MBP: How do you balance being a music teacher and being present at home?
Yuliya: It is a joy to teach my talented students while also being a mom. The hardest part is keeping up with the house, meals, and overall organization. My husband helps a lot, and I truly appreciate that. We keep a consistent schedule that allows both of us to rest. I do spend many weekends taking my music students to competitions and festivals—it’s incredibly rewarding to watch them thrive, succeed, and grow as musicians.
MBP: What has it been like raising a child with such an extraordinary musical gift, and how do you nurture that while keeping childhood fun?
Yuliya: I believe every child has a special talent, but it’s up to the parent to nurture it. I feel lucky to teach Alek piano and to have time to practice with him every day. Most young children only receive one lesson a week and don’t always practice efficiently on their own. Alek has never practiced for hours at a time—he still has a normal childhood filled with school, sports, and fun activities. I try to motivate him with fun rewards after practice, and as he gets older, I teach him to enjoy the process, not just the result. He loves performing on stage. In 2022, he performed at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York—it was unforgettable.
MBP: What has motherhood taught you through Max’s autism challenges and victories?
Yuliya: My journey with Max has taught me to appreciate every moment of motherhood, no matter how hard it can be. It has taught me to value good health—both physical and mental—and to never judge other parents for their child’s behavior. I’ve learned to stop comparing my child to typically developing peers and instead celebrate his progress at his own pace. I’ve learned how to advocate for my child, be resourceful, seek second opinions, and accept help without feeling like a failure.
MBP: For moms navigating autism or developmental delays, what encouragement would you share from your experience?
Yuliya: Trust your gut. If you feel like something isn’t right, trust those instincts. Find your support community—other moms on a similar path will truly understand what you’re going through and can offer encouragement and advice. Acceptance and grieving are often the first steps after a diagnosis. I struggled with accepting that Max is different, and it delayed me from moving forward and finding the resources he needed. Celebrate the small victories—they truly matter.
MBP: How do you and your husband, Rick, support each other through the busyness and different demands of family life?
Yuliya: We take turns with everything—from drop-offs and pickups to staying home when the kids are sick. We even take turns with “dirty diaper duty.” If I’m up with Max at night (children with autism often struggle with sleep), Rick takes over during the day so I can rest—and vice versa. We’ve learned to communicate more efficiently and give ourselves grace. Sometimes that means ordering takeout or having a slow day at home—and that’s okay.
MBP: With therapy schedules, school, and activities, how do you intentionally create moments of joy and connection as a family?
Yuliya: I think the real joy often comes from small, unplanned moments. Many times, we split up—Rick will spend time with Max while I’m with Alek, and then we switch. Recently, we took a trip to Birmingham and visited the zoo and a trampoline park—both boys loved it. Since Max requires constant support, we also try to spend one-on-one time with Alek. We were able to take him to Universal Studios, and it was such a special trip. I’m incredibly grateful to my mom for caring for Max so we could enjoy that time.
MBP: If you could sit down with another mom who feels overwhelmed in this season of life, what would you want her to know?
Yuliya: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, sad, or even empty. Social media often shows perfect homes and happy families, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough—but you are. Motherhood is hard work. Some days, success is simply making it to bedtime. Give yourself grace, and don’t forget to reward yourself—even if it’s just a cup of tea and a small treat.
Rapid Fire Questions
One superpower you wish you could have? Energy without sleep
Family movie night in or adventure day out? Adventure day out
Coffee or energy drink? Coffee
Wake up early or stay up late for quiet time? Stay up late
One word to describe yourself? Determined
Yuliya Brown and her husband, Rick, have been married for 12 years and are the proud parents of Alek (10) and Max (3). Yuliya, who holds advanced degrees from the University of Mobile, teaches piano and choir at Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy, while Rick, a retired U.S. Army veteran works as a forensic analyst. Together, they balance the demands of school, work, sports, and therapies, while cherishing family time and celebrating both big milestones and everyday moments.
