Kreindy Brand
Founder & Director
Kreindy Brand is the heart and soul behind Project NextGen. From a young age, Kreindy has possessed an innate ability to connect beyond the surface, she has always been someone people naturally open up to and are drawn to. Her warmth and openness often lead people to confide in her their most personal experiences. She listens without judgment, tuning into what’s really going on beneath the typical ‘I’m fine’. Her sensitivity allows her to recognize when someone is struggling or facing a crisis; and her deep belief in every individual’s potential continues to shape everything she does.
Her professional journey began as an educator, where she learned the power of human connection, and how it can change lives. Kreindy was assigned the most challenging class in the school, but rather than reacting to their negative behavior she aimed to understand it. She treated each student with empathy and care, which ultimately helped them thrive and succeed. What could have been a difficult year instead became one of her most rewarding experiences of her life.
Kreindy’s exceptional ability to connect with others inspired a shift from education to mentorship. In her leadership role as the director of a Brooklyn-based teen mentorship program, Kreindy formed relationships with teens, connecting them with appropriate therapists and resources to help them on their path to healing. She also worked with teens to mend broken relationships with their parents, acting as a confidant to both teens and parents.
Through her mentoring, Kreindy realized that teens need more than just therapy, they need consistent, judgement-free support around the clock. It is with that mindset that Kreindy went on to create Project NextGen: a space where teens feel safe, heard and never alone, where they can get daily support from people who genuinely care. Whether navigating a crisis, seeking guidance, or simply needing someone to talk to, countless teens reach out to Kreindy through calls, texts, and visits every day. Her presence offers them a lifeline—someone who truly listens without pressure or agenda.
Kreindy is currently pursuing a degree in social work to build on her natural ability to connect with others and gain the clinical skills necessary to support clients more effectively. Through her studies, she is also receiving extensive supervision and hands-on experience in the field of mental health.
Testimonials
“When I met Kreindy I was battling a serious addiction that I felt too ashamed to share with anyone. When I opened up for the first time, Kreindy’s response was calm and compassionate and with zero judgement. I can honestly say I owe my recovery, my renewed bond with my family and the joy I feel today to Kreindy.”
— Joel, 20
“Kreindy became like a second mother to me. I actually have her saved in my phone as “Mom.” She’s warm, nurturing, understanding, and always there when I need her. I call her when I’m having a hard day, when I need to cry, or just need someone to talk to.I honestly believe I wouldn’t be alive today if I hadn’t met Kreindy. I owe her my life.”
— Leah, 16
“Kreindy always notices my progress and celebrates my wins. When I first met Kreindy, I was struggling, using substances and in a really dark place. She quickly became a stable presence in my life, and continues to support me in staying sober, always cheering me on, Plus she’s also hilarious and fun. I feel incredibly lucky to have Kreindy in my life.”
— Rachel, 15