The Chris Center Rebrands to Kindling Minds

By Current Publishing on October 24, 2025

The Chris Center, a nonprofit that works to strengthen youth mental wellness in Hamilton County and Marion County schools, announced that it has rebranded to Kindling Minds.

Kindling Minds was created in 2021 as The Chris Center by Nancy Elbert. It was named after Elbert’s brother, Chris Elbert.

“We knew we needed a name that more accurately reflects our mission, work and future, and we also wanted a name that stays true to Chris Elbert’s memory and legacy of compassion, community and empathy,” Kindling Minds Executive Director Sandra Moreira stated. “Kindling Minds does all that.”

Moreira said that although the organization has rebranded, it has the same mission to help teens and pre-teens in central Indiana build resilience and improve mental wellness through research-informed programs rooted in connection — with animals, nature and art.

“We have a new name, but we have the same staff, board and volunteers who truly spark connection and ignite hope,” Moreira stated.

Kindling Minds has three programs in Marion and Hamilton county schools, including Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers and Carmel, and served nearly 700 teens and preteens in 2024.

The organization’s PAWS Wellness Support Program teaches and models skills for stress-reduction, joy and social connection through registered dog/handler teams and encourages students to use the power of the human-animal connection in their lives.

Its Mindful Arts Program builds mindfulness, connection, self-expression and self-regulation through creative artmaking.

Through a partnership with Stone Farm, Kindling Minds’ Alpaca-Assisted Wellness Program teaches lessons about mindfulness, stress-reduction, empathy and social connection.

For more, visit kindlingminds.org.

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