About Us

KaitleeKares was born from heartbreak and hope —a place where grief, growth, and giving back can coexist.  It’s a labor of love, created in memory of my sister, Tara Kaitlee.  She was beautiful, creative, and compassionate but she struggled with her mental health.  After losing her, I knew I had to do something to keep her spirit alive and to help others who feel alone in their battles. Through her memory, we’ve found a way to turn pain into purpose by helping others navigate their hardest days with empathy, creativity, and connection.

But this mission isn’t just about honoring her—it’s also about telling the truth of my journey.  I’ve struggled with my own mental health for over 20 years.  I know what it feels like to smile through the pain, to carry the weight of shame, and to question if you’re “too much” or “not enough.”  KaitleeKares is a reflection of both of our stories and the belief that healing begins when we speak the unspoken.

KaitleeKares is not just a project.  It’s a promise:
To show up for the ones who feel invisible.
To create soft spaces for healing.
To say the things that are hard to say
To listen without judgement when others finally say them

In the early days of grief, my mother in law and I began mailing homemade origami butterflies with inspirational quotes all across the world (over 500 in multiple countries including Africa, Australia, Europe, Canada, and most states in the US).  Each butterfly was a symbol of hope and a message to someone struggling.  

What we stand for:

Mental health transparency: We don’t sugarcoat the truth.  Life gets messy.  Depression isn’t always visible.  And recovery is rarely linear.

Creative coping tools: through writing, art, journaling, and reflection, we help others express emotions that don’t have easy words.

Connection Over Perfection:  You’re not broken - you’re healing.  And healing takes community, not shame.

Whether it’s through our Zenzine (coming sooner!), personal blog posts, or resource library, we’re here to remind you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Who we’re here for:

The ones who feel like they’re “failing” when they’re really just overwhelmed.

The parents who want to support their hurting children but don’t know how.

The people who keep putting on a brace face but are screaming inside.

Anyone who’s just trying to do better one breath at a time.

In Loving Memory

Tara Kaitlee, your light still shines through every act of kindness, every voice that finally feels heard, and every life touched by KaitleeKares Connective.  You are the reason we begin again.