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Heartspring Adds Healthcare and Education Leaders to Executive Team and Board of Directors
Heather Hogan joins as Chief Development & Strategy Officer. Laurie LaBarca and Dr. Alicia Thompson bring extensive industry experience to the Board of Directors.
For Immediate Release
Clara Miller, Director of Marketing & Communications
316.833.9287 | cmiller@heartspring.org
Wichita, KAN., November 12, 2024 – Heartspring, a leading provider of therapies and special education for pediatric neurodevelopment, has appointed a Chief Development & Strategy Officer and two new members to its Board of Directors.
Heather Hogan brings more than 25 years’ experience in operational leadership, strategy, legislative policy advocacy, and fund development in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. In this newly created role, Hogan will oversee development, fundraising and strategic initiatives as Heartspring accelerates its growth with the addition of two new buildings in downtown Wichita’s biomedical corridor.
“Heather’s breadth of experience and collaborative mindset will be invaluable as we work to expand pediatric neurodevelopment care across our region. Her proven ability to develop innovative partnerships, programs and change-making opportunities for donors, aligns perfectly with our vision for growth,” said Dan Soliday, President and CEO of Heartspring.
“Heartspring has long been recognized as a leader in educating and supporting children with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities,” said Hogan. “The passion and dedication with which Heartspring delivers its programs and services highlight the deep understanding and empathy extended to the children and families it serves. The opportunity to further this mission, supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community, is both rewarding and heartwarming. I am truly excited to contribute in a meaningful way and add value to the incredible work being done.”
Laurie Labarca, President, Ascension Via Christi St. Theresa and Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, has joined Heartspring’s Board of Directors. She brings nearly 40 years of healthcare leadership and administration experience. With Heartspring’s Pediatric Outpatient Clinic and therapies integrated into its Therapeutic Residential & Day School, Labarca’s healthcare expertise is ideally suited to Heartspring.
Also joining the Board of Directors is Dr. Alicia Thompson, who was the superintendent of Wichita Public Schools from 2017-2023 and spent more than 25 years working in the district. Dr. Thompson is known for developing Wichita’s five-year Every Student Future Ready strategic plan, which generated strong community support. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors and will bring sound guidance to Heartspring’s therapeutic special education offerings.
“Laurie Labarca and Dr. Alicia Thompson add diversity and essential industry experience to our Board of Directors. We’re excited to welcome them during a pivotal time of transformation at Heartspring,” said Soliday.
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About Heartspring
Heartspring provides therapies and special education for pediatric neurodevelopment. Through its Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, Therapeutic Residential & Day School and Community Engagement programs, Heartspring addresses the gap in specialty healthcare and services for children with neurodevelopmental delays and disabilities. Originally founded in 1934 as the Institute of Logopedics, Heartspring is celebrating its 90th year and continuing its tradition of integrating evidence-based therapies into innovative support models that help children realize their full potential in communication, social interactions, mobility and daily living. Learn more at www.heartspring.org.
