About Heart of a Child Ministries
Heart of a Child Ministries began with a simple yet monumental moment.
On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade in 2012, our founder, Nikki Schaefer, MSW, attended a Holy Hour for Life with her seven-year-old daughter, Grace. After the service, Grace made a heartfelt comment through tears:
“Those babies may be small, but they are people too.”
That moment sparked more than a conversation. It ignited a mission.
At the time, Nikki was a professional counselor supporting abortion-minded women. She witnessed firsthand that many women were not choosing abortion out of malice, but out of fear, poverty, and lack of support. Grace’s response was clear and courageous: “I want to make something and sell it and give the money back to the mommies so that they do not have to have abortions, and they can buy diapers instead.”
She then shared her inspiration of the pro-life prayer pillow. What began as a child’s idea, sewing and selling these pillows to spread prayer and support struggling mothers, quickly grew into something far greater. Tens of thousands of dollars were raised to serve women and families facing unplanned pregnancies.
Soon, faith-based schools began inviting Nikki and her daughters into share their story and inspire other kids to make a difference too. From those early invitations, the foundation of Heart of a Child Ministries was formed.
The 4S Model of Education™
As Heart of a Child Ministries expanded into classrooms, a clear and compelling framework emerged.
The 4S Model of Education™ is a holistic approach that engages students through:
SCRIPTURE – addressing God’s love and unique design for every human life
SCIENCE – sharing fetal development facts and LIVE ultrasound education.
STORIES – providing powerful prolife testimonials from real people
SERVICE – offering diaper and baby item drives from the school to PHOs
In the faith-based schools, Heart of a Child Ministries has 4 beautiful Celebration of Life programs for grades K-4th, 5-6th, middle school and high school.
Heart of a Child Ministries has also developed a public school, science only approach to fetal development education for middle and highschool students.
For over 10 years, Heart of a Child Ministries has delivered statistically proven, life-affirming education throughout the state of Nebraska and beyond.
Our programs include:
- Live “Celebration of Life” presentations for faith-based schools, churches, youth groups and religious education programs utilizing our 4S education model highlighted above.
- Live, science-only presentations -suitable for public schools.
- Teacher-led fetal development education program- utilizing power points and posters – with both faith-based and public-school options.
- Training and certification programs for organizations across the country wanting to bring our program into their communities.
- Survey-based impact tracking
- Life-affirming education merchandise and products
We are committed to transforming hearts and minds by affirming the intrinsic value and worth of every human life — from the womb to the tomb.
Who We Are
Nikki Schaefer, MSW
Executive Director
Nikki Schaefer holds a Master’s in Social Work and serves as the Executive Director of Heart of a Child Ministries™. She previously worked as a pro-life pregnancy counselor and art therapist with Catholic Services and Birthright, working with abortion-minded women, teens and their families. Nikki is also an author and illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous publications, Her published books include Padre Pio and the Mass, Saints for Girls, 33 Days in Adoration by Aquinas Press, and the children’s book, The Potty Train, by Guardian Angel Publishing. Nikki and her husband, Bernie, are blessed to have six beautiful children.
Staff
Maci Binder
Presentation Coordinator & Sonographer
Matt Estrand
Financial Manager & Development Assistant
Leadership & Advisory Teams
Heart of a Child Ministries is supported by dedicated leaders and medical professionals who provide guidance, oversight, and expertise to advance our mission.
Board of Directors
Michelle Witt
Kathy Bessmer
Laura Buddenberg, MS
Tom Carney, CFA
Bernie Schaefer, MS
Father Damien Wee
Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Angelina Giles, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Dr. Dave J. Hilger, MD
Teresa Kenney, APRN-NP
Dr. Kristina Pakiz, MD
Dr. Lloyd Pierre, MD
Dr. Nick Steinauer, MD
Join the Mission: Reach Students’ Hearts
Heart of a Child Ministries exists because a heart of a child chose to respond – a heart of “Grace”.
Students today are forming beliefs about life, identity, and human dignity. When truth is presented through science, compassion, and faith, perspectives shift. Hearts change. And generations are shaped. Your partnership allows us to reach more schools, equip more educators, support more pregnancy help organizations, and expand across Nebraska and beyond.
Together, we can build a legacy that honors the dignity of every human life and cultivates the heart of a child that is clear, courageous, and life-affirming. Together, we can change the heart of the nation by showing the heart of the child. Join us!
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