Outgoing and active Kylie Purifoy is always on the move. From working in the theater department at a local high school to volunteering with the dance and drama teams, she is no stranger to the spotlight. I met Kylie and her brother and talked to him about their relationship for the November issue of Little Rock Family.
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
My name is Kylie Erin Purifoy. I am 31 and live in Lakewood in North Little Rock, Arkansas. I work in the Theater Arts Department at North Little Rock High School. I like to go shopping, work out, go tubing and jet skiing at the lake, watch movies, go four-wheeling and get my hair and nails done.
2. What are your dreams for the future?
I want to teach dance combinations and choreography at work and practice my artwork more. I also want to be a country singer.
3. What do you do at work?
I used to take dance with Mrs. Pitts. She is the dance instructor for NLR High School. When I graduated from high school in 2008, she asked me to join the department. I volunteer and help out in dance and drama. I also help with oral communication and debate.
4. What do you wish people knew about Down syndrome?
We are no different than anyone else.
5. What advice do you have for kids younger than you with Down syndrome?
Work hard and try new things.
6. What advice do you have for parents of kids with special needs?
My dad Philip took me to go horseback riding when I was 6 years old. My mom taught me how to do my laundry and my hair and makeup. My “Daddy Tom” and mom have taken me to 41 different states. My parents gave me a lot of opportunities growing up. Parents should not do everything for their kids. I like being independent.
Kylie’s Hobbies
Public speaking: “I loved speaking at my sister’s wedding reception.”
Adding pictures to Facebook and Instagram
Teaching Sunday school with Mrs. Kirby
Traveling and spending time with her family
Playing games with her siblings
Cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks
If you know of any Extraordinary people you’d like to see featured, email heatherphonaker@gmail.com.
Heather Honaker is circus ringleader for three kids 4 and under — two typical, one not, but they all think they are special. You can follow along as the messiness unfolds around her family by reading the Typically Not Typical blog.
typically not typical 
Working in the theater arts sounds like so much fun! Kylie has a beautiful smile. I think she has great advice for families, too. My sister also has Down syndrome and she likes being independent as well.
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