Engaging the human in humanity.

Kim Bartling

Kim Bartling has spent four decades helping people discover the courage to lead, connect, communicate, and thrive. Her career spans the public and private sectors, primary, secondary, and higher education, and work across two countries—always with one common purpose: helping individuals and organizations become more human-centered, resilient, and impactful.

As the founder of The Humanity Launch, Kim designs transformative experiences that strengthen culture, communication, leadership, and belonging. She works with students, educators, businesses, healthcare systems, financial institutions, nonprofits, faith communities, and civic organizations, delivering keynote presentations, retreats, workshops, and professional development experiences that leave people challenged, inspired, and equipped to lead differently.

Kim served as Chair of the Speech Communication and Theatre Department at the University of Sioux Falls for 14 years and has directed more than 125 productions from South Dakota to New York City. She is also the founder of Ephemeral Productions, a theatre company dedicated to social change and women's empowerment, and Plains Speaking People, a storytelling company rooted in the power of authentic human connection.

A gifted storyteller and motivational speaker, Kim is known for blending humor, vulnerability, practical wisdom, and powerful audience engagement. Whether she is speaking to hospital staff navigating burnout, banking professionals strengthening workplace culture, educators shaping the next generation, or community leaders building stronger organizations, her message remains the same: people perform best when they feel seen, valued, and connected.

Kim's work is deeply influenced by the research of Brené Brown, particularly the principles of courageous leadership, vulnerability, empathy, and belonging. She currently teaches critical thinking and classroom management to educators in Belize, Central America, and serves as an artist-in-residence for at-risk youth, using creative writing and spoken-word performance to help young people discover their voice and their worth.

A proud native of Garretson, South Dakota, Kim draws inspiration from her family. Her sons, Teake and Tyler, daughter-in-law Katie, and granddaughter Eva continually remind her why this work matters. She is equally proud of her Belizean family—Brittany, Rodell, Randal, and grandson RJ—whose influence has expanded her understanding of community, culture, and humanity.

Kim believes that every person has a story worth telling, every organization has a culture worth shaping, and every community has the potential to become a place where people truly belong.

Todd Foster

Todd Foster has spent more than four decades helping people discover their potential, strengthen their relationships, and become the best version of themselves. Throughout his career as an educator, coach, counselor, administrator, and leader, Todd has remained committed to one simple belief: every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of making a difference.

As a partner with The Humanity Launch, Todd works with students, educators, organizations, and communities to build cultures rooted in connection, belonging, leadership, and purpose. Drawing from decades of experience in education and human development, he delivers presentations, retreats, leadership training, and professional learning experiences that challenge individuals to lead with compassion, integrity, and courage.

Born and raised in Estelline, South Dakota, Todd earned degrees in Business Education and Business Administration from Dakota State University before completing a Master's Degree in Counseling and Human Resources from South Dakota State University, followed by a second Master's Degree in Educational Administration. His professional journey began in the classroom, where he taught Business and Physical Education for 11 years while coaching a variety of sports over a 30-year coaching career. Those experiences laid the foundation for what would become his life's work: helping people grow through relationships, encouragement, and meaningful challenges.

Todd later served as a school counselor, where he developed a deeper understanding of the emotional and social needs that shape success in both life and learning. He then spent 10 years as High School Principal in Flandreau before joining the Brookings School District, where he served as Assistant Principal and later Principal of Mickelson Middle School. In 2024, Todd was recognized as South Dakota Principal of the Year, an honor that reflected his unwavering commitment to students, staff, and the creation of people-first cultures where everyone could thrive.

A gifted storyteller and authentic communicator, Todd's leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that culture is built one relationship at a time. He often shares the message of the Starfish Story, reminding audiences that meaningful change begins with the person directly in front of us. Whether speaking to students, educators, community leaders, or professional organizations, Todd inspires others to recognize the impact they can have through small acts of care, encouragement, and leadership.

Todd believes that the most effective leaders are those who choose compassion over ego, service over status, and relationships over transactions. These values have guided his work throughout every chapter of his career and continue to shape his mission today.

Todd and his wife, Jolynn, a retired elementary educator of 30 years, have shared more than four decades of life, learning, and adventure together. They are proud parents of two sons, Spenser and Mitchel, and cherish their roles as grandparents to Josie and Enzo. Whether traveling with Jolynn, spending time with family, or answering enthusiastically to the name "T-Pa," Todd finds his greatest joy in the people he loves and the communities he serves.

Todd believes that every interaction matters, every person has value, and every one of us has the opportunity to leave a positive mark on the lives of others.

Maddie Thie

Maddie Thie is passionate about helping young people build meaningful connections, strengthen their sense of belonging, and navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex world. As a member of The Humanity Launch team, she brings energy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping students recognize their value, discover their voice, and lead with confidence.

Maddie is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of South Dakota with an emphasis in adolescent mental health. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Family Studies from the University of St. Thomas, where she developed a strong foundation in human development, relationships, and emotional well-being. Her experience includes research, behavioral health services, and direct work with children, adolescents, and families.

Having grown up in a generation shaped by social media, rapid cultural change, and evolving conversations around mental health, Maddie offers a unique perspective on the experiences facing today's youth. She combines her academic training with genuine empathy and curiosity, creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and understood.

Through her work with The Humanity Launch, Maddie is dedicated to empowering young people to build healthy relationships, embrace vulnerability, and create positive change in their schools and communities. She believes that when students feel connected, valued, and supported, they are capable of far more than they realize.