Kindred Bakery BK is a nonprofit social enterprise founded in 2022 in Flatbush, Brooklyn by the parents of an autistic young man who found confidence and joy in the kitchen. Seeing his growth, they set out to offer that opportunity for more young people—both neurodivergent and neurotypical. Using the art and science of baking we can create pathways to employment, community, and belonging for those who may otherwise face barriers to entry. We believe every learner deserves an inclusive space to grow. 

The hummingbird has long served as a meaningful symbol for Kindred’s founders, Nigel Thompson and Qiana Daniels. Rooted in the cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago – “the land of the hummingbird” – it represents grace, resilience, and individuality. Over time, the hummingbird came to embody their son, Nigel Jr., as he navigates life with autism and epilepsy, and now stands for all the young people Kindred supports – each moving at their own rhythm and contributing their own creativity to the world. 

Our Mission

At Kindred, we are making inclusivity the norm – not the exception. We turn kitchens into mixed-ability classrooms and workplaces, using hands-on artisanal baking instruction, workforce readiness training, and social-emotional learning to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Why This Work Matters

For autistic youth and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, aging out of school-based services can feel like falling off a cliff. This sudden loss of support can leave families overwhelmed and unsure where to turn next. Nigel Jr. will face this “disability cliff” next year, just like thousands of other young adults in New York City. Kindred closes that gap, offering a safe and steady place where young adults can continue to grow, belong and be supported long after graduation. 

Impact at a Glance

• Serving neurodivergent and neurotypical youth and young adults
  
  




• Hands-on classes taught by trained artisan bakers
  
  




• Workforce pathways + public-facing baking experience
  
  




• Mixed-ability learning that builds empathy, communication, and independence
  
  




• Partnerships with District 75 schools, the Institute of Culinary Education, King Arthur Baking Company, Brooklyn Org, New York Community Trust, Ichigo Foundation, and UpMobility
  
  

A Voice From Our Community

“Charlotte’s always been so dependent… but now she’s more confident, more independent, more able to speak up for herself.
She brushes her hair, ties it back for the bakery, and takes pride in how she shows up.
And she’s discovered she really likes managing the cash register — something I never would have imagined she could do.”

Stories like Charlotte’s show what’s possible when we make inclusivity the norm, not the exception.

More stories at Kindred Voices.

Leadership

Qiana Daniels — Co-Executive Director & Co-Founder

Educator, Early Intervention Therapist, and disability advocate with 25+ years of experience. Co-parent of a young adult with Autism and leader in culturally responsive, mixed-ability program design.

Nigel Thompson — Co-Executive Director & Co-Founder

Retired public safety professional and artisan baker trained at ICE under Chef Sim Cass. Leads kitchen operations and culturally informed, strengths-based instruction for mixed-ability learners.
Recognized by Brooklyn Org as one of Brooklyn’s Top 25 Changemakers in 2025, Champion for Families.

How You Can Help

Your support ensures that neurodivergent and neurotypical young people have a place to learn, grow, and thrive—both in the kitchen and beyond. It allows us to expand our programs, deepen hands-on learning, remain a stable community resource, maintain individualized instruction and increase the number of students we can support. By investing in Kindred, you help build lasting pathways to independence and meaningful employment for some of our community’s most vulnerable. Together, we can make inclusivity the norm, not the exception.

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