The story of Kids on the Move (KOTM) begins with the extraordinary vision of two mothers, Karen Hahne and Brenda Winegar, whose love, determination, and belief in the power of children with special needs sparked a movement that would change the lives of countless families
In the mid-1980s, Karen and Brenda were at a crossroads that many parents of children with disabilities face: they loved their children deeply but were met with a lack of resources and support. Both women were the proud mothers of children with Down syndrome—Reed and Becca—and like so many parents at the time, they were told to "lower their expectations" for their children's potential. But Karen and Brenda didn't accept that message. They believed deeply in the boundless potential of their children, as well as all children with special needs.
They knew that every child deserved the chance to grow, learn, and achieve, and they refused to let society's limitations define what was possible. Their mission was clear: they would create something better, something that would help their children—and others—thrive. And that's exactly what they did.
Two special needs parents, Karen Hahne & Brenda Winegar, began meeting to share resources.
Our founders were awarded their first state grant and Early Intervention services begin.
Our Orem building, the first permanent home, opend.
Preschool & Child Care services launched.
KOTM is awarded a competitive grant to provide Early Head Start services to Utah County.
Building expansion is completed.
Grand opening of the Noorda Library.
Respite Care services come to KOTM.
The Autism Center is developed in response to a record-breaking volume of diagnoses.
We are on the move! Come explore our Strategic Initiative and how we continue to bridge the gaps to create comprehensive care and innovate new paths ta a thriving future for these resilient families.
We invite you to walk this path with us, to be part of a community committed to making a real difference. Together, we can keep this movement alive and ensure that every child, family, and community we touch knows they are seen, supported, and capable of achieving incredible things.
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.
