Healing Hearts Getaways was born from both personal experience and an unexpected friendship. Kaela and Founder Janae Thompson met through their careers in real estate and quickly discovered they shared a deep desire to serve others. As their friendship grew, so did their vision of creating a nonprofit that would provide families with the opportunity to step away from the weight of grief, reconnect with one another, and begin healing together.

For Kaela, this mission is deeply personal. After losing her father, Edward Watkins Jr., to complications from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), she witnessed firsthand the emotional, physical, and spiritual impact that illness and grief can have on an entire family. His life, strength, and enduring love continue to inspire her commitment to helping families create meaningful memories, even during life's most difficult seasons.

As Co-Founder & CEO, Kaela is passionate about building partnerships, developing programs, and expanding opportunities that make healing retreats possible for more families. She believes that no one should have to navigate grief alone and is committed to creating a community where every family feels seen, supported, and surrounded by compassion.

Guided by empathy, faith, and a servant's heart, Kaela believes healing begins through connection and hope. Through Healing Hearts Getaways, she is honored to help families discover renewed strength, one getaway—and one family—at a time.