Born from heartbreak.
Built on hope.
ABOUT PEER KINDNESS
At PEER Kindness, we believe preventing bullying starts long before a hurtful comment is made or a child is excluded. It begins by helping kids understand themselves and others, by teaching them how to connect, how to regulate emotions, and how to stand up – not just for themselves, but for one another.
That’s why our programs focus on:
Empathy education rooted in neuroscience
Practical tools for families, caregivers, and professionals who work with children
Evidence-informed prevention strategies for schools
Empowering youth to lead with kindness and courage
Every time a student reaches out instead of turning away, every time a teacher sees the signs early and intervenes, every time a community comes together to lift its most vulnerable, we know we are making strides in creating safe, inclusive, and compassionate communities.
OUR STORY
PEER Kindness began with a profound loss and a powerful choice.
After losing their daughter Caitlyn Nell Haynes in 2015 to suicide following years of bullying, Todd and Maya Haynes faced a choice: let grief consume them or transform it into something that could protect other children.
Seventeen year old Cait was a vibrant member of the Montrose community – bright, deeply loved, and the kind of young person any parent would be proud to call their own. But like so many kids and teens today, the persistent nature of bullying, both in school and online, created a burden that became too heavy to bear alone.
After her passing, the Haynes were left with unimaginable grief and a determination to use Cait’s experience to make an impact, starting in their local community of Montrose, Colorado.
In their daughter’s memory, Todd and Maya, Cait’s big sister, Ashley, and other incredible community members, committed to creating the support systems and community culture that they wish had existed for Cait, by creating the nonprofit organization PEER Kindness. More than a bullying prevention nonprofit, PEER Kindness is a movement to change the culture in schools – by helping children, families, and communities build emotional resilience, practice empathy, and choose compassion, every single day.
Today, every time a student finds the courage to sit with someone eating alone, every time a young person stands up for a classmate, every time a school community becomes more welcoming – Cait's spirit lives on.
Her story didn't end with her death; it began a movement that continues to save lives and transform communities.
MEET OUR TEAM
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Jessica Darrow
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
After attending the 2024 Kind and Dine event, Jessica connected with the team and mission, and knew she was supposed to be a part of their movement. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah with a background in business and positive psychology, Jessica has spent her career in healthcare staffing focused on creating a positive work culture and servant leadership philosophy. Her childhood experience with bullying and losing her best friend to suicide ignites her passion for this work. She is inspired by the evidence-based education showing how kindness literally changes our brains and lives. As a mom to her 5-year-old daughter Poppy, she is deeply invested in creating a kinder world for all children. She also loves bringing community together through the Ridgway Farmers Market, supporting local farmers and small business owners – playing a small part in helping provide her community with local, organic, regenerative food.
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Amanda Andrews
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Amanda has been a part of the Montrose community for over 18 years. Having personally experienced various forms of bullying throughout her life, she felt a deep calling to get involved when the opportunity to join PEER Kindness arose. Amanda brings a nurturing, motherly presence to the team, offering support not only to the youth of Montrose but also to everyone around her. She is deeply committed to spreading kindness and creating a safe, welcoming space for all young people. Outside of her work with PEER Kindness, Amanda enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
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Mariah Hokit
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Mariah was born and raised in the Montrose community and was drawn to PEER Kindness by its popularity in the community she’s grown up in. She’d always known of the organization, and when the opportunity arose, she knew she wanted to be part of the wonderful efforts they were making in spreading the values of kindness and empathy. Her BA in Mass Communications helps the team with anything from design to social media to marketing. Aside from work, Mariah loves all things film and literature, and enjoys playing tennis in her free time.
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Ashlee Petranovich
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Ashlee is a youth mental health advocate and a psychology and sociology student at Colorado Mesa University. Inspired by her own experiences with bullying, she is passionate about creating emotionally safe spaces where all kids feel seen, heard, and supported. Ashlee brings creativity, strong communication, and a deep sense of empathy to her work with PEER Kindness. Her connection to the organization spans over three years of meaningful involvement and contributions. She’s committed to helping young people find their voice and building a culture rooted in compassion and connection. Outside of advocacy, Ashlee runs her own photography business and enjoys baking, reading, and being outdoors.