About Us
Dedicated to KINDness
KIND of the Upstate was established as a non-profit in 2020 by two moms, Caroline Giguere and Francie Todd. KIND stands for “kids including and nurturing disabilities.” Caroline and Francie have sons with disabilities and founded KIND to help make the Upstate community a more inclusive and kind place for their sons and others with disabilities. Caroline’s son, Row, was born with a rare genetic condition called KIF11, which contributes to multiple medical diagnoses, but his most obvious disability is blindness. Francie’s son, Hall, received a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome, which required a long stay in the NICU and multiple surgeries. Caroline and Francie understand that their sons are different from other children due to their special abilities, but what they have found deeply moving is how their brothers are able to look past their differences and see them for who they really are, Row and Hall. Caroline and Francie quickly realized if their own children are able to understand that a disability does not define a person, other children could understand these principles too. Therefore, the empathy of their children lead Caroline and Francie to form KIND of the Upstate.
Our Mission
KIND of the Upstate is a nonprofit organization that educates about people with disabilities to create a kinder and more inclusive community.
Our Vision
A world where people with disabilities are celebrated and included just as they are.
Our Beliefs
- KIND believes that one person’s choice to include individuals with disabilities has the power to transform families, communities, and the world.
- Disability education that begins in early elementary school cultivates the foundation for lifelong acceptance, inclusion and understanding.
- Books are a powerful tool for deepening understanding of disabilities and teaching empathy while breaking down barriers.
- KIND believes that the world can be a better, kinder place — starting with YOU.
- Children are naturally curious and want to learn about disabilities.
Our Goals
- KIND’s #1 goal is to make our community a more inclusive place, where every individual is seen, valued, and included.
- KIND educates individuals of all ages about disabilities, beginning in the classroom setting.
- KIND provides educational lessons and materials, designed to spark meaningful discussions among students, teachers, and parents about disabilities and the importance of kindness.
Caroline Giguere, Co-founder of KIND of the Upstate
Caroline Giguere graduated from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management. Driven by a desire to make a difference in healthcare, Caroline pursued specialized training at the Arrhythmia Technologies Institute in Greenville, SC, focusing on Cardiac Device Technology. Her dedication to cardiac care led her to roles in Athens, GA and later in Greenville, SC with Greenville Health System (now Prisma Health), where she served for nearly five years before joining St. Jude Medical (now Abbott) in a PRN role.
Caroline’s passion for inclusion was born from personal experience. She and her husband, Kent, are parents to three boys: Tripp, Row, and Gray. Their middle son, Row, was born with a rare genetic disorder called KIF11, which has led to multiple medical diagnoses, including blindness. Despite his disability, Row lives life with joy, curiosity, and resilience, qualities that inspired Caroline to help create a world where differences are embraced rather than feared.
In 2020, Caroline joined forces with fellow mom Francie Todd to establish KIND of the Upstate. Both mothers of children with disabilities, Caroline and Francie founded the organization with the belief that empathy and understanding start at an early age. They were inspired by their own children, especially how their sons’ siblings naturally accepted and loved them for who they are, not for their disabilities. This powerful realization became the foundation for KIND’s mission: to foster inclusive communities through education and awareness.
Francie Todd, Co-founder of KIND of the Upstate
Francie Todd is a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with a passion for disabilities and inclusion. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University and began her career at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, where she worked in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for four years. She went on to receive her Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
After completing her education, Francie moved to Greenville, South Carolina, with her husband, Hall. In March 2020, they welcomed their fraternal twin boys, Hall and Barrett, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. At birth, Hall was diagnosed with Down syndrome and required an extended stay in the NICU while recovering from multiple surgeries. The diagnosis came as a surprise, but Francie and her husband quickly embraced their new journey, dedicating themselves to providing Hall with every opportunity, therapy, and resource to help him thrive.
This life changing experience led Francie to recognize a significant gap in disability education within schools. Alongside her friend Caroline, she co-founded KIND (Kids Including and Nurturing Disabilities), a nonprofit organization committed to both kindness and inclusion.
Through the work of KIND, Francie and Caroline strive to break down barriers and foster meaningful relationships through education, games, and hands-on activities. Her mission is simple but powerful: to show children and families that we are all more alike than different.
Francie believes that every child deserves to be seen, celebrated, and welcomed. She lives by the words: “Everyone belongs. Everyone deserves kindness. And everyone should hear, ‘I’m so happy you’re here.’”
We Need Your Help
KIND of the Upstate is a registered South Carolina 501(c)(3) non profit organization. 100% of your donation goes towards our mission and is tax-deductible to the extent of the law.