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.
Liz Neihart
Board Member
Hi! I’m Liz and I have 3 amazing kiddos. They bring me so much joy. I have always wanted to help others and have been a part of other nonprofits before. I believe that if we all help each other this world can be such a great place. I am so happy to be a part of this organization and fully believe in what it stands for, kindness.
Cheryl Hinchliff
Board Member
Hi, my name is Cheryl and I have two lovely daughters that are growing up way too fast. I remember their baby years so fondly now with the same sort of selective amnesia that comes after giving birth. If we didn’t have that who would go through it again?! That time is insanely stressful and euphoric at once. Never have I heard it described as easy. But hopefully the worries are so out weighed by the love and devotion to our new little people that we wouldn’t dream of anything different.
If you are in a circumstance where you feel overwhelmed by the worries, I want to help change that for you. Each box is packed with more than things, it is packed with prayers for a better tomorrow. If you are on cloud nine because you found out you are expecting, I want to be able to celebrate that with you. These boxes are packed with wishes for more joy than you can imagine. Giving and receiving these boxes is a chance to love and be loved. I hope you all participate.