Messy Hands Happy Hearts Foundation
Every Child Deserves a Strong Start. We're Building It Together.
Building brighter futures for children through early childhood education, community support, and opportunity.
About the Foundation
The Messy Hands Happy Hearts Foundation was established to expand access to high-quality early childhood education and enhance support for children, families, and educators within our community.Rooted in the work of Messy Hands Happy Hearts, which has served local families since 2018, the foundation focuses on creating inspiring learning environments, supporting educators, and helping children receive the strong start they deserve.Through community partnerships, fundraising efforts, and local support, we are creating opportunities that enable children to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our mission
The Messy Hands Happy Hearts Foundation expands access to high-quality early childhood education by creating nurturing learning environments, supporting educators, and strengthening families in our community.
Our vision
We envision a joyful and peaceful place where children feel safe and loved, educators feel valued, and families feel confident that their children are cared for and supported. Through partnerships with educators, therapists, and community providers, we aim to create a safe haven where every child can grow, learn, and thrive.
Katia Kirkland
Founder & Executive Director
Katia Kirkland is an early childhood educator, childcare provider, and community advocate who has spent years creating spaces where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow through meaningful experiences.In 2018, she founded Messy Hands Happy Hearts, beginning what would grow into a larger vision for children, families, and educators in her community.Her years working directly with families have given her a firsthand understanding of both the extraordinary impact of quality early childhood education and the challenges surrounding access, affordability, educator support, and appropriate learning environments.The Messy Hands Happy Hearts Foundation grew from that experience—and from Katia's belief that meaningful change happens when a community comes together around its children.Today, she is working to transform that vision into greater opportunities for children and families throughout the community.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephanie Brueckner
Board Chair
Administrative & Small Business OperationsStephanie brings experience in administration, data management, small business operations, and early childhood classroom support to the Foundation.
Her organizational and operational experience provides a valuable perspective as the Foundation develops its systems, strengthens its infrastructure, and continues to grow its work within the community.
KATHLEEN ANDERSON, M.S., CCC-SLP
Secretary
Speech-Language Pathology & Child DevelopmentKathleen is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with more than 16 years of experience in early childhood intervention, clinical supervision, and preschool services.
Her expertise in child development, therapeutic services, and multidisciplinary collaboration helps guide the Foundation's commitment to creating inclusive environments and opportunities that recognize and support the diverse developmental needs of children and families.
HEATHER CARPENTIERI
Treasurer
Special Education & Educational ComplianceHeather serves as a Chairperson for the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE), bringing extensive knowledge of special education, individualized education planning, and district-level compliance to the Foundation.
Her experience strengthens our commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities while helping the Foundation navigate the connection between early childhood education, special education services, and public school systems.
BUILT THROUGH COMMUNITY
We are incredibly grateful for the businesses, organizations, and community members who believe in our mission and have chosen to support the work of the Messy Hands Happy Hearts Foundation. Their generosity, partnership, and belief in what we are building help move this vision forward.
Join Us in Building the Future
Support the creation of our new early learning center.
Partner with us to expand opportunities for children.
Your contribution becomes a permanent part of our story.
Help Us Grow This Mission
Your support helps us:
Expand access to high-quality childcare
Support educators and families
Create inspiring learning environments
Invest in the future of our children
Join us in building something meaningful for our community.
Messy Hands Happy Hearts has served families since 2018.Now through our Foundation, we are expanding that impact to support even more children and families in our community.
We’d Love to Connect With You
Whether you’re a parent, educator, community partner, or supporter, we’d love to hear from you.
Reach out to learn more, get involved, or help us grow something meaningful together.
📧 Email: [email protected]