About Facing Forward Australia

Hi, I'm Brooke.

I'm a mum, a healthcare professional, a medical student, and the proud mum of a little girl who has taught me more about courage, confidence, and kindness than I ever thought possible.

When my daughter, Ella, was born with a facial port-wine stain, my world changed in an instant.

Like many parents, I was overwhelmed. I had countless questions about treatments, specialists, school, friendships, confidence, and what the future might hold. I searched for information, connected with other families, and spent years learning how to advocate for my daughter.

But I quickly realised something was missing.

While we received medical care, there was very little guidance about everything that happens outside the hospital—the conversations at home, preparing for school, responding to curious questions from strangers, building confidence, navigating friendships, and helping a child grow up proud of who they are.

There wasn't one place where families could find practical, compassionate resources created by someone who truly understood the journey.

So I decided to create it.

Facing Forward Australia was born from the belief that no family should have to navigate this path alone.

Our mission is to support children with visible differences—and the people who love and care for them—through practical resources, education, connection, and hope.

Every journal, workbook, school resource, children's book, and guide has been created with two things in mind:

"What did I wish someone had given me when Ella was born?"

and

"What would genuinely make another family's journey a little easier?"

Everything you see here has been created with compassion, lived experience, and a commitment to helping children feel confident, included, understood, and proud of who they are.

Thank you for being here.

Whether you've just received a diagnosis, you're preparing your child for school, or you're simply looking for reassurance that you're not alone, I hope you find something here that helps.

Because while we can't always change the journey...

We can change how supported families feel while they're walking it.

With love,

Brooke Nissen

Founder | Facing Forward Australia