Heartspring

10/14/2026

Recognition is about more than awards. It's about celebrating the people, partners, and supporters who make our mission possible.

Last week, we came together for our annual Recognition Breakfast to honor the employees, volunteers, community impact partners, donors, and leaders whose generosity, expertise, and commitment help children and families thrive.

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we celebrated what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose.

2026 Honorees:
⭐️ Fred F. Berry Jr. Spirit of Giving Award – Boeing in Wichita
⭐️ Dr. Palmer Excellence in Healthcare: Clinician Award – Dr. Kelli Netson-Amore (KU School of Medicine-Wichita)
⭐️ Dr. Palmer Excellence in Healthcare: Practitioner Award – Dr. Gregory Hanley (FTF Behavioral Consulting)
⭐️ Heartspring Strong Employee Giving Award – Julie Noller
⭐️ Values Ambassador of the Year – Angela Shack
⭐️ Vendor-Partner of the Year – Forvis Mazars
⭐️ Elected Official of the Year – KS Representative Will Carpenter
⭐️ Community Advocate of the Year – Sigma Alpha Sorority

See all the photos at https://bit.ly/4e95jJk.

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

Every player deserves a chance to step up to the plate.

Programs like Miracle League create opportunities for children of all abilities to enjoy the benefits of sports, from physical activity and social connection to teamwork, perseverance, and fun. Just as importantly, they provide a place where every player is celebrated, supported, and encouraged to succeed.

We're proud of our students for giving it their all this season and grateful to the coaches, volunteers, families, and community members who help make these experiences possible.

10/09/2026

Please join us in celebrating Heather Hogan, Heartspring's Chief Advancement & Strategy Officer and President of the Legacy Foundation, on being named a Wichita Business Journal Executive of the Year!

This recognition reflects Heather's exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to expanding what's possible for the children and families Heartspring serves. Through her leadership, Heartspring has strengthened community partnerships, advanced transformational initiatives, and continued building a future where more children can access the services and support they need to thrive.

We're proud to see Heather recognized among Wichita's outstanding business leaders and grateful for the passion, expertise, and purpose she brings to Heartspring every day.

10/08/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Dr. Palmer Excellence in Healthcare Award recipients!

Named for Heartspring founder Dr. Martin Palmer, these awards recognize professionals whose expertise, innovation, and dedication have changed what's possible for children and families.

We're proud to honor Dr. Kelli Netson-Amore (KU School of Medicine-Wichita) as the recipient of the Clinician Award, for her leadership in pediatric neuropsychology, her commitment to advancing children's mental health, and her dedication to training the next generation of professionals serving Kansas children.

We're also honored to recognize Dr. Gregory Hanley, founder of FTF Behavioral Consulting and recipient of the Practitioner Award, whose work has transformed how healthcare professionals understand and support children with complex behavioral needs, always leading with safety, dignity, and joy.

Thank you both for advancing the pediatric neurodevelopment field and helping create brighter futures for children and families.

10/03/2026

For generations, Sigma Alpha Sorority has turned friendship into action, creating opportunities that help children and families thrive.

From their annual Full Swing for Heartspring Golf Tournament to seasonal fundraising events and transformative investments in our programs, Sigma Alpha's commitment to Heartspring has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

We're grateful to the golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and Sigma Alpha members whose support helped make this year's tournament a success. Their generosity continues to strengthen our mission and expand what's possible for the children and families who count on Heartspring.

In recognition of their extraordinary service, partnership, and advocacy, we're proud to celebrate Sigma Alpha Sorority as Heartspring's 2026 Community Advocate of the Year. They will be formally recognized at our upcoming Recognition Breakfast.

Thank you, Sigma Alpha, for more than 80 years of friendship, leadership, and unwavering support.

10/02/2026

Every Heartspring Therapeutic School classroom had the opportunity to attend the Kansas State Fair, where students enjoyed the exhibits, rides and games, Kansas traditions, and, of course, sampling fair food along the way!

Community experiences like these help students build confidence, explore new interests, practice social skills, and create lasting memories with their peers and staff.

Just as importantly, they provide opportunities for students to experience the traditions and events that bring communities together.

A special thank you to our dedicated staff, whose planning and support helped make this experience possible for every classroom.

10/01/2026

Heartspring team members decorated a tree for Holiday Galleria: a Junior League of Wichita event's silent auction, featuring hand-glazed ornaments created by Therapeutic School students. 🎄

If our tree raises the most money, Heartspring will receive an additional $2,000 grant to support the children and families we serve!

Bid big, spread the word, and help us bring home the bonus!

10/01/2026

When Heartspring's third-shift supervisors were balancing staffing challenges and long stretches without time off, Sareny Martinez volunteered to step beyond her typical responsibilities and help provide support, stability, and leadership for her coworkers and the students they serve.

As our latest Values Ambassador for Leadership, Sareny's story is a reminder that leadership isn't about titles. It's about seeing a need, stepping up, and helping others succeed.

Read Sareny's full story: https://brnw.ch/21x65Vx

09/22/2026

We're proud to celebrate the impact Angela Shack has made through her dedication to our mission and the values that guide our work by recognizing her as our 2026 Values Ambassador of the Year!

Known for her willingness to support others, her commitment to helping students succeed, and the consistency with which she shows up for colleagues and those we serve, Angela exemplifies what it means to lead through service.

Over the last 20 years, Angela has helped strengthen Heartspring's culture, support those around her, and advance our mission in ways both seen and unseen. We're grateful for her continued impact and leadership.

Angela will be formally recognized during our Recognition Breakfast & Awards Ceremony next month alongside other individuals whose generosity, service, and support help create possibilities for the children and families Heartspring serves.

Read her original Values Ambassador feature: https://brnw.ch/21x5SYW