About Us

Rural Appalachian Connections is dedicated to supporting the unique needs of families and communities in the Appalachian region. We understand the challenges faced by rural areas, from limited access to resources to geographic isolation, and we strive to bridge those gaps through compassionate, community-centered services. Our mission is to empower individuals and families by providing accessible, culturally sensitive support that fosters growth, resilience, and connection. At Rural Appalachian Connections, we believe in the strength of our community and work hand-in-hand to build brighter futures rooted in understanding and respect for Appalachian heritage.

Meet Our Founder

Kendra Hadley

Founder & Executive Director

Hi, I’m Kendra. I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over eight years of experience in the field of ABA, starting my career in 2017 as an RBT and spending the past five years working as a BCBA. I’ve had the privilege of supporting autistic individuals ages 3–22 across home, school, and community settings.

I grew up in a rural community and am also the sibling of an autistic individual—experiences that deeply shape the way I show up in this work. I’ve seen firsthand how access to services (or the lack of them) can impact families, and that understanding fuels my passion for building meaningful, ethical support in high-need and underserved areas.

Earlier in my career, I also worked as a licensed teacher in Tennessee. That background helps me collaborate closely with schools and understand the realities educators and families face day to day. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and centered on supporting the whole person—not just goals on paper.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me reading or spending time with my family. I’m honored to partner with families and communities to help autistic individuals thrive—right where they are.