We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Khrystine Campbell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Khrystine , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I truly believe that purpose finds you when you least expect it. For me, my journey into purpose began the moment I became a mother. Motherhood itself was a blessing I was told I might never experience, so when I did, it was already a miracle. But when my sons were diagnosed with autism, my entire world shifted. I always say that autism didn’t change my children—it changed me. It forced me to unlearn, to grow, to shed past versions of myself, and to step fully into the woman I was always meant to be.
Purpose, for me, came from pain. From uncertainty. From moments where I felt lost, overwhelmed, and unheard. But in those moments, God met me at rock bottom. He showed me that my struggles were not just for me to endure but for me to overcome so I could help others.
I found my purpose in advocacy. In bridging the gap between families and the resources they desperately need. In being the person I once prayed for—someone who could guide moms like me through the unknown. I vowed that once I got to a place where I could reach back and help, I would. And that’s exactly what I’m doing now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My Story & Mission
I am a pediatric ICU and research nurse, entrepreneur, and neurodiversity advocate, but above all, I am a mother. My journey into advocacy began when my two incredible sons were diagnosed with autism. Their diagnosis didn’t just shift my perspective—it completely reshaped my purpose. I quickly realized how difficult it was for families, especially in underserved communities, to access the resources, support, and funding their neurodiverse children needed. Instead of accepting that struggle as the norm, I decided to become the advocate I once needed.
I founded Itsy Bitsy Toddler & Co., a specialized childcare and autism resource hub designed to bridge the gap for families of neurodiverse children. What makes our work unique is our “Whole-Child, Whole-Family” approach—because helping a child thrive means supporting their entire family. I believe every child deserves access to opportunities, no matter their background, and my mission is to ensure that no parent feels lost in the system.
Building the Inclusive Resource Directory—Finding Where We Belong
Advocacy often feels like pushing against the world, constantly fighting for accommodations, for understanding, for a seat at the table. But what if we didn’t always have to fight? What if there were spaces, businesses, and providers that already made room for us?
That’s why I created the Inclusive Resource Directory: a place where families can find businesses, providers, and community spaces that already understand. Places that don’t just tolerate us but welcome us. Because finding a space that feels like home; where you don’t have to explain, where you don’t have to brace yourself for the stares, where your family just fits is something every parent deserves.
This directory is more than just a list of resources, it’s a map to belonging. Whether it’s a therapy provider, a restaurant, a play space, or a small business that goes the extra mile to be inclusive, we highlight the places that make life easier, not harder. The ones that remove barriers instead of forcing us to fight through them. Families deserve to know where they are truly welcomed, valued, and understood.
Expanding Our Childcare Facility—A Vision Rooted in Faith
My husband and I purchased a commercial space to build a certified autism childcare center—a place where neurodiverse children can thrive in an inclusive, understanding environment. When we bought this building, a lot of people thought we were crazy. And that’s okay, because I truly believe that the vision God has for you is not meant for everyone else to see.
Faith means moving forward even when others don’t understand the path. At first, all people saw was an old building, a massive project, and a dream too big. But I see what this space will become—a sanctuary for children, a lifeline for families, a place where inclusion is not an afterthought but the foundation. And as things start to unfold, you stop looking so crazy to the world.
This project is not just a business, it’s a promise to families who have been turned away too many times. A promise that their child will have a place where they are understood, nurtured, and supported from the very beginning.
Creating a Village for Moms Who Feel Alone
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is hosting networking events for moms; especially for those who feel like they don’t have a village. Parenting a neurodiverse child can be isolating. Many of us don’t have spaces where we feel fully understood, where we don’t have to explain every little detail of our lives just to be met with blank stares.
There is no greater feeling than walking into a room where people just get it. No explanations, no justifications just a shared understanding of the struggles, the joys, and everything in between. That feeling changed my life, and I knew I had to create it for other moms.
These networking events are about building relationships, creating a support system, and making sure no mom feels like she’s doing this alone. Whether someone is looking for community, advice, or just a night to breathe, this space is for them. Each event also includes an opportunity to pay it forward in a unique way, whether it’s writing a note of encouragement to another mom, participating in a small group activity, or just sharing experiences. There’s always something new, but the heart of it remains the same:
You are not alone. We are in this together.
What I Believe at My Core
I don’t believe in being defined by circumstances. I believe in building the life your child deserves, even when the world tells you it’s impossible.
People see me now; the advocate, the entrepreneur, the woman who has created spaces for families like mine. But what they don’t always see is the shedding it took to get here. The letting go of past beliefs, of doubt, of the idea that I had to do things the way everyone else did. They don’t see the nights I cried, the moments I questioned everything, or the times I felt like I had nothing left to give.
But I kept going. Not because it was easy, but because it was necessary. Because I knew that if I could get to a place of healing, understanding, and purpose, then I could reach back and bring others with me.
At the heart of everything I do is this:
You are not your struggles. You are not the barriers placed in your way. You are not defined by what the world tells you is possible.
You are capable of creating the life your child deserves—and I will do everything in my power to help you get there.
This is my mission, and I’m just getting started.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three (or Four) Most Important Qualities, Skills, or Areas of Knowledge in My Journey
Looking back, the most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, resourcefulness, advocacy, and most importantly, faith. These qualities didn’t just help me build my business and platform; they helped me survive, adapt, and push forward when everything felt impossible.
1. Resilience – The Ability to Keep Going, No Matter What
If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you will be tested. Life will throw challenges at you that you never saw coming. In those moments, you will either break or build. From a young age, my dad always told me, “You have to be able to pivot.” It wasn’t always what I wanted to hear as a child, and at times, it felt like tough advice. But looking back, I realize it was exactly what I needed to prepare me for the life I have now.
That lesson carried me through some of the hardest moments in my journey. I’ve learned that resilience is not just about enduring challenges—it’s about adapting, shifting, and finding another way forward when things don’t go as expected. It’s about embracing the unexpected, trusting in your ability to figure things out, and knowing that setbacks don’t define you.
Advice for others:
• Your journey will not be linear. There will be setbacks, but those setbacks don’t mean failure. They mean growth.
• Give yourself grace, but don’t quit. Every obstacle you overcome becomes part of the foundation that makes you stronger.
• When you feel like you can’t go any further, take a break, but don’t stop. Rest, recharge, and then get back up.
2. Resourcefulness – Refusing to Accept “No” as a Final Answer
I have never been the type of person who accepts “no” as a final answer. People joke that I can turn a no into a yes, but the truth is, I just don’t believe in giving up. When my sons were diagnosed, I quickly realized that the support systems that should have been in place were either inaccessible or nonexistent for families like mine. Instead of accepting that reality, I started researching, networking, and finding ways to bridge the gap.
That mindset became the foundation for everything I do today—from fighting for disability resources to creating my directory to launching my childcare facility. If something doesn’t exist, I find a way to build it.
Advice for others:
• Don’t wait for someone to hand you an opportunity. Go find it.
• Learn how to navigate systems, whether it’s healthcare, education, or business. Understanding how things work gives you power.
• If you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask. Some of the biggest opportunities in my life have come from simply asking the right questions.
3. Advocacy – Using My Voice to Create Change
I never set out to be an advocate. It was something I was forced into. The moment I realized that the system wasn’t built for families like mine, I had two choices: accept it or fight to change it. I chose to fight. I chose to be the voice I once needed.
Advocacy is not just about speaking up. It’s about action. It’s about making sure that when a door opens for you, you hold it open for the next person. It’s about not just finding resources for your child but making sure other parents know about them too.
Advice for others:
• Start small. Advocacy doesn’t always mean a huge platform. It can start with simply speaking up when something isn’t right.
• Get educated. Whether it’s disability rights, policy, or community resources, knowledge is power. The more you know, the more effective you become.
• Understand that advocacy isn’t just about fighting. It’s about building bridges. Learn how to connect with others, collaborate, and bring people together to create solutions.
4. Faith – The Foundation That Guides Everything I Do
Above all else, my faith in God is what fuels me. Every decision I make, every step I take, I take only after seeking Him first. I have learned that when I try to rely on my own strength, my own knowledge, or my own understanding, things never quite fall into place. But when I surrender it all to God, doors open in ways I never could have imagined.
Faith has given me clarity when I was uncertain, strength when I was weak, and courage when I was afraid. I don’t believe that my success is just a result of hard work. I believe it’s a direct reflection of God’s favor, His timing, and my obedience to follow His lead, even when it didn’t make sense to anyone else.
Advice for others:
• Seek God first in everything. Before making a decision, before taking a leap, pray. Listen. Trust His timing.
• Understand that faith is not about having all the answers. It’s about trusting the process, even when you can’t see the outcome.
• Let your faith be bigger than your fear. If God placed a vision in your heart, He will equip you to fulfill it.
Final Thought
If I could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their journey, it would be this: Life will test you. Things will not go as planned. But you are stronger than you think.
When fear creeps in, jump anyway. God will catch you.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do because true change happens when we come together. I am always looking to connect with businesses, organizations, and individuals who share my passion for serving neurodiverse families and making the world more inclusive.
Who We’re Looking to Collaborate With
• Neurodiversity-Friendly Businesses and Providers – If you offer services, products, or spaces that support neurodiverse individuals and their families, we would love to feature you in our Inclusive Resource Directory and help connect families with businesses that truly understand their needs.
• Advocates, Therapists, and Experts – Whether you are an educator, therapist, speech pathologist, or disability rights advocate, I want to collaborate to provide families with expert advice, resources, and training opportunities.
• Churches, Ministries, and Community Organizations – Faith-based and community-driven groups play such a vital role in supporting families. We want to work with organizations that are committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces for neurodiverse individuals and their loved ones.
• Brands and Corporate Partners – If your brand is looking to implement more inclusive practices, train staff, or support neurodivergent individuals, I would love to collaborate on projects that create a lasting impact.
Supporting Our Mission
Much of what we provide, including our networking events, resource hub, and support for families, is made possible through word-of-mouth, personal funding, and generous donations from those who believe in our mission. Itsy Bitsy Toddler & Co.’s resource hub and inclusive directory were created to bring visibility to the businesses, individuals, and organizations doing incredible work for the neurodiverse community. Many of them are pouring their own time, energy, and resources into this work without large grants or major funding.
If you would like to support our mission, there are a few ways to get involved:
• Join the Directory. We are currently accepting new applications for businesses, nonprofits, ministries, and individuals who serve neurodiverse families. If you are making an impact, we want to help amplify your work.
• Sponsor an Event. Our networking events for moms are designed to create safe spaces for connection, support, and empowerment. Sponsoring an event allows us to reach more mothers, provide more resources, and grow our community.
• Make a Donation. If you would like to support the work we are doing, donations allow us to continue offering free resources, expanding our directory, and ensuring that families get the help they need. Even if you prefer not to donate directly to Itsy Bitsy Toddler & Co.’s resource hub, we encourage you to browse our directory and consider supporting the incredible businesses and organizations listed there.
Every connection, every contribution, and every act of support matters. This is more than just a business; it is a movement. It is about ensuring that no family has to navigate this journey alone and that every child has access to the opportunities they deserve.
Let’s Connect
If you are reading this and feel called to collaborate, I would love to hear from you.
📩 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.itsybitsytoddlerco.com
Together, we can build something that truly changes lives. Let’s connect and make an impact!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Itsybitsytoddlerco.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/khrystine_2.0
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.