Maria Berglund
Founder & Executive Director
Hello, my name is Maria, and I am a proud mama of three busy boys. We live near Portland, Oregon but I am originally from British Columbia, Canada.
Being raised by a single mom in need taught me a lot of things, but one thing that has always stuck with me is the importance of giving back.
I am so grateful for the amount of support our community gave to my mom, sister and I growing up. Being able to pay that kindness forward through my work at In Kind Boxes means so much to me. Being a mom now myself, I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for my mom during that time.
Our family moved to Oregon in 2013, when my oldest was one. My second and third sons were born in the United States. With my second son, the main focus for my postpartum checkup was providing me with a prescription for birth control. I felt like I was rushed through the appointment, and that my overall well being didn’t matter. It is shocking to me the lack of postpartum support there is for families here. The lack of care I received from my provider then prompted me to find a different provider for my third son.
These experiences are what led me to the idea for In Kind Boxes.
My mission with In Kind Boxes is to show moms that they matter, and that they’re not alone. By giving gift boxes filled with natural and organic postpartum essentials, I hope that it reminds moms that they matter too. It’s about so much more than a gift box.
I truly believe it takes a village, and that everyone deserves to feel loved and supported on their postpartum journey and beyond.
Together we are making a positive impact on the world by spreading kindness and love. Thank you for being part of our village!
I am so excited for what’s to come!!!
Laura Morad
Board Member
Hi I’m Laura, mommy of 3 human children, and 2 fur babies. I have a child development background and used to work for a non profit serving mamas and their families before becoming a mother myself. Most, if not all, moms have felt at some point that motherhood can be lonely.
When I found a group of women who came together to lean on each other and lift each other up, I felt validated and seen. To me that is what In Kind is, this network of amazing humans reaching out to new mamas saying “We see you, and we hear you”. I feel so grateful to become a part of something that provides high quality essentials to women and brings us together to support each other.
Anna Prost
Board Member
Hello, my name is Anna and I am a Mom (Maman) of two kids, a wife, and a winemaker. Being on this journey of motherhood, I have realized that I learn just as much from my children as they learn from me.
I remember the tender and vulnerable beginning moments of motherhood and riding the roller coaster of emotions (wonderment, joy, frustration). During many busy harvest seasons, my family and I have felt the warmth and love of the village around us with support from caring parents, neighbors, and colleagues.
That community of moms continues to help us raise our kids and I am thankful that Maria and In Kind are extending the village by creating these boxes with intention and sharing essentials that lend comfort and care during such a tender time of early motherhood.
Nadine Bednarski
Board Member
Hi, I’m Nadine, originally from Germany I now live with my husband and two daughters near Portland, Oregon for several years. With my first child born in Germany and my second one in the US, I experienced big differences in care during pregnancy and after, like postpartum midwifes, lactation assistance and postnatal exercise guidance.
This gives me the opportunity to provide an alternative perspective. At Kind Boxes I can offer my appreciation and encouragement to expecting moms. I can help cheer them up and feel loved on their journey.
Becoming a mom isn’t easy. Every situation is different, and with the frenzy and buzz of older siblings and daily life it can quickly become overwhelming in the first weeks. A gift from moms, to moms, can go a long way to lift the new mom’s mood and show her she has the community’s support.