A Letter From Our Founder

I was searching for activities for my daughter, Isabella—our "Pom Pom"—where she could try something new, discover what she loved, and make friends. What I found was how often the promise of inclusion fell short.

Businesses described themselves as inclusive, but many lacked the training or support to welcome children with different needs. We were offered expensive private lessons or classes with children much younger than Isabella. Requests for accommodations were often declined, with staffing limitations cited as the reason. Too often, we left feeling uncomfortable, unwelcome, and unsure where to turn.

We experienced exclusion and prejudice, sometimes quietly, sometimes painfully clearly. There were moments when I felt other parents didn't want my daughter alongside their children, even if no one said it aloud.

It shouldn't be this hard for our children to explore the hobbies and sports they love. And families shouldn't have to fight for a welcome at every door.

So I founded Pom-Pom's Players.

Over nearly 20 years as a journalist and communications professional, I've built relationships with people across industries and communities. Now, I'm putting those connections to work to help children find their passions and watch them bloom.

Isabella is at the heart of this work. I want her and her friends to have safe, welcoming spaces where they can explore, learn, and be themselves. I also want to help businesses understand what inclusion means in practice and give them the training and resources to make it possible. Just as importantly, I want the families raising these children to feel supported, understood, and less alone.

There is so much we can do together. I'm grateful to everyone helping us make room for more children to belong.