Blog Articles

Early Signs of Autism in 1-Year-Olds: What Parents Should Watch For

At Kids on the Move, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive. And for autistic children, that journey often starts...... View Article

Why Inclusive Language is Important Within the Autism Community Blog Article

Why Inclusive Language is Important Within the Autism Community

By: Ella Jespersen, VP of Clinical Services, KOTM   “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Words...... View Article

Autism is a Spectrum that Affects each Child Differently

By: Kellie Hunsaker, Director of Autism Center, KOTM.   Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Should Know  At Kids on the Move,...... View Article

The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with Down Syndrome

Early intervention for children with Down syndrome is more than just a developmental milestone—it’s about unlocking potential, nurturing strengths, and building confidence. Parents...... View Article

Tiny Steps, Big Changes: Why Milestones Matter

When we think of a child’s development, milestones like taking first steps or speaking first words are events that parents often highlight—and for...... View Article

Creating a Kinder, More Inclusive World for Every Child

1 in 6 children in the U.S. has a developmental disability (CDC).  Despite their unique abilities and contributions, many of these children face...... View Article

The 5 Developmental Milestones Every Parent Should Know

As parents and caregivers, watching your child grow and thrive is one of life’s greatest joys. However, understanding their developmental milestones can often...... View Article

Why More Children Are Being Diagnosed With Autism Now Than Ever Before

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in autism diagnoses that has left many parents wondering, “Why is autism increasing?” The...... View Article

How ‘Chasing the Impossible’ is Shaping the Future of Disability Care

Rachelle Rutherford’s new book, Chasing The Impossible, paints a hopeful vision for the future of disability care—showing how, together, we can make the...... View Article

Kids On The Move: ABA Therapy in Utah

Are you a parent looking for ways to support your child with autism or a different developmental disability? It can be overwhelming to...... View Article

Mat Dastrup, CFO

Mat Datstrop, Chief Financial Officer at KOTM, truly embodies a blend of expertise and visionary leadership. Joining Kids on the Move in September 2019, Mat brought a rich history of accomplishments, having served as CFO for manufacturing and software companies. His successful track record includes starting and selling three businesses, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic insight. As a licensed CPA and a Six Sigma Black Belt, Mat’s skill set is uniquely suited to driving innovation and accuracy within financial processes. His passion for integrating technology and developing robust accounting systems positions KOTM for long-term success. In his role, Mat is deeply dedicated to creating sustainable impacts that will echo throughout KOTM for decades. His presence in the organization is marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment of lasting change, ensuring families benefit from his transformative work well into the future.

Ryan Erickson, COO

Ryan Erickson, the Chief Operating Officer of KOTM, brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to nurturing innovation and growth. With over two decades spent as a thought leader and innovator in executive leadership roles across the medical, technical consulting, and information technology sectors, Ryan’s expertise is unparalleled. His dedication to mentoring entrepreneurs and CEOs on transforming ideas into reality speaks to his compassionate nature and deep-seated commitment to growth. Ryan views his role at KOTM as a unique opportunity to guide the organization into its next 40 years, shaping a resilient and forward-thinking future. His diverse skill set enables KOTM to not only meet current challenges with agility but also to strategically position itself for sustainable development and lasting impact. Under Ryan’s committed leadership, KOTM continues to inspire hope and innovation, reinforcing its status as a beacon of support and transformation for families everywhere.

Rachelle Rutherford, CEO

Rutherford is the strategic visionary and Chief Executive Officer of Kids on the Move (KOTM). A multifaceted and sophisticated businesswoman, she has led the trailblazing multimillion-dollar non-profit in its commitment to providing essential and comprehensive support, education, and therapies for children with delays and disabilities.  Rutherford has now spent 20 years in executive leadership roles within the telecommunications, genealogy, real estate, health care services, and education industries. Her notable contributions lie in her perseverance to find impossible and impactful solutions. Rutherford is skilled at reverse-engineering goals by mapping out exactly what is required for a successful outcome.

To help raise $150M to expand KOTM’s support services and establish a state-of-the-art center, Rutherford has partnered with Forbes Books to author and publish Chasing The Impossible, a captivating exposé delving into Kids on the Move’s transformative work. With it, she uncovers the compelling stories of resilience and hope from children, families, doctors, and community members who tenaciously pushed forward when faced with impossible odds or challenges.

Her profound understanding of what it takes to overcome the impossible stems from her own journey as a survivor of abuse and trauma, which has shaped her philanthropic missions, her intuitive nature, and her steadfast leadership. As a CEO, mom, speaker, and philanthropist, Rutherford believes discipline is one of the highest forms of self-love, consistently putting in the necessary work every single day to provide impactful solutions for others, promote a balanced and holistic lifestyle, and create opportunities for continuous growth and empowerment around the world.