Blog Articles

Reframing Down Syndrome: What the World Needs to Understand

Every October, during Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we pause to celebrate a truth we see every day at Kids on the Move- that...... View Article

What Is a Buddy Bench? How It Works, Rules, and How to Start One

  Every child deserves a friend. Every moment is a chance to connect. In every schoolyard, there are children waiting—waiting to be seen,...... View Article

Sound Support for Better Sleep: White, Pink, and Brown Noise for Kids

Every parent knows the struggle of bedtime. Some children resist sleep with endless energy, while others wrestle with worries, restlessness, or sensory sensitivities...... View Article

Back-to-School Anxiety: How to Help Kids with Developmental Challenges Feel Confident

Back-to-School Anxiety: How to Help Kids with Developmental Challenges Feel Confident As summer fades and the school year approaches, many families feel a...... View Article

How to Raise Inclusive Kids in a Divided World: Teaching Compassion Around Developmental Delays and Disabilities

In a world that often divides us by what makes us different, teaching inclusion at home has never been more important—or more powerful....... View Article

Common Summer Challenges for Children with Developmental Delays (And How to Help Them Thrive)

    Summer days are meant for laughter, splashing in sprinklers, and chasing fireflies as the sun sets. But for many families of...... View Article

Kids on the Move signs of Autism in 1 year olds

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

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Welcome to Kids on the Move

We inspire the world to reshape perspectives, drive solutions that empower
families, and revolutionize education and care to ensure that vulnerable and
disabled children live their best lives.

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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 extensive experience and a passionate commitment to nurturing innovation and growth. With over two decades spent as a thought leader and innovator across leadership roles in the medical, software start-ups, technical consulting, and information technology sectors, he has steered successful technology companies to new heights.

Ryan’s expertise is unparalleled. His dedication to mentoring entrepreneurs and CEOs in transforming ideas into reality speaks to his compassionate nature and deep-seated commitment to growth. Serving on several software and technical company boards, Ryan consistently helps these companies reach new heights.

At KOTM, Ryan is uniquely positioned to guide the organization into its next 40 years. His diverse skill set enables KOTM to not only meet current challenges with agility but also to strategically position itself for future growth under his committed leadership. Ryan continues to inspire hope and innovation, reinforcing KOTM’s 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.