I am Kirsty Heather Ferguson, a primary school teacher, and have two daughters, Ally and Zoë, and a partner, Josh. They are my forever cheerleaders. They encourage me to be me. When we were going through tough times, we had a motto we used together—Be Brave, Be Bold, Be Brilliant, and Be Beautiful. I am so lucky to have them on my team. My family—Zoë, Tweeds, Griffy (aunt and uncle from Ozzie), Josh and me, Mum, my brother, Josh (Ally’s partner), Ally, and my dad. Ally and Zoë have always just seen me as me, unperturbed by how I look or the color of my skin. They have never listened to the “bad side of my face” analogy. My partner, Josh, has always just loved me for me. My face and port-wine stain are irrelevant. He has allowed and encouraged me to be my authentic self, and I am grateful for that. He makes me feel content.

I did want to be an artist or laser surgeon but wasn’t guided in those directions by my teachers. So I decided to become a teacher to ensure that I helped kids realize their talents and encouraged them to go for their goals in any way possible. I am an excellent teacher and have a superpower for bringing out the best in kids. I am also a big supporter of those kids who are different, be it quirky, ADHD, or neurodiverse. I worked in my own business for ten years, tutoring teachers and students with dyslexia and dyscalculia, and I loved showing them how clever they were! Ironically, I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD and am starting meds. This has helped calm my inner voice, which made me believe in myself. For the first time in my life, I am able to accept a compliment instead of downplaying it.

I enjoy surfing (a newer hobby), traveling either in New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. I LOVE saunas, walks, and painting/making T-shirts. One day, art will claim a bigger piece of my life; for now, it is emerging more often, and the ADHD meds have helped the creative brain have the juice to focus, explore, and create.