Kirk Hinkleman is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Kinship Project. Having worked in the human services field since 1998, Kirk has a wide range of experience working with people with unique and challenging support needs. Upon graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2001, with a degree in Sociology, Kirk shifted his career focus to working with adults looking to live fully inclusive, independent lives in the community. Kirk met his now partner, Beth Gallagher, in 2007, and the pairing has proven to be dynamic every step of the way. Having an already established, well-respected agency supporting individuals with developmental disabilities living in their own homes, Life Works (in business since 2004), Kirk and Beth decided to open Kinship Project in February 2013. With mirroring visions and mission statements, Kinship Project runs along side Life Works, making it possible for seniors needing customized support teams to maintain the life of their choosing for the duration of their life, in the comfort of their own home. Kirk is excited about the future of Kinship Project and how he, along with Beth, can shape the future of in-home care for seniors.

Co-author (along with Beth Gallagher) of “Intentional Teaming: Shifting Organizational Culture”, Kirk believes that developing creative, qualified teams of support, intentionally around the person receiving the support, is paramount in providing the highest quality of care possible. When asked about his mission, Kirk says: “We need to shatter the walls our culture and society create that preclude us from making simple human connections with each other in the community and in our neighborhoods. I’m particularly fascinated with the idea of kinship and love. It is my hope, with Kinship Project, that we are able to embrace the idea that we all inherently belong to one another. Love should drive the care we provide…we are all human, and thusly, all deserve love, dignity and respect.”