BIOGRAPHIES
Meet our diverse cast of characters that made this project possible, featuring individuals ranging from doctors and disability advocates to students and those embracing life with dwarfism. Each story contributes to our mission.
Harolis Almonte-Castro
Harolis Almonte-Castro only discovered she was a little person a few years ago. Making friends became challenging after leaving New York. In high school, she interacted with many, but those connections tended to exist only within school hours. Nonetheless, her stature never hindered her pursuit of a career in education. Her deep love for the arts led her to meet her husband in August of 2008. They've expanded their family by fostering three children, ultimately adopting two of them just this November in 2023. Throughout her journey, being a little person never stood as an obstacle to pursuing her dreams
Wildine Aumoithe
Wildine Aumoithe is a second-year graphic design student at Liberty University. She was born with SADDAN dysplasia a rare form of dwarfism. Wildine is also a content creator and model. She was born and raised in Miami, Florida.
Martha Bentacourt Wong
Martha Betancourt Wong is a lifelong Higher Education professional within the Division of Academic and Student Affairs and Associate Director at the Disability Resource Center. In this role, she provides strategic and operational management in all department areas, including policy and ADA compliance, budget and finance, organizational planning, human resources, and conflict resolution. Martha leads her team in partnering with faculty and administrators on academic accommodations and expanding accessibility. Additionally, she provides consultation and training on various topics related to accessibility, such as Universal Design and techniques on how to mitigate barriers for students with disabilities in Higher Education. She has a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from FIU (’15) and completed her undergrad in Special Education.
Kristen DeAndrade
Kristen DeAndrade is a dedicated advocate committed to breaking down stereotypes and dismantling barriers surrounding dwarfism and disability. As the author of "Little Legs, Big Heart," she shares her story of vulnerability and triumph, fostering relatability and inspiring others. Currently residing in West Palm Beach, FL, she passionately collaborates with The MAGIC Foundation, leading their Skeletal Dysplasia Division. Through her advocacy, impactful writing, and motivational speaking, Kristen empowers individuals to embrace their unwavering resilience. Her compelling journey has been featured on prestigious platforms such as The Mighty, The Female Lead, Refinery29, the TEDx stage, various podcasts, and national television programs.
Asghar Fathi
Asghar Fathi is an architect who is actively working to create a more inclusive environment. He has been in the architecture business for over 40 years and has worked in hotels, residential, and institutions.
Dr.David Feldman
Dr. David Feldman is a renowned orthopedic surgeon with over two decades of experience specializing in skeletal dysplasia management. He employs early interventions to positively impact patients' lives, addressing spinal stenosis deformity correction for improved motion, function, and pain relief. He welcomes individuals with dwarfism of all ages seeking relief and an enhanced quality of life at The Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Brandon Huynh
Brandon Huynh is the proud brother of the most remarkable kid in the world: Nathan. He is an artist at heart and a deep lover of humanity. He spends most of his time watching and raving over TV shows and movies. If you ever catch him rambling on about whatever he’s watching, it's best to steer clear of him! He has a tendency to wrap anyone within arms reach into whatever new thing he’s currently obsessing over.
Nathan Hyunh
Nathan is like any other middle schooler in the world. He is an expert on all things cars and planes and is what many consider to be an expert fisherman. When he isn’t running around the neighborhood on his scooter or playing games with his friends, he’s traveling with his family, eating, and falling in love with cooking. He has big dreams and a strong drive, and he continues to practice kindness in the world.
Brian Kirlew
Brian Kirlew is a criminal defense attorney in Miami-Dade County. Brian was born in Washington, DC, but spent most of his life in Florida. Brian received his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida. He then went on to pursue his law degree from Nova Southeastern University, College of Law. After graduating from law school, Brian worked at the Miami Dade Public Defenders Office. After six years, Brian opened his own firm, The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC, where he continues to work with his wife, Heidi. When Brian isn’t litigating in a courtroom, he travels the world with his wife, Heidi, and two daughters Neda and Nora.
Heidi Kirlew
Heidi Kirlew is a family law attorney in Miami-Dade County. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Heidi immigrated to South Florida in 2005 to attend law school at Nova Southeastern University College of Law. It was here that Heidi met her future husband and law partner, Brian. Upon graduating from law school, Heidi started her career as an associate attorney handling complex civil litigation and real estate transactions. In 2016, a year after the birth of her second daughter, Heidi joined her husband, Brian, at the Kirlew Law Firm. Heidi is an advocate not only for her clients but also for her daughters, Neda and Nora.
Nora Kirlew
Nora Kirlew is an 8-year-old elementary student who loves animals, especially her dog, Niko. Nora was born with the most common form of dwarfism, Achondroplasia. Nora enjoys playing with her friends and older sister, Neda, swimming, dancing, making and playing with slime, and of course, playing on her iPad. Nora is proud of who she is despite the challenges she faces on a regular basis. Nora wants the world to know that people with dwarfism are just like everyone else, they just come in smaller packages. When Nora is older, she would like to be a veterinarian at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Ally O’Neill
Ally O’Neill, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Franklin Academy. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education, with endorsements in Reading and ESOL, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction to enhance the learning environment. Beyond the classroom, Ally actively contributes to her Little People America (LPA) group, serving as the Assistant District Director of District 4 and the Teen Coordinator on a national level, organizing events and providing support for little people and their families.
Lami Leung
Lami Leung is the proud mother of two wildly different boys. She has been working in the nail industry for over thirty years, and currently owns and runs Nail Legacy in Roswell, Georgia. She is kind, loving, and has a great passion for art and music.
Connor Trang
Connor Trang is an architecture student at Florida International University. He would love to make more accessible spaces for those with disabilities and different demographics