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Our mission is to give hope to those seeking comfort and refuge in our local communities from violence and conflict.
Our Mission
Everyone needs respect, love, and peace, in their lives, regardless of the traumatic events from which they seek refuge. We strive to share these divine gifts, which knit our hearts together as children of God, no matter our personal differences or circumstances.
Our Vision
In 2007, a small group of elderly women began knitting hats and scarves for people in need. With the faith and dedication of our Founder, Linda Simmons, along with countless individuals who saw her vision, what started as 100 handmade gifts has grown into a statewide nonprofit that has touched the lives of more than 80,000 individuals.
Today, Hearts Knit Together provides thoughtfully assembled care packages filled with clothing, hygiene items, toys, and messages of hope for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and refugees. With the support of volunteers, donors, and 30+ partner agencies located throughout Utah, we bring light and dignity during the darkest moments of over 6,000 individuals each year.
Our Story
Our Leadership
Meet the people guiding Hearts Knit Together and helping bring hope and comfort to individuals and families across Utah.
Board of Directors
H. Scott Tucker
Board Chair
H. Scott Tucker is an inventor, author, digital forensics expert, and the founder of Aptegra Consulting, a Utah-based firm specializing in digital forensics, data security, and expert-witness services. He holds an MBA from Brigham Young University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University. With decades of executive leadership and technical expertise, Scott brings strategic insight, strong governance, and operational experience to the Hearts Knit Together Board of Directors. His business background and thoughtful approach to leadership help guide the organization as it continues to grow its reach and impact throughout Utah.
Kurt Ostler
Treasurer
Kurt Ostler served as Mayor of Highland City, Utah, where his leadership included local government operations, strategic planning, and community engagement. A longtime supporter and donor of Hearts Knit Together, Kurt brings valuable experience in fiscal oversight, civic leadership, and community service to his role as Treasurer. His broad community relationships and commitment to responsible stewardship have been an asset to Hearts Knit Together as the organization has grown. Kurt’s service on the board reflects his dedication to strengthening his community and supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Utah families.
Danielle Kelez
Secretary
Danielle Kelez brings extensive executive human resources experience and a people-focused approach to the Hearts Knit Together Board of Directors. She holds an MBA from Westminster College and retired from a successful career in Executive Human Resources in 2025. Her expertise includes strategic planning, organizational development, talent management, workplace culture, and change management. Danielle first joined Hearts Knit Together as a volunteer in January 2026 and joined the Board just three months later. A wife, mother of two, and breast cancer survivor, Danielle values family, connection, and community and is passionate about using her professional experience to help HKT grow sustainably while making a meaningful difference for people facing difficult circumstances.
Cameron Ballantyne
Board Member
Cameron Ballantyne brings extensive nonprofit, public-sector, and communications experience to the Hearts Knit Together Board. He began his career as a print, radio, and television journalist and has since served with organizations including the American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Cameron currently serves as City Manager in Carlin, Nevada. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism-Electronic Media and Russian from the University of Oregon and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Marist University. His own experiences overcoming significant health challenges have also created a personal connection to HKT’s mission of serving people during vulnerable moments
Rod Layton
Board Member
Rod Layton dedicated more than four decades to serving and protecting children and families in Northern Utah. His career included twenty years with the Weber County Sheriff’s Office, followed by service with the Weber County Attorney’s Office, with approximately thirty years focused on crimes against children. He served as Director of the Weber County Children’s Justice Center from 2004 until his retirement in 2025. Rod brings extensive experience in victim support, child protection, and collaboration with government agencies and nonprofit organizations to the Hearts Knit Together Board. A lifelong Weber County resident, Rod was raised in Huntsville, Utah, where he and his wife continue to live.
VaLayne Ostler
Board Member
VaLayne Ostler has been a dedicated, hands-on supporter of Hearts Knit Together for many years. Her service extends well beyond the boardroom, with countless volunteer hours spent organizing inventory, assembling comfort kits, and helping ensure that the individuals HKT serves receive thoughtful, high-quality items. VaLayne also brings experience in youth leadership and community service, including training and activity-planning roles with the Boy Scouts of America. Her attention to detail, commitment to service, and deep familiarity with Hearts Knit Together’s programs provide an important operational perspective to the Board of Directors.
Amanda Todd
Board Member
Amanda Todd is an attorney, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder and CEO of The Pinnacle Legal Collective, a boutique law firm focused on real estate litigation, estate planning, and business law. Licensed to practice in five states, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Following her divorce, Amanda began rebuilding her life as a single mother of three, entering real estate before becoming an attorney and business owner. Her book, *What the Floor Taught Me*, shares lessons from her journey through hardship, perseverance, and growth. These experiences give Amanda a deeply personal connection to Hearts Knit Together’s mission. She brings legal expertise, business leadership, and compassionate advocacy to the board, with a commitment to helping individuals and families regain stability, recognize their strength, and find hope for their next chapter.
Chad Westover
Board Member
Chad Westover is a longtime healthcare executive with extensive experience in public policy, organizational leadership, and strategic development. He currently serves as CEO of University of Utah Health Plans and previously served as President of Molina Healthcare of Utah. Earlier in his career, Chad was the inaugural director of Utah’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and worked in health policy at both the state and federal levels. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University. Chad brings decades of executive leadership, governance experience, and a strong commitment to community service to the Hearts Knit Together Board
Operations Team
April James
Executive Director
April James has served as Executive Director of Hearts Knit Together since 2023, continuing the work begun by her mother, founder Linda Simmons. Before leading HKT, April owned a home décor store and interior design business and worked as a business mentor, coach, and public speaker. She brings experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and building relationships to her work connecting volunteers, donors, and partner agencies with opportunities to serve people in crisis. Her own experiences navigating difficult circumstances bring personal understanding and compassion to her role, deepening her commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and valued. A mother of seven and grandmother of six, she also enjoys gardening and time with her family in the great outdoors.
Judy Alba
Operations Manager
Judy Alba brings more than 40 years of community service and nonprofit leadership to Hearts Knit Together. Since joining HKT as a volunteer three years ago, she has become Operations Manager, coordinating statewide service projects, overseeing kit assembly and distribution, and managing volunteers, including young church service missionaries. Previously, Judy served for 13 years as Executive Director of Walk in the Light Productions, overseeing theater productions, marketing, fundraising, and more than 120 volunteers. Her background also includes foster care, youth education, business ownership, and coordinating live events at Temple Square. Judy loves musicals, teaching, creating, and working with young people. She and her husband, Joel, have a combined family of five children, 17 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Who We Serve
Hearts Knit Together partners with compassionate agencies across Utah who distribute our comfort kits directly to survivors. The following organizations are approved partners who have received kits in the past or are eligible to order as needs arise. Your support to Hearts Knit Together directly also supports each one of these agencies.
New Hope Crisis Center- Brigham City
Gentle Ironhawk Shelter- Blanding
Canyon Creek Women's Crisis Center-Cedar City Safe Harbor- Kaysville
CAPSA- Logan
Seekhaven- Moab
YCC Family Crisis Center- Ogden
Peace House- Park City
Coleen Quigly Crisis Center- Price
Center for Women and Children in Crisis-Provo New Horizons Crisis Center-Richfield
DOVE Center- St. George
Pathways- Tooele
Women's Crisis Center- Vernal
South Valley Services- West Jordan
YWCA Women In Jeopardy-SLC
Weber County Sherriff's Department
Salt Lake Unified Police Department
Utah Youth Village- SLC
Connect 2 Kids-Ogden
Grandfamilies Program- Wasatch Mental Health Holding Out Help-Draper
Department of Juvenile Justice - SLC
Victims of Crime- SLC
Women of the World- SLC
Sexual Assault Services in Brigham City
DOVE Center Hospital Response Team- St George Logan Regional Hospital
Moab Regional Hospital
St George Regional Hospital
St Marks Hospital
Spanish Fork Hospital
UCASA
Utah Workforce Services-Refugee Program Catholic Community Services- Refugee Program
Asian Association of Utah- Refugee and Trafficking
Lifting Hands International- American Fork
Our Kits
Every comfort kit from Hearts Knit Together is thoughtfully assembled by volunteers using donated items. Each one is designed to provide hope, dignity, and a reminder that someone cares. Our goal is simple — to help someone in crisis begin to heal.
What We Provide
Hearts Knit Together distributes four main types of comfort kits throughout Utah, each tailored to meet the unique needs of those we serve:
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Shelter Kits – For women and children escaping domestic violence.
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Sexual Assault Survivor Kits – For individuals receiving care after assault.
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Refugee Kits – For families rebuilding their lives after displacement.
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Police and Child Comfort Kits – For children who experience sudden crisis or loss.
Each kit is carefully customized to meet the unique needs of those who receive it. Because we include so many thoughtful essentials, the list of contents is extensive. Click the buttons below to see what’s inside each type of kit.
