As the Program Assistant for Connecting Point, Christy Hutto is often parents’ first contact with services for children with special needs. Christy’s dedication to Connecting Point and Rainbows has helped to raise the level of awareness of Rainbows’ services and the importance of early intervention throughout Sedgwick County. She expertly handles the task of getting parents where they need to be, whether it is Screen for Success, Infant/Toddler Services, their school district, mental health or other community-based services.
Christy joined Rainbows’ United in 1998. “I worked in banking for 4 years,” she said. “It was not a fulfilling career for me. I’ve always been a helper. When I was hired at Rainbows, I knew I was doing important work helping children.”
In college Christy volunteered at the Special Olympics as part of her employer’s partnership with the program. That experience helped her realize she wanted to pursue a career in special education, and she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in child development.
“Most days I’m working from my home office,” said Christy. “My favorite ‘work day’ is on screening days. It gives me a chance to be in the field working directly with the children that attend. These days are busy, but fun and rewarding. I love the people I work with. It is a joy to work alongside these folks.”
“My biggest achievement at Rainbows was winning the Prism Award in 2019,” said Christy. This award recognizes an outstanding Rainbows employee who embodies Rainbows’ guiding principles, is a role model for other staff, and goes above and beyond job duties to fulfill Rainbows’ mission. In the Prism Award tribute to Christy, she was recognized as someone who keeps her composure regardless of the situation, and by actively listening and effectively communicating is a calming, reassuring influence. She has earned the respect of her coworkers and community partners by genuinely caring about people.
Christy is mom to son Brody and fur baby Dolly Jo (pup). She enjoys road trips and getting away with her family, and is an avid Shocker and KC Chiefs fan.
“I loved bringing my son to work,” said Christy. “Brody started in the nursery at the downtown location when he was 3 months old. He attended Rainbows until he graduated Pre-K. Although he is in high school now, watching him grow up at Rainbows is still one of my favorite memories.”
