Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Santorelli.
Hi Kristin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was raised in a home filled with love, stability, and support. I was incredibly blessed to have both my mom and dad by my side, providing not only what I needed, but a foundation of encouragement that shaped who I am today. Even through health challenges, I was never alone. There was always someone walking beside me—lifting me up, reminding me of my strength, and helping me take the next step forward, even when it felt difficult.
At just two years old, my life was interrupted by something most people can’t even imagine. My body reached a temperature of 108 degrees, and I experienced a febrile seizure that would change the course of my life. I was airlifted from Craig, Colorado to Denver, fighting for my life. I spent days in a coma.
When I woke, the right half of my body was paralyzed. The seizures had originated in the left side of my brain—near the areas responsible for memory and speech. Before I even understood the world, I was already being asked to overcome it.
From the ages of 13 to 30, seizures became a part of my reality. There were moments that were incredibly difficult—times filled with fear, uncertainty, and challenges that felt bigger than me.
But here’s what never left me…
The happy child inside of me.
Somehow, through every stage—elementary school, middle school, college—that light stayed alive. Maybe it was resilience. Maybe it was faith. Maybe it was the love that surrounded me from my family. Or maybe it was all of it working together.
Even when I was in denial… even when things were hard… that part of me—the joyful, hopeful, unbreakable part—always found a way to rise up and shine.
It carried me.
It protected me.
It became me.
That kind of love I was surrounded by, leaves a mark. It builds resilience, confidence, and a deep understanding of what it means to truly be supported.
As I grew older, earned my two college degrees, and stepped more fully into who I am, something within me became clear—this love I was given wasn’t just meant for me. It was meant to be shared.
There are so many children who don’t grow up with the same opportunities, the same stability, or the same encouragement that I was blessed to have. And I felt called to be that presence in their lives—to stand beside them the way others stood beside me.
That calling became Hearts of Mercy.
At Hearts of Mercy, we believe that one life, touched with love and consistency, can be changed forever. Through mentoring, one-on-one tutoring, art classes, summer camps, and sponsorship of extracurricular activities, we create spaces where children feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Sometimes it’s not about changing everything all at once. Sometimes it’s as simple—and as powerful—as showing up with loving hands, a listening ear, and a belief in a child’s potential.
Because when a child knows they are not alone, everything begins to change.
And that’s what we do—one heart, one child, one story at a time.
We have grown into what we are today because of the incredible love and support of our amazing volunteers—certified teachers, attorneys, business owners, and so many others—who have come together, united in this mission to change the lives of more and more children. Each person brings their own gifts, but what connects them all is a heart full of compassion and a commitment to showing up. Hearts of Mercy is not built by one person; it is built by a community. I truly could not do this without our volunteers—they are the hands and hearts behind everything we do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any long-standing nonprofit, we’ve experienced our share of challenges—but they’ve also strengthened our faith in the mission.
One of the most consistent realities over the past 15+ years has been the natural ebb and flow of volunteers. People come, people go—it’s part of life. While transitions can be difficult, I’ve learned to trust the process, stay grounded, and keep showing up. And without fail, the right people always step in. New volunteers continue to arrive with open hearts, ready to serve, and that has been a beautiful reminder that this mission is bigger than any one individual.
Financially, there have certainly been moments of uncertainty when it comes to covering operating expenses. Like many nonprofits, there have been times when we’ve had to take a deep breath and trust. But each time, the support has come—through donors, sponsors, and the community rallying around us. We’ve been blessed in that way.
Through it all, we’ve remained steady, committed, and full of belief in what we’re building. Because at the end of the day, we are changing the world—one child at a time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hearts of Mercy We are known for our deeply personal, one-on-one approach to tutoring and mentoring. We are not a program where children simply come and go—we are a place where relationships are built, nurtured, and lasting. Each child is paired with the same mentor and tutor, meeting twice a week. That consistency creates trust, connection, and a sense of belonging. Our children don’t just receive academic support in any subject they may need—they feel seen, valued, and important. They know they matter. What we are building goes far beyond tutoring. We are building relationships that can last a lifetime. In addition to our one-on-one programs, we offer summer camps and community outreach events. One of our most special moments each year is our winter outreach, where hundreds of children step off the bus and are immediately welcomed with warmth, connection, and an introduction to the support we provide. Looking ahead, my hope is to one day launch a mobile unit so we can go directly to the children. Many of them face barriers that make it difficult to come to us, and we want to meet them where they are. The most powerful part of all of this is what we see every day—the light in their eyes, the joy they carry when they walk through our doors after a long day at school. They love being here. And that’s because relationships change everything. We believe relationships make the world a better place—and that’s exactly what we’re here to build.?
We are known for our deeply personal, one-on-one approach to tutoring and mentoring. We are not a program where children simply come and go—we are a place where relationships are built, nurtured, and lasting.
Each child is paired with the same mentor and tutor, meeting twice a week. That consistency creates trust, connection, and a sense of belonging. Our children don’t just receive academic support in any subject they may need—they feel seen, valued, and important. They know they matter.
What we are building goes far beyond tutoring. We are building relationships that can last a lifetime.
In addition to our one-on-one programs, we offer summer camps and community outreach events. One of our most special moments each year is our winter outreach, where hundreds of children step off the bus and are immediately welcomed with warmth, connection, and an introduction to the support we provide.
Looking ahead, my hope is to one day launch a mobile unit so we can go directly to the children. Many of them face barriers that make it difficult to come to us, and we want to meet them where they are.
The most powerful part of all of this is what we see every day—the light in their eyes, the joy they carry when they walk through our doors after a long day at school. They love being here. And that’s because relationships change everything.
We believe relationships make the world a better place—and that’s exactly what we’re here to build.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would love to share with readers that anyone who is able to sponsor a child has the power to make a lifelong impact. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of shifting priorities—skipping a dinner out or a month of daily coffee—and redirecting that toward a child who needs support, guidance, and belief in their future.
That small sacrifice creates a ripple effect. Your donation, combined with our one-on-one mentoring and tutoring, becomes something far greater than financial support—it becomes connection, confidence, and opportunity for a child who may not otherwise have it.
This is not just a momentary program. This is a forever, always kind of impact.
Whether someone chooses to sponsor a child for a week, a month, a few months, or even a full year, they are stepping into a child’s life in a meaningful way—and helping to change that life forever.
Pricing:
- $160/month
- $1000/year
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hearts-of-mercy.com
