Meet Rachael & Kyle Vermeulen | Writer, Speaker, Disability Advocates

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachael & Kyle Vermeulen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachael & Kyle, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a parent, especially of a child with a disability, I believe the most important thing I’ve done is consistently show up with love and acceptance. Instead of criticizing, I’ve focused on guiding and encouraging my children, celebrating every small victory. This approach has created a safe, nurturing environment where my kids feel valued and supported, regardless of their challenges. By choosing love over criticism, I’ve not only helped my children grow and develop confidence, but I’ve also strengthened our bond. This consistent, loving presence has had the most significant impact on my childrens development and our relationship.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At A Little Extra Love, our work is deeply personal and purposeful. What sets us apart is our unique blend of faith, disability advocacy, and practical support for families and churches. We’re not just talking about inclusion; we’re living it every day and helping others do the same.

Our mission is to empower disability parents and caregivers through a faith-driven community rooted in hope, healing, and extra love. We’re most proud of our Inclusive Pathways program, which helps churches transform into truly welcoming spaces for people of all abilities. Our podcast is another source of pride, where we share real, raw stories that resonate with families on similar journeys.

Our journey to where we are today professionally started with our son’s prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis. It wasn’t easy – far from it. We faced complex medical situations with limited resources, which was overwhelming at times. But we overcame these challenges by leaning into our faith, connecting with other families, and choosing to see our experiences as a calling rather than a setback.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that every child, regardless of ability, is a precious gift with unique potential. We’ve also learned the power of community and how sharing our story can inspire and encourage others.

In addition to our podcast and Inclusive Pathways program, we offer a prayer ministry and online Bible studies designed to provide spiritual support and growth for parents and caregivers. We also conduct church and ministry trainings focused on the IDD/DD community, equipping faith leaders with the tools they need to create inclusive and supportive environments.

What we want the world to know about A Little Extra Love is that we’re more than just a ministry – we’re a movement. We’re working to change perceptions about disability within faith communities and beyond. We believe that by fostering understanding and inclusion, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and loved.

Our brand is built on authenticity, faith, and practical action. We’re not afraid to share the hard parts of our journey, but we always point to hope. Whether through our podcast, Inclusive Pathways, our prayer ministry, or our advocacy work, we’re committed to making a real difference in the lives of families touched by disability.

We want people to know that they’re not alone in this journey. There’s a community here at A Little Extra Love where they can find support, resources, and spiritual strength. Together, we’re turning the challenges of disability parenting into pathways of faith, growth, and love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s a quick rundown of some incredible spots that are not only fun but also super inclusive and accessible:
Bitty & Beaus Coffee: Kick off the day with a heartwarming cup of coffee that’ll fill your soul as much as your mug!
Brewability & Pizzability: Get ready for some serious flavor and fun – pizza, craft beer, and a vibrating dance floor? It’s a party for all!
Garden of the Gods: Nature’s masterpiece with trails for everyone.
DIRT Coffee: Another stop for purpose-driven caffeine that’ll keep you buzzing with good energy.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Get ready to make some animal friends in the mountains!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre: A concert under the stars!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We want to dedicate our shoutout to the incredible disability community in Colorado and our son, Caleb, whose spirit and resilience inspire us every day.

Website: https://alittleextralove.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachvermeulen

Facebook: https://facebook.com/rachaelverm

Other: www.instagram.com/alittleextralove
www.facebook.com/vermeulenministries
www.tiktok.com/alittleextralove

Kyle:
www.instagram.com/kylekverm
www.facebook.com/kkvermeulen

Image Credits
Torrie Giraldo
Bridget Bergmann