Kinsey Krachinski, a writer and educator, is on a mission to cultivate empathy, kindness, and social-emotional learning in both children and adults. Through her work at Purdue University Northwest, her involvement in mental health initiatives, and her children's books, Krachinski is passionate about bridging the gap between emotional intelligence, education, and everyday life.
Krachinski’s journey as a writer and advocate for kindness began in her early childhood.
"I started reading heavily in kindergarten, and though I struggled with writing at first, books helped me understand the world in ways that shaped my interests," she said. "Even at a young age, I knew that no matter what I did in life, I wanted to help people. Books gave me that sense of understanding and purpose. Being a 'soft landing' for others, helping them when they fall, has always been important to me."
After returning to campus in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic, Krachinski joined Students Helping Ignite Needed Esteem (SHINE), a mental health organization that focuses on spreading kindness and positivity.
"Kayla Vasilko, the director, introduced me to SHINE’s mission, and I was drawn to it because, after the pandemic, I wanted to find ways to connect with people beyond just asking, 'How are you?'” Krachinski said. “I wanted to make a difference by asking, 'What can I do for you?' This mindset deeply influenced how I approach teaching and interacting with others."
As a children's author, Krachinski fuels advocacy for social-emotional learning into her books, “Karis the Kitten and The Tail of Kindness” and “Zuri the Zebra.” Both stories teach young readers the value of kindness, teamwork, and empathy, lessons that Krachinski believes are essential for emotional development.
"Writing ‘Zuri the Zebra’ was such a meaningful experience for me," she says. "It took us a few months to write it, much like our first book, ‘Karis the Kitten.’ Writing these books felt like we were contributing something important by expanding children’s access to literature, especially in a state where literacy rates can be a challenge."
These books serve several purposes for Krachinski.
"The main purpose for me in writing these books was to teach children about kindness as a practice,” she said. “For adults, it’s about understanding deeper themes like equity and community, things that children don’t grasp fully yet."
She quotes a line from Zuri the Zebra: "'Never give up. I believe in you, I believe in myself, and I believe in our team.' I think that sums up the physical and psychological manifestations of kindness—believing in someone and resolving conflict through positive means."
Krachinski's love for social-emotional learning grew stronger when she read to a first-grade class in Michigan City.
"I saw its impact firsthand when I read to a first-grade class at Edgewood Elementary,” she said. “I remember it was Cinco de Mayo in 2022. I was so nervous, but the kids were so engaged with the story and loved the bright colors and playful language we used, like alliteration and wordplay."
The interaction captivated the children while reinforcing the importance of creating emotional growth through storytelling.
"With ‘Zuri the Zebra,’ I hope that both children and adults see the importance of community and kindness,” she said. “Children want to belong, and early on, they need to be taught how to communicate kindly and empathetically. For adults, I hope they use the book as a tool to help explain these concepts in age-appropriate ways."
This desire to help others drives her passion for teaching and mentoring.
"One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give is to never let go of your youthful spirit," she said. "As we grow up, we sometimes lose sight of the things that excited us and made us unique, but if you truly believe in your passion and your ability to make a difference, stay true to yourself. Don’t mask who you are to fit every context. Authenticity and passion are what drive meaningful change."
As Krachinski continues to balance her roles as an author, educator, and advocate, she reflects on the importance of surrounding herself with supportive people.
"One piece of advice that really shifted my mindset was surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and live the kind of life you want to create for yourself," she said. "Sometimes paths diverge, but as Kayla Vasilko from SHINE told me, 'Past friends can come back stronger after a tough moment.' It’s all about perspective and holding on to the positive potential in every situation."
With her commitment to kindness, creativity, and emotional growth, Kinsey Krachinski is making a lasting impact, one story at a time.