One of the first host sites for The Children’s Place on Wheels program, Kids in Christ Academy was quick to sign on to this program launched in 2025 to bring play therapy services directly to children and schools and early education centers. Christina Puckett, Kids in Christ Academy’s Owner and Executive Director, has been an enthusiastic partner for the new program as a true believer in the importance of early childhood mental health.
“Christina has truly been on the forefront of the integration of mental health and early childhood education,” said Dawn Downes, Vice President of Program Administration at The Children’s Place. “She is paving the way to destigmatize mental health and promote its importance in early education centers.”
Christina opened Kids in Christ Academy in 2007 and has long been passionate about early childhood education, mental health awareness and early intervention services, believing that support provided during a child’s earliest years can have a lasting impact on their future success.
The Children’s Place on Wheels has been a natural addition to her center, as Christina has worked throughout her career to build strong partnerships that connect children and families with valuable community resources. Every week, The Children’s Place on Wheels parks outside Kids in Christ Academy for weekly appointments for appointment-based therapy sessions with the children at the center.
“The children are always excited to see Ms. Olivia and Ms. Deb and eagerly wait for their turn to step onto the therapy bus,” Christina told us. “What makes the program so special is that children view it as a fun place to play, explore and build relationships, while also receiving therapeutic support, healing and valuable skills that help them grow and succeed.”
Beyond hosting The Children’s Place on Wheels, Christina has gone above and beyond to help spread the word about this program and help more children in our community have access to mental health services. Her enthusiasm has been contagious, and she has even recruited other host sites for The Children’s Place on Wheels to help even more families have access to services.
“Christina is the first one to raise her hand for anything related to mental health for kids,” Dawn said. “She has been such a vital ambassador for The Children’s Place, and countless children and families have gained access to mental health services because of her.”
The Community Impact Award will be awarded at the Gratitude Bruncheon on August 27. Meet the other honorees of Gratitude Bruncheon 2026 here.
