Sometimes parents notice the little things first. Maybe your child isn’t responding to their name consistently. Maybe they avoid eye contact, struggle to...... read more
Sometimes parents notice the little things first. Maybe your child isn’t responding to their name consistently. Maybe they avoid eye contact, struggle to...... read more
The Big Idea For decades, April was defined by one word: awareness. Light it up blue. Wear the puzzle piece. Post the...... read more
When Jessica’s 18-month-old son stopped responding to his name, she thought maybe he just had selective the kind every parent jokes about....... read more
At Kids on the Move, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive. And for autistic children, that journey often starts...... read more
By: Ella Jespersen, VP of Clinical Services, KOTM “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Words...... read more
By: Kellie Hunsaker, Director of Autism Center, KOTM. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Should Know At Kids on the Move,...... read more
In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in autism diagnoses that has left many parents wondering, “Why is autism increasing?” The...... read more
Are you a parent looking for ways to support your child with autism or a different developmental disability? It can be overwhelming to...... read more
What is Autism? Autism is a neurological condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. It’s...... read more
Knowing the difference in symptoms between dyslexia and autism can be extremely tricky. How can you know if your child who reads slower...... read more
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, 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.
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.