About KINNECT

Where Experience Meets Expertise

Social Workers
Saw the Need
Created KINNECT

Our Journey

KINNECT was born from a simple observation: foster children needed more than what the traditional system could provide. As social workers, Dr. Lillian Mae Collins and Dr. Caleb Hilden witnessed firsthand the gaps in mental health support for children navigating the foster care system.

Day after day, they saw brilliant, resilient children struggling with trauma, attachment, and identity—challenges that required specialized expertise beyond what brief interventions could offer. They saw foster parents wanting to help but lacking the tools. They saw children aging out of the system without the emotional foundation they deserved.

"We couldn't just observe anymore. We had to act."

This shared conviction led both doctors to pursue advanced degrees in behavioral therapy, specializing in trauma-informed care and attachment theory. In 2019, they founded KINNECT—a practice built on the belief that every child deserves therapeutic support from professionals who truly understand their journey.

Today, KINNECT serves as a bridge between clinical excellence and compassionate understanding. Our name reflects our mission: to help children build the connections they need to thrive—connections to their emotions, their stories, their families, and their futures.

Meet Our Founders

👩‍⚕️

Dr. Lillian Mae Collins

Co-Founder & Lead Therapist

Dr. Collins brings over 15 years of experience working with foster youth, first as a social worker and now as a specialized behavioral therapist. Her approach combines evidence-based practices with the deep empathy that comes from years of walking alongside children through their toughest moments.

"Every child I worked with as a social worker taught me something vital about resilience. Now, as a therapist, I get to help them discover that resilience within themselves."

Education & Credentials

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Stanford University
  • M.S.W., UC Berkeley
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  • Certified in Trauma-Focused CBT
  • Specialization in Attachment Theory
👨‍⚕️

Dr. Caleb Hilden

Co-Founder & Clinical Director

Dr. Hilden's journey from social work to behavioral therapy was driven by a commitment to providing foster children with the specialized support they deserve. His innovative therapeutic approaches have helped hundreds of children build healthier relationships and brighter futures.

"In social work, I saw the system. In therapy, I see the child. KINNECT allows us to focus on what matters most—helping each young person write their own story of healing and hope."

Education & Credentials

  • Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University
  • M.S.W., UCLA
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  • Certified in Play Therapy
  • Trained in EMDR for Youth

Our Core Values

🤲

Compassion First

Every interaction is guided by genuine care and understanding for the unique challenges foster children face.

🎯

Evidence-Based

We combine proven therapeutic techniques with innovative approaches tailored to each child's needs.

🌟

Strength-Focused

We believe in highlighting and building upon each child's inherent strengths and capabilities.

🤝

Collaborative

True healing happens when therapists, children, and caregivers work together as a team.

🌱

Growth-Oriented

We're committed to continuous learning and adapting our methods to serve our clients better.

🏡

Family-Centered

We recognize that healing happens in the context of relationships and community.

Why Choose KINNECT?

We've Been There

Our founders' experience as social workers gives us unique insight into the foster care system and the challenges children face within it.

Specialized Expertise

Our entire practice is dedicated to serving foster children and their families, making us true specialists in this field.

Trauma-Informed Approach

Every aspect of our practice is designed with trauma sensitivity in mind, from our office environment to our therapeutic methods.

Proven Results

Our evidence-based methods have helped hundreds of children build resilience, form healthy attachments, and create brighter futures.

Comprehensive Support

We work with the entire support system—children, foster parents, biological families, and caseworkers—to ensure lasting change.

Long-Term Partnership

We're committed to supporting children throughout their journey, adapting our approach as they grow and their needs evolve.

Ready to Begin the Journey?

Let's work together to help your child build the connections they deserve.

Schedule a Consultation