Who Is Kind Hearts Bloom?
Kristen Freeland
Founder & Executive Director
Hi, neighbors! I'm Kristen Freeland, mom, gardener, writer, and neighbor. In December 2024, I founded Kind Hearts Bloom with a simple idea: that gardens can help us build stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
The idea grew from my own front yard. I had turned our urban lawn into a flower garden and put out a little flower stand. Before long, neighbors were stopping to ask what | was growing, kids were picking flowers on their walks, and I was meeting people I had lived near but never actually spoken to. I loved what was happening. My garden had become a little invitation to
After the 2024 election, I found myself thinking a lot about how divided and disconnected the world felt. I wanted to do something that brought me closer to the kind of people and community I wanted to see around me. I started wondering what might happen if more people created those little invitations in their own front yards.
I didn't have a roadmap for starting a nonprofit, but I had an idea and a lot of people willing to help. Friends joined the board, neighbors offered their yards, and volunteers showed up.
Today, Kind Hearts Bloom is my way of helping more people experience what I found in my own front yard: beauty, kindness, and the simple joy of knowing your neighbors.
Rachel Stiegler
Co-Founder & Marketing Director
Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a full-time mom, volunteer, and the Co-Founder and Marketing Director of Kind Hearts Bloom. I’m the person behind much of KHB’s digital world, from our website and social media to the graphics, flyers, and little creative details that help bring our work to life.
When Kristen first asked me to join her on this journey two years ago, I had no idea what to expect, and I definitely couldn’t have imagined how much Kind Hearts Bloom would grow in such a short time. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep love for flowers, giving, and the kind of personal connection that happens when people come together to care for their community
When I’m not working on something for KHB, you can usually find me volunteering at my kiddo’s school, reading, working on one of my many creative projects, or spending time with my family.
One of my favorite things about Kind Hearts Bloom is watching people show up for one another. Whether they’re volunteering, donating flowers, sharing resources, or simply connecting with someone new, every small act adds up. Seeing how something as simple as flowers can help people feel cared for, bring neighbors together, and grow a stronger community brings me so much joy.
Corey Critchfield
Co-Founder & Native Garden Director
Hi! I'm Corey Critchfield. I'm a full-time stay-home dad of two girls. When I'm not with my kids I can be found outside in the garden.
Before joining Kind Hearts Bloom, Kristen and I developed a close friendship through a gardening club. As KHB came into focus I was invited to join the board and help develop our native plant programs.
As Director of Native Gardens I oversee our Community Roots Gardens where we install free native plant gardens in residential yards around Grand Rapids. My time is spent growing natives, educating others about native garden design and maintenance, teaching workshops and more.
Connecting with people over native gardening has brought me an incredible amount of joy. I always look forward to working in other people's yards and helping them along their gardening journey.