Mindy Kasten

Faith and family are most important to me. My passion is caring for and encouraging children. I grew up in a home with much abuse and trauma, never really feeling like I was valued. Other things came first in my parents’ life. I believe that is why it has always been so important for me to make every child I come in contact with feel valued, even if it’s just returning a smile or wave and letting them know they are seen. My degree is in education. After having children of my own, I recognized the need for truly caring teachers and obtained my degree at 30 with two children at home. I always worked really hard to build relationships with the kids others labeled as “troubled” or “difficult” because most of the time, the story behind the behavior would break your heart. They just wanted to be seen and feel cared for, not based on performance. These beliefs led to us bringing foster children into our home. Little Chick's New Home was written for our daughter, Emma, when she was struggling to find her place in life. Little Chick's New Home shares a powerful message of belonging despite our differences that appeals to all ages.