About Us

Natalie Hale

Natalie Hale is the founder of Special Reads for Special Needs, an innovative publisher of early reading materials for children with Down syndrome and other special needs. A national speaker on the topic, "Reading Made Easy for Learners with Down Syndrome," Natalie is also the parent of an adult with Down syndrome.

In addition to her speaking engagements, she teaches reading to learners of all ages with Down syndrome. Natalie is also available for personal phone consultations. She tutors parents and students in the greater San Jose, California area.

Natalie has been published by various houses as a children's book author and illustrator since 1993. Her latest book was "Oh, Brother! Growing Up With a Special Needs Sibling," published by the American Psychological Association. Scheduled to be released by Woodbine House in early 2010 is her new book, "My Money: Banking for Beginners," a money management workbook for teens and adults with Down syndrome.

Natalie has created the whimsical illustrations found in each of her books. Her ideas come from the heart as a mom who totally gets our kids' sense of humor.

Natalie makes her home in Los Gatos, California, where the sun always shines, flowers always bloom, and the earth only occasionally rumbles.

Amy Parham

Outreach and Communications Director
Amy Parham is firmly dedicated to helping individuals with Down syndrome shine brightly to the best of their ability. She has 13 years of non-profit public relations experience and makes her home in Los Gatos, CA with her husband Sean, son Reid and daughter Ava.