About Hopelynd
Our board.
Hopelynd is governed by a dedicated board of directors who bring expertise, personal connection to the disability community, and deep belief in our mission. Together they guide the organization toward its vision of a fully accessible creative studio in Grand Rapids.
Kara Hanes
Co-Founder & Chair
Kellie Hetler
Jillian Pezet
Amy Kettring
Board of directors
The people behind the mission.
Kara is a photographer and mother to Naomi — Naomi Lynne — the "Lyn" in Hopelynd. Naomi has Autism, and Kara's experience navigating the world alongside her daughter shaped the vision for a studio where children and families with disabilities feel genuinely welcomed and understood. With an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Development and over 18 years owning and operating her own wedding and portrait photography business, Kara brings creative leadership and a deeply informed approach to accessible experiences for children.
Kellie is a photographer and mother to Gabby — Gabriella Hope — whose middle name is the "Hope" in Hopelynd. Gabby has limb differences and is profoundly Deaf, and it is through raising her that Kellie developed a deep understanding of what families in the disability community truly need. With an Associate's degree in Business Management & Marketing and over 18 years owning and operating her own wedding and portrait photography business, Kellie brings both the heart and the operational expertise to keep Hopelynd's mission running.
Jillian serves as Secretary of the Hopelynd board, bringing organizational expertise and a commitment to clear, accountable communication. She helps ensure the board operates with integrity and a shared focus on Hopelynd's mission and long-term vision.
Amy holds her Licensed Master of Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Mental Health. She brings deep professional knowledge of the disability community and the systemic challenges families navigate — grounding Hopelynd's work in both clinical insight and lived compassion. As Chair, she leads the board with expertise and purpose.
Co-Founder & Treasurer
Secretary
Chair
Get involved
Interested in joining our board?
Hopelynd is a growing nonprofit and we welcome individuals who are passionate about disability advocacy, the arts, and building an accessible community in West Michigan. Board members play a direct role in shaping the future of this organization.
- Personal or professional connection to the disability community
- Expertise in nonprofit governance, finance, law, or communications
- Passion for the arts, photography, or creative access
- Commitment to Hopelynd's mission and values
Our mission
Everyone deserves to be seen.
Hopelynd uses art and photography to celebrate the disability community — and equips photographers with the tools to serve them with confidence and care. Our board exists to make sure that mission has the leadership, resources, and governance it needs to grow.
Volunteer Board Members Wanted
Hopelynd | Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hopelynd is looking for two passionate and dedicated volunteers to join our Board of Directors. These are unpaid volunteer positions with a meaningful opportunity to be part of an organization that advocates for the disability community through art and photography, serving both locally and nationally out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As a Board Member, you can expect to:
Attend one virtual meeting per month where the board discusses, reviews, and votes on current and future opportunities for the organization. Board members play an active role in guiding the strategic direction of Hopelynd, collaborating with fellow members, and serving as ambassadors for our mission in the community. Board members are also warmly invited to attend Hopelynd events throughout the year, though event attendance is not required.
We are looking for individuals who have:
A passion for disability advocacy and the arts, strong communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to commit to one virtual meeting per month. To ensure independence and avoid conflicts of interest, applicants must not be a family member or close relation of any current board member. Experience with a nonprofit organization is a plus, and we especially welcome applicants who have personal lived experience with a physical disability, as we believe those most connected to our community make the strongest advocates.
To learn more about Hopelynd or to express interest, please reach out to info@hopelynd.com
