Interview with Nathan Palmer CEO of Polaris Academy - Part 1 Artwork

The Polaris Connection | Connecting parents of autistic and neurodivergent children with industry experts and resources.

Join Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer on The Polaris Connection where they help parents of autistic and neurodivergent children find power, perspective, and possibility. Through expert insights and real-life stories, we spark hope, share resources, and inspire families to navigate the journey with confidence. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a movement for connection, strength, and unapologetic advocacy.

Your voice matters. Do you have a topic, challenge, or question we can bring to the next episode? Reach out and follow us on social media at @PolarisAcademySocial

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The Polaris Connection | Connecting parents of autistic and neurodivergent children with industry experts and resources.

Interview with Nathan Palmer CEO of Polaris Academy - Part 1

August 27, 2025 • Brad Broyles • Episode 7

Starting a school isn’t easy. Starting a school for autistic and neurodivergent children takes vision, grit, and a whole lot of faith. In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Palmer, CEO of Polaris Academy, to dive into the behind-the-scenes story of launching a one-of-a-kind educational haven designed for children who learn and experience the world differently.

Nathan opens up about the challenges he faced—navigating regulations, earning community trust, and building a program that truly meets the needs of students who are often overlooked in traditional classrooms. But woven into those struggles are powerful moments of hope: the “small miracles” of students taking their first steps toward independence, families finding belonging, and teachers discovering new joy in their work.

This candid conversation is about more than education—it’s about perseverance, innovation, and the belief that every child deserves a place where they can thrive. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up, Nathan’s story will inspire you to see obstacles not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones to transformation.