The Journey to Kind: A Legacy of Leadership, Connection, and Cultural Change:

 

For over 30 years, my work has been guided by a single, unwavering belief: kindness is not just a virtue—it’s a powerful tool for connection, healing, and systemic change. Since 1990, I’ve worked within the nonprofit sector and across communities to create programs that strengthen relationships, empower individuals, and cultivate cultures rooted in equity and compassion.
 

From grassroots gatherings to regionally recognized initiatives, my journey has always been about weaving kindness into the fabric of leadership and community building. I’ve seen firsthand that when kindness leads, people feel seen, supported, and inspired to step into their fullest potential.

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In 2007, I was named an honorary United Way Fellow for The Lovewell Initiative for creating a four-part parenting series designed to uplift, build community and provide resources to single mothers.  A few years later,  I founded The W.E.L.L. (Women Empowered, Loving Life)—a vibrant wellness center in Fitchburg, MA, that provided holistic support through services like Reiki, massage therapy, fitness, and parenting education. to provide a sanctuary for healing, empowerment, and deep connection.

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In 2020, I launched Fitchburg Roots, a nonprofit corporation whose mission was to tell the story of Fitchburg through her residents. This arts-based initiative developed partnership with Fitchburg Public Schools to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity. Together with middle school students, we created a powerful exhibit that honored identity, heritage, and belonging—reminding us all of the importance of lifting up youth voices.

 

My passion for equity also led to the co-founding of the Childcare Entrepreneur Training Program, funded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. This initiative has guided over 200 aspiring childcare providers—many from historically marginalized communities—through the licensing process. To date, 37 participants have launched their own businesses, expanding access to culturally responsive childcare and contributing to local economic resilience. This work remains one of the most soul-stirring chapters of my career.

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Throughout it all, I’ve witnessed a recurring challenge: even the most well-intentioned organizations—schools, nonprofits, and health institutions—can struggle to fully live their values. The pressure of metrics, compliance, and funding often pulls leaders away from their original mission, leaving teams burned out and disconnected.

Kindness Leads was born from this deep well of experience and reflection. It’s not simply a philosophy—it’s a transformative framework for reimagining leadership, aligning culture with values, and making kindness actionable. Through training, coaching, and strategic partnerships, I help leaders and teams embed kindness into the core of their operations—not just as a feel-good concept, but as a practical, measurable path to inclusion, trust, and meaningful impact.

Because when kindness leads, transformation isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.

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