Meet the Team
Kristy Craig
Executive Director
850.380.3652 (cell, preferred)
850.433.6893 (office)
Kristy@ReadyKidsFL.org
Kristy Craig joined the ReadyKids! team in 2019 and she has been part of the mission since 2017. She has an extensive background in nonprofit leadership and is passionate about early education and developing others. You can find Kristy building relationships, collaborating with partners, leading events, and sharing the ReadyKids! story throughout our community. Kristy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from the University of West Florida and enjoys spending time with her husband, Travis; sipping on iced hazelnut lattes at local coffee shops; traveling; and cuddling with her dog, Nebula.
Kristy’s favorite children’s book is “Little Elliot, Big City” because it captures the joy in helping others and the importance of friendship and kindness. It also reminds us that no matter our size, we can accomplish anything with a little help; and no matter our worries, we’re never truly alone.
Mindi Crain
Engagement Manager
985.981.3862 (cell)
Mindi@ReadyKidsFL.org
Mindi Crain joined the ReadyKids! team in 2017, with her roles evolving over the years. You can find Mindi building relationships at our partner schools, leading our family engagement efforts, engaging with volunteers for community-based events, and serving as a ReadingPals Site Coordinator. Mindi has a Master's of Social Work from the University of West Florida and enjoys DIY projects; being outside; and spending time with her boyfriend, Tim, her pets, Archie and Gracie, and her family.
Mindi’s favorite children’s book is “The Rainbow Fish” because it tells the story of sharing and the happiness that being kind to others can bring. It teaches the valuable lesson that kindness and friendship are more important than possessions.
Kari Lindemann
Program Manager
850.572.3674 (cell)
Kari@ReadyKidsFL.org
Kari Lindemann joined the ReadyKids! team in 2023 after spending seven years as a teacher with Escambia County Public Schools. You can find Kari recruiting and training volunteers, collaborating with education partners, providing management and oversight of programs and support staff, and serving as a ReadingPals Site Coordinator. Kari holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from the University of West Florida and has a teaching certificate. Kari loves spending time with her husband and their three children. She is a native of Pensacola and enjoys all that this great place has to offer from downtown restaurants to the beaches.
Kari's favorite children's book is "What Do You Do With An Idea?" because it teaches you that any idea – whether big or small – can become something great as long as you have the patience and willingness to let it grow.
Christie Saffold
Development Manager
850.382.3710 (cell)
Christie@ReadyKidsFL.org
Christie Saffold joined the ReadyKids! team in 2024, bringing over 16 years of experience in nonprofit leadership. With a strong background in fundraising, event planning, volunteer management, and program development, Christie has dedicated her career to making a difference in the community. Before joining ReadyKids!, she served as the Executive Director of Nonie’s Place and the Senior Foundation Director at Covenant Care Foundation. Christie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Georgia State University and is deeply passionate about nonprofit work, driven by the meaningful impact it has on families. In her spare time, Christie enjoys going on outdoor adventures, exploring new restaurants with family and friends, working out, and snuggling all the animals.
Christie’s favorite children’s book is “Where the Wild Things Are” because she loves the way it embraces the beauty of imagination and celebrates the endless possibilities that every child should have the chance to explore.
Michelle Thomas
ReadingPals Site Coordinator
619.341.3619 (cell)
Michelle@ReadyKidsFL.org
Michelle Thomas joined the ReadyKids! team in August 2024. With her background as a former Branch Operations Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, she brings exceptional problem-solving and relationship-building skills to her current role. Michelle is dedicated to creating strong connections between volunteers and the children they mentor, and she is excited about creating a positive impact on early education. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys indoor cycling, meditation, reading, and volunteering at her daughter’s school.
Michelle’s favorite children’s book is “The Smart Cookie” by Jory John because of its message of confidence and self-acceptance. It emphasizes that everyone is different and has their own unique talents. This book is a reminder of the benefits of taking a leap of faith and trying something new.
Katrina Wendel
ReadingPals Site Coordinator
701.330.0995 (cell)
Katrina@ReadyKidsFL.org
Katrina Wendel joined the ReadyKids! team in November 2024, bringing extensive experience as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TVI). With a career dedicated to the education of children, Katrina is especially skilled in fostering literacy for students who are blind and visually impaired, and she’s excited to apply her expertise to ReadyKids!’ mission of literacy development for all children. Katrina received an M.S. in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind and Visually Impaired from Northern Illinois University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Dakota. She enjoys the beaches, exploring the Pensacola area with her boyfriend, Cody, and doting on her two dogs, Jasmine and Bella.
Katrina’s favorite children’s book is “Green Eggs and Ham." With fond memories of holding races with her cousins to see who could accurately read each page the fastest, this book will always hold a special place in her heart for the family memories created.