Our Leadership

Lakes Region Diaper Exchange was founded by Katelyn Doherty, a local mom of three with a big heart for families, children, and community.

Katelyn has always believed in showing up for others during hard seasons. In 2019, she helped organize Ballin' 4 Big Bob Tournament for Hope, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament held at Laconia High School in support of her husband's father, Bob Dassatti, while he was fighting colon cancer. Bob was well known in the Laconia community for his dedication to local youth — through years of involvement with youth basketball, coaching, and community service. The tournament brought together family, friends, local businesses, players, and community members and went on to raise $25,000.

That experience showed Katelyn that people are often willing to help — they just need a way to do it. As a mother, she knows firsthand how quickly the cost of raising children adds up, and how stressful it can feel when basic needs become hard to afford. She believes no parent should feel ashamed for needing support, and no child should go without the essentials they need to be clean, healthy, and cared for.

Outside of running Lakes Region Diaper Exchange, Katelyn loves spending time with her family, baking, reading, and playing with her children. She is also an animal lover who believes deeply in kindness, compassion, and helping in whatever way you can.

"My hope is that every family who reaches out to Lakes Region Diaper Exchange feels seen, respected, and supported — whether they need help once, every now and then, or during a difficult season."

Lakes Region Diaper Exchange was built on the belief that it truly does take a village — and when a community comes together, even the smallest residents are better cared for.