Blog Articles

Dyslexia and Autism: How Do They Compare?

Knowing the difference in symptoms between dyslexia and autism can be extremely tricky. How can you know if your child who reads slower...... View Article

What to Do After An Autism Diagnosis

Did you or your child just recently get an autism diagnosis and you’re not sure what to do now? Receiving an autism diagnosis...... View Article

Sensory Processing Disorder vs Autism: What’s the Difference?

“Loud noises make me want to cover my ears and disappear into the ground, it’s borderline painful.   Bright/flashing lights are anxiety-inducing and completely...... View Article

Autism Mom Burnout: 6 Tips on How to Avoid It

“I have one 6 year old son with autism (nonverbal, mod-severe), and I am constantly feeling fatigued, burned out, and worried about the...... View Article

Child with special needs

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH

Do you know a child with a developmental disability? Even if no one comes to mind, you almost certainly do! According to the...... View Article

Play-based Learning In Preschool

Play-based activities in Preschool created a meaningful experience that these children talk about often. Children don’t just play for fun; they play to learn.... View Article

UTAH AUTISM RESOURCES

If you are the parent of a child with autism, or if you suspect that your child may have autism, you may be...... View Article

HOW TO CHOOSE A PRESCHOOL IN OREM

Choosing the perfect preschool for your child is obviously a huge decision and might even be one of the most important decisions you...... View Article

HELPING YOUR PRESCHOOLER CONNECT WITH NATURE

For a lot of parents, helping their child feel a stronger connection to the natural world is something that’s considered very important. It’s...... View Article

WHY PLAY-BASED PRESCHOOL?

It is a weighty decision to put a child in the care of others when you know your child is safe at home....... 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.