Our Story
About Us
Our son Kaydan, was born with Down syndrome on January 27, 2013. Little did we know or were we ready for the journey on which that diagnosis would take us. Since Kaydan’s birth, my growing burden and passion has been to reach ALL special needs families. Knowing firsthand the struggles of having a child with special needs, Kaydan was diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in 2020 as well. My first effort is chronicling the journey of faith, struggle, and hope, in my first book, which we expect to be published in the spring 2025. Walking with Kaydan explores in explicit and honest detail the inner struggles, challenges, and victories that have enveloped our family as we entered and live in the world of special needs.
My ultimate dream is becoming a reality as the Special Needs Marriage and Family Institute (SNMFI) is being launched! Currently, the SNFMI is a partnership with Grace Church of the Nazarene, in Nashville, TN. Grace Church was blessed to receive a $25,000 grant from the state of Tennessee for the purpose of launching a special needs ministry. We are well underway utilizing the grant to make the facility more accomodating and inclusive as well as preparing for Respite Ministry in the spring of 2025! Secondly, the SNMFI is a clinical/academic expansion project partnering with universities to expand their graduate counseling programs to incorporate an emphsis on supporting families and individuals impacted special needs/disabilities. On the campus of Grace Church, the SNMFI will have its own space to serve as a place for special needs families to find hope, help, and healing on their journey.
Our vision and goal is to Equip, Educate, and Empower families and marriages within the Special Needs/Disability community, churches for effective ministry, and caregivers and professionals in order to provide more effective support and services. As more and more families are impacted by special needs diagnoses, many families and marriages are challenged to adjust to the realities of those diagnoses. The SNMFI exists to support these families, train and equip churches, and expand clinical knowledge and training in the counseling/clinical world.
These are exciting days as the SNMFI is real and growing. Thanks to those of you who have supported and encouraged my family and I along this journey. If you are interested in learning more about what the SNMFI is doing and how it could help you, your church or community, or if you would like to learn how you could partner with us, please contact us.
Brad Lee is the Founder/Director of the Special Needs Marriage and Family Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. Brad retired at the rank of Colonel as an Army Chaplain for more than 25 years of service to our nation. His Army career included a variety of assignments to include multiple combat tours as well. He and his wife, Lori, have been married for over 33 years and have six children; three adult daughters and three sons, and one granddaughter.
Brad is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Approved Supervisor and a Certified Professional Coach. He knows firsthand the challenges and struggles of not only parenting a special needs child, but navigating the marital struggles that accompany the demands of being a special needs family as well. His personal experience coupled with his professional credentials offer a distinctive and powerful approach to helping marriages, families, churches, and the helping community at large.