The Hazelnut Movement
The Hazelnut Movement school programs are designed to help students better understand disabilities, differences, empathy, kindness, and belonging through engaging, age-appropriate educational experiences.
Inspired by real-life experiences and authentic storytelling, our programs create meaningful conversations that help students connect with one another in deeper and more compassionate ways.
Through storytelling, music, movement, interactive discussions, and real-life examples, students are encouraged to see differences not with fear or confusion — but with understanding, kindness, and empathy.
PROGRAM TOPICS
• Disability awareness & understanding
• Inclusion and belonging
• Kindness and empathy
• Compassion-centered leadership
• Supporting peers with differences
• Building more connected classrooms and communities
• Understanding medical and developmental differences in age-appropriate ways
Who We Serve
We partner with:
• Public schools
• Private schools
• Churches & Christian schools
• PTO/PTA organizations
• Community organizations
• Nonprofits & outreach programs
WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAMS UNIQUE
Our assemblies combine authentic storytelling, humor, audience participation, educational resources, and heartfelt conversations in a way that deeply connects with students, educators, and families alike.
Rather than focusing only on information, we focus on helping students emotionally connect to the idea that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and included.
“I was familiar with Hazel and Russell’s story, but this was the first time I had heard Julia’s assembly presentation for students. It was truly inspiring and such a great message for kids of all ages about tapping into their own superpowers and embracing what makes them special and unique.” —
Brittany Duggan
Program Options
• Large School Assemblies
• Classroom Visits
• Inclusion Discussions
• Interactive Craft & Activity Experiences
• Educator & Staff Presentations
• Family & Community Events
SUPPORT A SCHOOL PROGRAM
Help Us Bring Compassion & Inclusion to More Students
The Hazelnut Movement is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to creating more compassionate and inclusive classrooms through storytelling, disability awareness, and meaningful educational experiences.
Your Donation Helps us:
• Sponsor programs for schools in need
• Provide books and educational materials
• Expand disability awareness initiatives
• Create inclusion-focused resources for students and educators
• Continue reaching children and communities with messages of empathy, kindness, and belonging
Every contribution helps create conversations that can leave a lasting impact on the way children see and care for one another.
Local Impact
Partnering Organizations
Tennessee
Riceville Elementary
Athens City Primary
Soddy Daisy Elementary
Mountain View Elementary
EK Baker Elementary
Calhoun Elementary
Park View Elementary
Decatur Boys and Girls Club
Etowah Boys and Girls Club
Knoxville Boys and Girls Club
Knoxville YMCA
Valley Christian Academy
Stanfield Baptist Church
The Greenhouse Church
JC3 Church
Cross Creek Christian School
Washington
Cle Elum Roslyn Elementary
Cedar Trails Elementary
Rock Creek Elementary
Totem Falls Elementary
California
Peabody Elementary
Providence Elementary
Arizona
Sequoyah Elementary
Kansas
St Peter and St Paul School
Nemaha Central Elementary