Our Mission + Story

Kindred Flight was born from a single question:

What if movement could be more than exercise — what if it could be a lifeline?

Founded in 2025, Kindred Flight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing free aerial movement classes to neurodivergent youth. Our sessions are designed to be joyful, sensory-aware, and emotionally safe. Here, kids are encouraged to move at their own pace, guided by instructors who meet them with patience, creativity and care.

But this is more than fitness. This is about belonging.

We’ve seen children who are nonverbal burst into laughter mid-spin. We’ve watched hesitant hands reach for the sky. Every session is a chance for a child to feel proud of their body, build trust in others, and experience moments of connection that words alone can’t offer.

Our journey began with one portable aerial rig and a big dream: to make movement accessible, meaningful, and magical. We started small — training volunteers, borrowing gym space, and building trust one family at a time. Each week more parents find us through word of mouth, and each child reminds us why we are here.

We believe wellness shouldn’t be reserved for the few.

Every child deserves a chance to rise, connect, and thrive.

A young boy smiling while sitting in a blue aerial yoga hammock, assisted by a woman on a yoga mat indoors near a window.

Meet the Team

  • A smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing makeup, and a gray button-up shirt, standing against a plain white wall.

    Vanessa Dallas

    Founder & Board President

    Vanessa Dallas is a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran, nonprofit founder, and performance strategist who is redefining how movement and wellness are accessed by neurodivergent youth. She holds a master’s degree in Performance Improvement and has spent two decades leading global teams, designing human-centered systems, and mentoring others through complex challenges. Now, as the founder of Kindred Flight, Vanessa brings together her background in leadership, behavioral design, and aerial movement to create inclusive, joyful programs for children who experience the world differently. As both a mom and an aerialist, she believes that every child deserves a place to feel safe, seen, and celebrated—and she’s building that place one joyful session at a time.

  • A woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a gray turtleneck and navy blazer, smiling in a well-lit living room with a sofa and shelves in the background.

    Kristine Gustafson

    Board Vice President

    Kristine Gustafson brings more than a decade of experience working with children and adults with autism across both public and nonprofit settings. She currently teaches special education for the Clark County School District, where she has served for over five years. After a two-year hiatus to focus on motherhood, Kristine returned to CCSD with renewed purpose and passion. Before moving to Las Vegas, she spent over six years teaching at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders in the Philippines, a nonprofit private school dedicated to supporting neurodivergent youth. Kristine holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a focus on special education and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in autism education. As a devoted mom, educator, and advocate, Kristine is committed to helping children reach their fullest potential. She brings warmth, expertise, and a global perspective to her role at Kindred Flight, helping build an inclusive space of healing and growth.

  • ©photo by Teresa Isgriggs

    Lisanna Paloma Vazquez

    Executive Director

    Lisanna Paloma Vazquez is a globally accomplished performing artist with more than two decades of international stage experience, including productions with Cirque du Soleil, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and Germany’s Flic Flac Festival. A Division 1 NCAA full-ride scholarship gymnast, she earned a BFA in Graphic Design and holds certifications in personal training and fitness nutrition. Lisanna brings a unique combination of elite athleticism, creative vision, and inclusive leadership to her role as Executive Director of Kindred Flight.

    ©photo by Teresa Isgriggs

  • Jennifer Angell

    Program Director

    With 20 years of experience in education, Jennifer Angell is a passionate teacher, mentor, and leader. A lifelong resident of Las Vegas, she earned her undergraduate degree from UNLV and holds two master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Teacher Leadership and Administration. Jennifer is also a trauma-informed yoga instructor who specializes in empowering others and creating inclusive environments where students and educators feel seen, heard, and valued. She has successfully led the implementation of restorative practices in schools, and is known for developing impactful programs and curriculum to train fellow educators. Through Kindred Flight, Jennifer blends her dedication to education, community, and belonging—helping others grow, connect, and thrive.

  • ©photo by Teresa Isgriggs

    Adam Rafael Vazquez

    Community Engagement Manager

    Adam Vazquez is a 4th generation circus artist, carrying on the rich historical tradition of his family with artistic integrity, discipline and passion for his craft. Having captured the quality and poise of hand-to-hand artistry, as part of the international award-winning Duo A&A, Adam has graced the stages of the world’s most renowned venues, holding a prestigious place in history among the halls of Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione, a fully-merited plaque for “Most Standing Ovations.” Now, with a lifetime of experience, Adam brings his deep-rooted passion for circus arts and community-building to Kindred Flight, where he leads outreach, fosters partnerships, and helps create joyful, accessible experiences for families and supporters.

    ©photo by Teresa Isgriggs

  • Portrait of a young woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing a black turtleneck, smiling softly with a blue background.

    Anahi Centeno

    IT Director

    Anahi is a web and systems specialist whose passion for clean design and user-friendly technology drives Kindred Flight’s digital presence. She began her career in the IT department at SierraThermal, where she supported web development projects and front-end user systems while attending college in California. After transferring to Las Vegas, she followed both her academic goals and her heart—joining her now-husband, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current Las Vegas Metro officer. As a newlywed and new mom, Anahi found a natural alignment with Kindred Flight’s mission of building inclusive spaces for families. Her work ensures that our systems remain accessible, intuitive, and welcoming for every parent, donor, and community member who visits. She is also helping lead the development of future digital initiatives—including more adaptive online registration, donation experiences, and innovative tools to increase access for all families.

  • A woman with black hair, wearing a black turtleneck, smiling at the camera in an indoor setting.

    Christy Rodriguez

    Clinical Program Director

    Christy Rodriguez is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience supporting neurodivergent youth and adults across clinical and school-based settings. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston–Victoria, a CACREP-accredited program, and specializes in trauma-informed care and cognitive behavioral techniques. Throughout her career, Christy has been a passionate advocate for inclusive, relationship-based support that honors each individual’s unique needs. Her healing-centered approach integrates therapeutic insight with compassion and cultural awareness. At Kindred Flight, she ensures every program is built on a foundation of clinical integrity, sensory sensitivity, and emotionally safe practices—creating an environment where every child and caregiver can feel confident, supported, and seen.