INTRODUCTION OF US
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at KT Humble Hearts Grief Support is a dedicated team of compassionate leaders committed to guiding our mission of hope, healing, and community for those affected by loss. Each board member brings unique strengths, perspectives, and expertise, united by a shared commitment to supporting individuals and families through their grief journeys.
They work tirelessly to oversee the organization’s programs, such as remembrance walks, support groups, and educational events, ensuring that our services remain impactful and accessible to those in need. Their vision and dedication are the foundation of our organization’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Deb Hadley, Founder and CEO
Grief Support Specialist
My name is Deb Hadley, and I am the founder and CEO of KT Humble Hearts. I am the biological mother of Kaylie and Tyler, and they both died. Life wasn’t supposed to be this way. Parents are not to bury their children. But the hard reality is that it does happen, and it did happen, and my life had to keep going even when their life on earth ended. This journey has been hard, gut-wrenching, sad, beautiful, joy-filled, simply amazing.
They say beauty can happen from suffering. It is said that there is a purpose in our pain. I believe that with all of my heart and soul. Although I would not have chosen this path for myself, there has been so much beauty in the suffering and my greatest gift of all was that I found my Savior, Jesus Christ, amidst the storm. He was there with arms wide open and has walked with me every step of my journey.
I often hear, “I don’t know how you can do it I couldn’t do it if I were you.” The reality is that I had no choice. The only choice I did have was to turn from God in anger in bitterness, or grab His hand and trust Him with my whole heart. I chose Him. I chose life. I choose to live. I choose to trust Him when I don’t understand, and share the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, with everyone I meet.
I miss my kids every day, and my heart is sad. But within this sadness is an incredible joy, and within this joy, God has blessed me with a rich marriage, two amazing bonus kids and their spouses, 6 of the most beautiful grandchildren in the world, and the assurance of eternal life. I am surrounded by a Board of Directors who believe in our mission, love God, and strive to serve others.
I long for the day I get to see my kids again in Heaven, but until then, I promise to live my best life, spread the good news of our Lord and Savior, and provide hope and healing to those who are grieving.
Denise Hadley, Board Member
Grief Support Specialist
My name is Denise Hadley, and I have been married to Greg for 40 years, mom of 4, and grandma to 5. Deb is my sister-in-law, and I have walked alongside her from the moment she joined our family.
When Kaylie died suddenly, I truly witnessed Deb come back from wanting to die herself to seeking after God with her whole heart. When Tyler died it was clear that God had a bigger purpose for her life and I was to be a part of that mission. The experiences we have had, the opportunities we have been given, and the training we have received have no doubt been a part of God’s greater plan.
Over the years I have worked as a personal care attendant and transitioned to hospice where I was fortunate to provide spiritual care and bereavement support. Working alongside Deb has been a gift, and it is evident that we make a great team! Our mission is clear and that is to help those who are hurting find hope and healing while on their grief journey.
I desire to walk alongside others understanding that grief is so much more than death. Divorce, diagnosis, estrangement, addictions, and much more happen to all of us and our families. We need to be provided tools to survive and reengage back into life to live out our purpose. KT Humble Hearts is here for you. We all do this life journey together and I look forward to being on the journey with you.
Peder Baukol, Board Chair
My name is Peder Baukol II and I am the present Chairperson of the Board for the KTHH Foundation. I was employed in the Passenger Elevator Industry for over 40 years. I worked in all aspects of construction, service, sales, inspections, and consulting. I set up and managed budgets and accounts over the last 20 years of my career. I have been married to my wife, Pat, for 45 years and we have two sons and three grandchildren.
I first got to know Deb Hadley about 5 years ago when my mother-in-law was in hospice care and was so impressed with her story and how she was managing life after what she and her family had been through. We then saw Deb in action when she would visit with my dad, Peder #1 (as my grandkids call him), in the nursing home. She has a terrific way to connect with people and can share that life can be extremely hard sometimes and it is okay to seek out and talk through what is going on in your life.
I decided to join the board to help build a Grief Resource Center that can help people feel more comfortable seeking help through their loss. I never liked the idea or thought of going to a counselor after my brother died 10 years ago. I would just try to fix it myself. Going to visit a counselor would have meant that I was weak and unable to do it myself. This could not be further from the truth and all the more reason to have a Grief Resource Center where we have Greif Coaches available to help people through their pain, grief, loss, or life situation.
Grief comes in multiple forms, situations, and circumstances, so we all will need help getting through life’s obstacles eventually!
Pat Baukol, Vice Chair
My name is Pat Baukol and I am currently serving as the Vice-Chairperson on the KT Humble Hearts Foundation Board of Directors. I am married 45 years to my husband, Pete.
We have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. I am a retired registered nurse.
I was fortunate to meet Deb in 2019. She was the spiritual care provider while my mom was in hospice care. Deb was so thoughtful and caring and we quickly bonded. When Deb decided to work full-time for her foundation, I told her that she could count me in! I truly love this foundation and all that it stands for. I have been humbled by the blessings that we have received and I look forward to all that is to come as we provide hope and healing to those who are grieving.
Jenny Steffensmeier, Treasurer
Hi, I am Jenny Steffensmeier, daughter of Randy and Becky Madsen. I lost my mom to suicide a month after turning 12. When they introduced me at school events they would always say, “And the late, Becky Madsen.” That always bothered me as she was still my mom. I am also blessed to be a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister, friend, and child of God.
As you can imagine, I wasn’t even sure how to start coping or making sense of what just happened. Starting to navigate life without my mom was so painful and I was unsure who to even talk to as I felt no one would understand me. I started stuffing all my emotions. I never wanted others to feel uncomfortable so in return, it was like my mom was forgotten about. This added another layer of pain. I then was unsure if this was because of the way she died or if this is just what happens once we lose someone so close to us. This was all so confusing and lonely. I learned to live a life of survival all while trying to make the best of the many blessings before me but I still had that underlying deep pain.
In 2022, I was hit with a hard life situation and this is when all the stuffing boiled over. The pain was so unbearable and it was then my physical pain rocked me to my core. It was time for me to be honest with myself, start pealing back the layers, and get to the root cause. I then started questioning myself again. Can I be having this much pain from the death of my mom thirty-plus years ago? I was desperate. I wanted the pain to so badly go away.
By the grace of God, I stopped to see Deb and that is when my transformation started. Deb asked me about my mom. What? You want to know about my mom? I was so excited to tell her all about her. She gave me a safe place and encouraged me that how I was feeling was normal. I was just a young, beautiful, loving girl who just missed her mom and wanted to bring her to life again! Her validating my feelings and letting me open up made me feel safe to share. It was then I started to realize I needed to welcome my grief and start dealing with the healing. And so the journey began.
I have seen God shine through Deb and this was very important for me as my mom loved Jesus and lived a life serving HIM. Deb demonstrates the true authentic, raw, painful journey of grief but also shows that each one of us can resurface and live our best life. Deb lives with intention each day. She truly wants each one to experience true peace and joy that comes only from our Savior. Deb uses her life experiences along with her training to help companion others during their darkest days. I am so thankful for the care and help I was given. This has inspired me to get certified in Death and Grief studies so I too can companion others through their wilderness of grief. With that, I am both humbled and honored to be a part of KTHH. This is an incredible team that truly wants to see others live a joyful life. Whether you are new in grief or have been carrying it for years, I along with our entire team look forward to serving you so you too can start to mourn and heal! xoxo
Jessica Malone, Secretary
My name is Jessica Malone and I am currently serving on the board of directors as the KT Humble Hearts Foundation secretary. I am married to my high school sweetheart and have been blessed with four boys.
After losing my siblings, Kaylie and Tyler, I have been on a journey of healing and bringing purpose to pain that has taken intentionality and clinging to the hope found in Jesus. This has led me to take grief coaching classes, Revelation Wellness training, and receive my Grief Recovery Method certification. Grief can be lonely and isolating and one of the driving forces of investing in the foundation to help create community and support for others who are navigating grief just like our family. We grieve because we loved someone deeply and it is a gift to keep Kaylie and Tyler’s legacies alive through the work of KT Humble Hearts.
Sara Severson, Board Member
My name is Sara Severson and I’ve been a huge supporter and instant friend of Deb’s since we became coworkers a few years ago. We were so blessed to get to travel together blessing our patients and their families by strengthening their faith through ministry and music. I felt an instant connection to the mission of this organization and knew I needed to be a part of this board. Just like everyone else, I have grief in my life. My grief journey isn’t from death. I have other losses in my life. I am recently divorced and I was asked to resign from a career I loved. Both of these life-changing events are very hard transitions and the stages of grief continue to circle through. I am here to support anyone who is dealing with grief, whether death or other losses in life. Life can be hard. Life can be messy. Being a part of this board is a safe space to offer support to so many people who are hurting. I know God has incredible plans for this organization and I am grateful to be here!
Jennifer Praus, Board Member
I am Jennifer Praus, a daughter, wife, and mom. My professional career is working as a licensed social worker.
At 19, I experienced the devastating loss of my mother, who was 44, to breast cancer that had metastasized to her brain, leading to feelings of anger towards God and uncertainty about my ability to cope. However, I took proactive steps and participated in a 13-week grief support group, which profoundly transformed my life. I wouldn’t be here today without the grief support I received in those trying times.
My commitment to KT Humble Hearts is because of the support and resources they provide for each individual’s grief process. They truly walk alongside you in your journey to healing and growing in your Faith.
Konnie Evans, Board Member
Hi, my name is Konnie Evans and I have been a committed member of KT Humble Hearts since its start-up in 2024 and currently serve on its Board of Directors. With a heart for service and a strong foundation in Christian values, I bring extensive experience in business operations, servant leadership, and philanthropy to KT Humble Hearts, helping guide its mission to provide hope and healing to grieving people.
I am a Registered Nurse, BSN, and have over 14 years of professional experience in a leadership role. In addition to these accomplishments, I am deeply involved in volunteering at my children’s schools to help them exceed their fundraising goals.
I am passionate about serving others, fostering spiritual growth, and advancing the Gospel. As a member of the board, I provide strategic oversight ensuring the organization remains rooted in its mission while making a tangible impact on the lives of those it serves.
What led me to KT Humble Hearts and my position on the board? In 2013, When I was 33 years old and 33 weeks pregnant, I lost my dad unexpectedly when he was 58 years old. In 2018, I had the blessing of meeting Deb through working together. I was unknowingly struggling with my grief as I had stuffed it down inside of me. I have a servant’s heart and was pushing my healing aside through spending time trying to do everything for everyone, to get through each day. Deb guided me through my mourning, and healing, and deepened my relationship with the Lord, helping me realize how much I needed to grow in my faith to move forward. I know I would not be where I am today without the love and support from Deb. I have a passion for helping others and am so grateful to be a part of this board and help others along their grieving journey.
I love spending time with my husband and our 3 sons, cheering on my boys playing sports, reading, listening to music, exercising, and spending time with the Lord