Meet the Team
JULIA ERMAN
MEET THE FOUNDER
Julia Erman lives in East Tennessee with her husband and two young children. As a mother of two children affected by a rare genetic disorder, she recognized the lack of knowledge and understanding surrounding disability. In 2022, Julia founded The Hazelnut Movement to spread awareness and promote inclusivity to children, parents, and educators.
Julia firmly believes that storytelling creates compassion, and feels her purpose is to instill awareness and compassion in the hearts of individuals, young and old alike. Using her books and speaking engagements, she hopes to spark conversations and bridge the gap between children with special needs and their peers.
Julia also works as a business coach for women, where she continues to ensure that no one walks alone.
Valerie Coker
Valerie Coker is a homeschooling mom of three who has a passion for disability advocacy and education. As special needs parents, she and her husband work to ensure that their children have the ability to fully engage in their community.
As a passionate author, Valerie seeks to write books that create a strong sense of understanding and accessibility surrounding disability to even the youngest children. Together with The Hazelnut Movement, Valerie hopes to encourage conversations that will ensure inclusivity for future generations.
Valerie believes that everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive society. She volunteers for a large disabilities ministry, serves on the board of Virginia's only statewide inclusive homeschool organization, and is the founder of her local inclusive homeschool co-op.
Tristan Peterson Yargus & Darby-Grace
Meet Tristan and her daughter, Darby-Grace — the sweetest duo you’ll almost always see at a Hazelnut assembly.
Tristan is one of the remarkable volunteers who helps bring the heart of The Hazelnut Movement to life. As a homeschooling mom of five, a devoted wife, and a passionate student of the Bible, she carries a depth of compassion and wisdom that aligns so beautifully with our mission: changing the way the world sees disability by reminding every child that they were intentionally created by God and carry immeasurable worth.
She has become such an incredible asset to our team, especially in the way she takes foundational concepts — understanding disability, practicing empathy, and embracing God-given identity — and turns them into simple, hands-on activities that kids truly connect with. Watching how God has guided her steps and prepared her for this role has been nothing short of inspiring.
Tristan, thank you for using your gifts (your superpowers!) to serve with such purpose. Because of you, children of all abilities are learning that they matter, they belong, and they are wonderfully made.
And then there’s Darby-Grace — Hazel’s very best friend.
At the heart of The Hazelnut Movement is this goal: to raise up more kids like her — kids who naturally love and include those who may be a little different. Watching her compassion and kindness toward the special needs community is truly beautiful. She doesn’t just talk about inclusion; she lives it.
We are so grateful for this mother-daughter team and the light they bring wherever they go.
