Holly Nelson is the co-founder of Special Hope Network, a ministry she started with her husband, Eric. She holds dual degrees in Early Childhood Education and Moderate to Severe Disabilities from Gordon College. In the early 1990s, Holly and Eric adopted three children with Down syndrome from Brazil, an experience that helped shape their lifelong commitment to children with intellectual disabilities. Parenting these kids who are now in their 30s has been transformational for them and for the creation of a ministry that has served so many in a developing country.
Since founding Special Hope Network, the organization has reached more than 15,000 children with intellectual disabilities and their families in Lusaka, Zambia—ensuring they are included, taught, and loved. She and her husband and their kids Maggie, Mollie and Sam have lived and served together in Zambia for 15 plus years and lead a staff of almost 50 people, mostly Zambians. Their home is loud and a very busy, fun place to be.