Programs and Services
Meet Caitlyn
Our commencement speaker was alumni Caitlyn Manney. She came to Vanderheyden at 15 years old after already experiencing 5 different out-of-home placements. When she arrived, she was angry, guarded, and unsure of what another new beginning could offer. During her time in Polly’s Cottage, Caitlyn began building relationships that would stay with her long after she left Vanderheyden. Those years helped Caitlyn develop the discipline, resilience and confidence she would carry into adulthood.
“You are not defined by where you started and you are not defined by your mistakes. There may be times when you feel misunderstood or believe that nobody sees your potential. But I promise you this: your current situation does not determine your destination.” - Caitlyn Manney, 2026 Commencement Speaker
Caitlyn described cooking meals with the other young women in the cottages as one of her favorite memories at Vanderheyden. She appreciated trying foods from different cultures and the connections that formed around those shared meals. Despite this, becoming a restaurant owner was never a part of her plan. She first fell in love with Unstoppable Nutrition as a customer, then as an employee, and eventually took over as the owner alongside her husband in September of 2024. She now has the chance to build something lasting for herself and her family.