Our Founders Story

Turning loss into purpose

On A Dragonfly’s Wings was founded from a place no parent should ever have to experience.

After losing her 15-year-old son, Nikolai, to suicide, founder Kris Miller made a commitment to ensure that other families would have access to the support, education, and resources they need—before it’s too late.

What began as grief has grown into a mission: to create spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and supported, and where families are equipped to navigate mental health with confidence and care.

Today, that mission lives on through every program, event, and connection we make in the community.

Read Our Story

Our Mission

Supporting youth. Strengthening families. Saving lives.

Our mission is to provide community support while engaging in suicide prevention through investment in mental health advocacy and youth programs.

We believe that every young person deserves:

  • Access to tools that support their mental well-being

  • Safe spaces to express themselves

  • A community that reminds them they matter

We are not here to compete—we are here to collaborate, partner, and build a stronger support system for youth and families across our community.

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Our Programs

Real programs. Real connection. Real impact.

We provide meaningful, hands-on opportunities for youth and families to build resilience, connection, and mental wellness.

Camp Dragonfly

A free, week-long summer camp for students in grades 4–8 focused on building strong mental health habits through connection, movement, creativity, and peer support.

More About Camp
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Scholarship Program

Supporting graduating high school students pursuing careers in mental health, including psychology, counseling, and social work.

More on Scholarships
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Community Programs & Events

From family events and youth activities to school partnerships and community outreach, we create opportunities for connection, education, and support throughout the year.

View All Events

Youth Mental Health Resources

Support when it matters most

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or young person, having access to the right resources can make all the difference.

We’ve created a collection of trusted resources to help you:

  • Recognize signs of mental health challenges

  • Start meaningful conversations

  • Find professional support

  • Access crisis help when needed

You are not alone and help is available.

Get Help Now
View Resource Library

Our Impact

Every connection matters

While we may not always see the full impact of our work, we know that every conversation, every event, and every program has the potential to change a life.

Through our efforts, we continue to:

Reach

Reach youth across Oakland County

Support

Support families navigating mental health challenges

Partner

Partner with schools, organizations, and community leaders

Create

Create safe, welcoming spaces for connection and growth

Our goal is simple: to make sure every young person knows they matter.

See Our Impact

Get Involved

Be part of the difference

Creating lasting change takes a community.

There are many ways to support the mission of On A Dragonfly’s Wings:

Donate

Help us continue providing free programs and resources to youth and families in our community.

Volunteer

Join us in creating meaningful experiences through events, programs, and outreach efforts.

Partner With Us

We welcome collaboration with businesses, schools, and organizations who share our commitment to supporting youth mental health.

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Stories & Testimonials

Voices from our community

The true impact of our work is reflected in the lives we touch.

From campers and families to community partners, these stories highlight the power of connection, support, and showing up for one another.

Each story is a reminder that even small moments can create lasting change—and that no one has to navigate their journey alone.

“My daughter LOVED her time at this camp. She was very hesitant as she is always very against going to camps of any kind. She left this week of camp seeming so energized and so kind/positive. We noticed a huge difference in the time we spent up north with her this past week and how she was dealing with her emotions. Overall though I would say her kindness to us and her brother was what I noticed the most. Thank you for giving them tools to grow in a positive way. I have no suggestions for next year because I thought this was wonderful. I’d love to have her do this again!”

Stephanie

“It’s a challenge raising neurodivergent children. I am also neurodivergent so we are just trying our best day by day to love and accept each other, nurture and celebrate our strengths, and manage our shortcomings with grace. My daughter loved camp. She was hesitant at first. She didn’t want to go and she was mad at me for signing her up for it. We encouraged her and told her we were so proud of her for trying something new. Each day she came home more and more excited to be there. At the end of camp she really loved showing me her toolkit and reading each sticker she chose for her journal. She read me her journal too, and I was grateful for every word.”

Jessica

“I cannot say enough about what an outstanding program and experience this was for our child. It is hard to find a summer camp that is not overly specific for a sport or interest at the middle school age. Also, we need more mental health support for kids. A place for middle schoolers to be kids and learn tools is exactly what we needed. From day one he felt comfortable and had made a friend. It made getting ready for a summer camp in the morning easy. The signs posted to find the camp were so helpful and the volunteers and staff were welcoming. I appreciate the journaling the kids did and hope we continue it at home. I loved the introduction to alternative healings and the chance for my kid who is ‘that’ kid in school to be just a kid. This was time well spent and we are so grateful for the experience.”

Chelsea

“Fantastic work! Healing the hearts of many, one person and step at a time. Thank you for caring for all those hearts and all you do.”

NT
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