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In this episode, Meg and Jill are joined by their first-ever guests, Kellie Hetler and Kara Hanes, founders of Hopelynd, a nonprofit rooted in disability advocacy through art and photography. What unfolds is not a conversation about charity or inspiration, but about dignity, presence, and what it means to use your gifts in service of others.

Kellie and Kara share the deeply personal origins of Hopelynd, born from their lived experiences as mothers and artists, and their vision to create spaces, systems, and education that make true inclusion possible. Together, they explore how fear of doing it “wrong” often keeps people from connection, and how willingness, humility, and repair matter more than perfect language.

This episode is an invitation to rethink accessibility, visibility, and belonging, and to consider how ripple-effect change begins when someone is willing to go first, even while still learning.

We explore:

• Creativity as an act of service rather than transaction

• What disability inclusion actually looks like in practice, not theory

• Why fear of making mistakes often causes more harm than mistakes themselves

• The importance of accessible, sensory-aware spaces

• How children model inclusion when adults allow curiosity instead of silence

• Language, intention, and the permission to learn in real time

• Building something meant to outlive its founders

• The quiet courage required to advocate publicly before you feel “ready”

About our guests:

Kellie Hetler and Kara Hanes are internationally traveling photographers and the founders of Hopelynd, a nonprofit organization advocating for disability inclusion through art, photography, education, and community spaces. Their work centers dignity, accessibility, and creating environments where all people are seen, valued, and welcomed.

Upcoming Event:

Hopelynd’s Intrinsic Art Show

📅 March 27

📍 Venue3Two, Grand Rapids

An inclusive art and community event celebrating disabled artists, featuring a sensory-aware environment, live music, and an online art auction.

Links to tickets, the auction, and ways to support Hopelynd are available in the show notes.

Connect with Kellie & Kara at Hopelynd

1. www.hopelynd.com
2. IG: @hopelyndofficial
3. TikTok: @hopelynd
4. FB: @hopelynd
5. LI: @hopelynd
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Attend their 2nd event, Intrinsic by Hopelynd on March 27th 7-9pm at Venue32

1. Earlybird tickets $10
2. Online Art Auction starts the day before
3. Here is the link for the online auction:
4. https://givebutter.com/c/xSIzmO/auction
5. Here is our general donation link: