Meet Brenda Heckert | Humorous Keynote Speaker & Mental Health Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Heckert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There Is No Normal started because my son is on the Autism Spectrum, and I wanted people to know that there is no normal. Each individual has their unique gifts. If we look for normal in everyone, we will be disappointed. I also wanted to help parents to understand that “something is not wrong” with their child because he or she has a disability. I was always looking for my son, Grayson’s unique gifts.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My background was in retail and real estate sales. I loved interacting with people and ensuring customers had great sales experiences. I married, and we started a family. When my son turned four, I knew I wanted to be creative outside the home. I had the lead in my junior high and high school plays, so I knew I had the acting ability. I found a manager to represent me in acting and went to Hollywood. Whoops, I meant Philidelphia. I auditioned and got into three agencies. I went from local non-union commercials to HBO’s THE WIRE and Netflix’s HOUSE OF CARDS. I also did Stand-up and Improv Comedy. I did all this while navigating Grayson’s education. Everyone’s life has challenges, as did mine. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, my sister was diagnosed with ALS/LouGehrig’s disease, and my husband had three heart attacks in three years. And Grayson needed my constant attention. Never did I give up hope or take my focus off my goal to give Grayson a whole and happy life. There truly is no normal life path. Each day is unique, and each person you encounter has different special needs. I have a different outlook. I expect each person to have a disability. I used to go into a store in Maine, and there was a young man with Aspergers who worked in electronics. I didn’t know his diagnosis, but he never looked directly at me and made no small talk. He was all business. He took everything I said literally. And he was very knowledgeable about his department. I told his manager how smart he was, and he told me he wished everyone complimented him as I did. The manager said people complained because he would not look at them directly, and they thought he could be rude in his direct answers. His manager did confirm he had Aspergers. My son has given me a better understanding of human nature and unique abilities. Through THERE IS NO NORMAL, I share humorous stories of raising Grayson and caring for my mother to help others cope during difficult times in their lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would put them in my car and drive. I love living in Williamsburg, so first, we would stop in Colonial Williamsburg for a cup of cappuccino at Illy Caffe. The tree-lined streets give shade year-round, so a walkabout would be next. Back in the car and off to Cape Charles, Va., just a short ride after crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. Cape Charles is a perfect little town with a delightful main street, shops, restaurants, and beautiful blue water at the end of the street. You can rent a bike or golf cart. I love to drive around the area in a golf cart and feel the breeze. AJ’s restaurant for dinner has the best-smashed burgers. There is plenty of seafood, too, in Cape Charles. The next day, I would take the ferry to Surry from Jamestown. The most challenging part now is to choose a restaurant. The Surry Seafood Company for the best Crab Cake ever…and I am from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, so my opinion counts. Or, we could drive to Smithfield for a Cuban Sandwich at Taste of Smithfield. And there is a Bakery beside the restaurant with the best Expresso Cupcake. I know I have only mentioned food, not my friends or family, but I love food. I have an exceptional place in my heart for small towns. I grew up in Fairfield, Ct., which was a small town. This area is close to so many quaint towns. I have not even mentioned the Northern Neck…White Stone, Irvington, and Urbana.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Teachers, Counselors, and Other Mothers! How do I choose?

The teachers saw Grayson’s strengths. When I would ask in school, “How did Grayson do today?” They responded that he was progressing, did a great job listening today, or showed interest in today’s history lesson. Positive feedback! They looked for his strengths.

Counselors were vital to me, especially Christin Orr. Ms. Orr supported my well-being and kept my mental health healthy. As a parent of an autistic child, you need encouragement too. I needed to be heard and understood too. Not all parents have other parents who can relate to their situation. I believe a supportive counselor is essential.

I was lucky to have a few mothers who reminded me, “Progress, not perfection.” When my eyes filled with tears because my son struggled at school or socially, those words kept me looking at Grayson’s progress.

Website: www.thereisnonormal.com

Instagram: thereisnonormal.co

Facebook: Brenda C. Heckert

Other: www.thereisnonormal.esty.com

Image Credits
Sara Harris Photography