-5th grade teacher
"Students really enjoyed it!"
-6th grade teacher
"We had a great conversation when we came back to our room about understanding others."
-5th grade teacher
