Meet Our Board
Melissa Christensen
President
My name is Melissa Christensen. I have been involved with Utah Kids Foundation since it was created. I got involved in the special needs community to help other families who are in need of support because there wasn’t anything when I began my journey.
I have been married for 20 years and have 4 children. I have one child with autism and another with autism as well as severe medical needs.
I love to read in my spare time and spend time with my family. I am so passionate about Utah Kids Foundation and there is nothing else I would rather be doing!
Erin Amundsen
Treasurer
I am a graduate of Utah State University with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education. I was married for 20 years to John who passed away in 2022 from service connected brain cancer. Together we have two daughters and one son. Our son had a stroke at the age of 2 from e.Coli poisoning that we all got from the Logan river. Since our son’s stroke and caring for my husband through the end stages of cancer I have developed a passion for helping other families navigate the special needs world and life changes.
Joining the Utah Kids Foundation board was a natural fit as I love the opportunity to give back by helping other families with all types of different needs. I love to read, color, collect planners, garden and try new recipes.
Molly Barrington
General Board Member
Hello, my name is Molly Barrington and I live in American Fork. I grew up with three brothers. Two of them had Lowe Syndrome which caused very severe disabilities and complex medical issues. My husband, Dave, and I have one son who is our pride and joy. Our Jonny has Lowe syndrome also. I have worked with the special needs community in one form or another, my entire life. I have also worked professionally as a medical assistant.
I really enjoy working with Utah Kids Foundation because of the support that we are able to give each other. Everyone needs to be heard and understood and this is a place where that can happen.
My mother taught me that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness and I try to live my life that way.
Kirsten Nava
Inventory Assistant
My name is Kirsten Nava and I began working with people with special needs over 25 years ago. I have 3 children, one son and two daughters. My now adult son was born a micro preemie. He spent 4 months in the NICU. He has overcome most of the issues that come with severe prematurity. I have also been a Certified Surgical Technologist for many years. I enjoy learning and working in the field including volunteering in several organizations throughout the years. I have worked with Utah Kids Foundation for a couple years volunteering to help with inventory and just recently joined the board.
Jodie Smith
Events Coordinator & Inventory Assistant
My name is Jodie Smith, I am a force of loving strength and kindness. My mission in life is to help children with special needs learn their place in our world where they are embraced, accepted and loved. A degree in nursing has taught me not just the medical side of things but also the emotional stages that these kids and parents experience on a daily basis. I also have a child with special needs. My husband Smitty and I have taught our two neuro typical children how to have compassion, patience, kindness, love and a huge understanding when dealing with their sibling and others.
My own family dynamics and background has made me a perfect candidate for assisting many different special needs children.
I was a board member of, “Giant Steps” and I volunteered in many school classrooms with all children. I was also on the committee for, “Walk Now for Autism Speaks, Utah” and am currently on the board of Utah Kids Foundation. I found the Utah Kids Foundation a few years ago. After researching the organization, I found that this would be a good resource to assist with my own child’s special needs. I am very passionate when working with families and children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband barbecuing and using the smoker while having an occasional glass of wine. I also love to bake sweet cookies with delicious royal icing. One of my favorite passions is traveling and relaxing on the beach while dipping my toes into the ocean. I love to take all life in.
Kimberly Butterfield
Vice President & Inventory Lead
My name is Kimberly Butterfield. I am a wife and mother of 4. My husband Cody and I have 2 boys both special needs and 2 girls. I have been involved with the special needs community since I was in elementary school. I started out as a peer tutor and worked my way into teaching severe special education as a paraeducator at a center based school for kids with multiple and severe disabilities. I have advocated not only for my boys but for many other individuals both with the legislature and within the school system. I received the Marie Ann Goodie award for my service in the special needs community a few years ago.
I worked in occupational and physical therapy through Jordan school district as well as in a classroom for over 15 years. I ended my career as a paraeducator when my oldest son graduated. Being a stay at home mom of 4 was a huge change for me. I needed something more. I then found the Utah Kids Foundation. I started as just a member on the forum but soon found my nitch helping with inventory and joined the board of directors. From there, I soon found myself helping with all areas of the foundation and was promoted to Vice-president. This has been an amazing experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to help families across Utah.
Kathlean Hinnen
Secretary
My name is Kathlean Hinnen. I am a 30 year old wife and mother of two boys. I moved from Salt Lake city to Central Utah 3 years ago to a small farm town. I live a quiet and mellow lifestyle aside from the craziness of parenting.
I have been involved with special needs children and adults since I was around 11 years old when I began volunteering at a center based school for children with disabilities. Once I was old enough, I then began working as a para during summer school and eventually worked full time as a paraeducator and earned my Associates Degree in teaching from Salt Lake Community College. I taught for 5 years when life decided to change my path.
In 2013 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. With my MS not being under control yet I had to make some life changes. I continued to work as a paraeducator for about a year but my body was not cooperating. I wanted to continue working in the special needs field but needed something flexible with my health. I was blessed with the opportunity to continue working as an advisor for children and adults with special needs. Some of whom I have worked with for many years.
Once my oldest son came into my life I was blessed to be able to marry my husband Ray and become a stay at home mom for our two boys. One with special needs and one neuro-typical son.
I found the Utah Kids Foundation through my sister who also has special needs children. After being in the forum, I joined the board of directors as the inventory assistant which evolved into the position of secretary I now hold. Being on the board for the Utah Kids Foundation has helped me to continue my work in serving the special needs population while being a stay at home mom.
Becky Danco
Member Specialist
My name is Becky Danco I am a single mom to a special needs daughter who has a very rare genetic deletion. I became involved with Utah kids when I moved back to Utah after my ex got out of the Air Force. They really helped me when my daughter ended up back on a g tube. I love helping the families in our group.
Megan Fink
Member Specialist
With over 12 years in the special needs community, I bring a wealth of personal experience and deep emath to the board. My jouney began when my youngest child was born with a disability, which led me to navigate complex challenges from the ground up. Like many parents in this world, I was “thrown in the deep end” and quickly learned the importance of finding supportive networks and resources. Driven by a passion to support other families on similar paths, I am dedicated to helping parents feel connected, understood, and empowered. My commitment to building a stronger, inclusive community rejects my belief that, together, we can create better outcomes and brighter futures for our children.