Lorin Neikirk

Meet Lorin, the heart and soul behind The Kindness Clique. Her journey in helping others began long before she can remember. From painting murals for the Yellow Rose Gala between high school classes to volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in the mid to late 1980's, and founding the National Charity League Golden Corridor Chapter, she's always been a force for good.

As a dedicated parent, she was actively involved in her children's early education, wearing many hats, from den leader, to FFPS coaching and recruiting. Diagnosed with Asperger's at age 38, Lorin's heart has a special place for the autism community, where her impact was nothing short of remarkable. She played a vital role in catalyzing positive changes in the way Cy-Fair ISD (Harris County, TX) supported autistic students. As a speaker at events like the Autism Society of America National Conference, she had the privilege of meeting the legendary Temple Grandin.

Lorin's advocacy goes beyond local communities. In 2004 she organized a major volunteer effort between Convergint Technologies and Avondale House, which led to the charity's growth and new facility. In 2007, she invented a tool that streamlined the FDA TEXCAP grant auditing process, amplifying the impact of annual food bank grant renewals. Her tireless efforts even led to a call from the National Easter Seals Director of Autism, inviting her to participate in the Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism consortium to shape public policy. Their collective work was embraced by Congress, leading to changes you can witness today, like companies actively seeking autistic employees and autistic characters gracing screens both big and small.

Despite enduring personal challenges and extensive trauma, Lorin radiates resilience and hope. Diagnosed with seizures due to Functional Neurological Disorder, and an Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in 2022, she refuses to be limited by her current obstacles. Her journey with her service dog Sunshine, who is trained to detect life-threatening blood pressure spikes and seizures, is a testament to her indomitable spirit and her dedication to inspiring others with her story.

So, when Lorin isn't working tirelessly behind the scenes, you'll find her handling Sunshine with a smile, or painting pet portraits for friends and family, proving that no challenge is too great to overcome with kindness. And she continues to inspire with her creative pursuits, because every day is a canvas for making the world a little brighter.