Meet-a-Mom, Kathryn Heine
What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, Clarendon Hills Area?
We love to get outside as much as possible! We head to Fullerseburg Woods or local playgrounds. We love Prospect Park for sledding. When the weather isn’t cooperating we love Waterlemon for open play.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
Brooks is 5 and Gigi is 3.
How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
We have lived her for almost 4 years. I’m from New York and my husband is from Michigan. My husbands job brought us here.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area?
We love Davanti in Western Springs for date night. Nabuki in Hinsdale for girls night. Family night we go to Grill 89 or Sushi House. My kids love the noodles and window seating at Sushi House. Owl and Lark in La Grange is my favorite spot for coffee, smoothies and juices.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Right out of college I worked at Lehman Brothers in New York for a short period of time. I quickly realized corporate world was not for me and I went back for my Masters in Elementary and Special Education.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Of course my mom has been a huge support and would be on the next flight if I called and asked her to. My husband has been the best teammate! I’ve met wonderful moms and learned so much through an amazing program at UCECP in Hinsdale called Mother Child. I loved this program so much I decided to join the teaching team at UCECP.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Yes! I am the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Kids Simple. We started off as a fun Instagram page for simple activities and inspiration to engage in at home with your preschool aged kids. One thing led to another and we launched our Wonder World Jars which are made with homemade non-toxic play dough. These jars promote hours of sensory and open-ended play. We have done various themed party favors and would love to get more involved in events and birthday parties with curated crafts and play dough sensory experiences. Each holiday we launch a new jar. Thanksgiving was apple pie baking, Christmas was gingerbread cookie making and Valentine was x’s and o’s tic-tac-toe.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The women in this town are so supportive and wonderful. Without all of their kind words and encouragement I don’t think I would have kept going. I haven’t done any marketing. Word of mouth is so powerful and this community has helped me grow more then I ever imagined.