Beyond Distilling / Executive Director

Kerianne Krause started her career in South Carolina as a teacher’s assistant in a severe
and profound classroom. During this time, she realized her passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Kerianne worked through college working full time with children with Autism until she received her bachelor’s in psychology. As a senior at the College of Charleston Kerianne’s 4-year-old son was diagnosed with autism cementing her need to continue this work. Right after receiving her Bachelors, Kerianne became an Assistant Clinical Director and began her Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Autism. Kerianne’s Master’s thesis focused on mastery and retention in job skills for adults diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability. Upon graduation Kerianne passed her exam to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and became the Clinical Director at a Clinic in Beaufort, South Carolina. In 2016 Kerianne opened her own company, Building Independence Together, which now employs 60+ employees and provides services to 75+ families in Charleston and surrounding areas. Building Independence Together focuses on assent-based treatment. In 2017 Kerianne became the Director of the Charleston Walk for Autism, which provides funding for therapy to children with autism in the local community. The Walk is attended by over 1000 people each year. During this time she began working on a program book which would provide training to all individuals working in an inclusive setting to prepare for success and efficiency within the workplace.

In 2018 Kerianne reached out to her son’s godfather Tyler who was working in New York as a distiller to see if there was any way to include the mission of employing adults with disabilities within the alcohol industry. Tyler and his friend Ryan were looking to open their own distillery, and Beyond Distilling Company was born. After years of planning, Beyond Distilling Company opened December 2021 with 1 employee. As of October 2024 Beyond Distilling is 100% staffed by individuals with varying disabilities. Kerianne lead’s Beyond Distilling Company’s mission which is to advocate for employment inclusion and providing a model to other industries. Kerianne has spent the past 3 years writing a training manual that would act as a guide for other companies looking to provide gainful employment to adults with disabilities. The Beyond Employment Protocol is currently going through its first round of editing. Kerianne has been an invited speaker for The American Craft Spirits Association discussing “Positivity in the Workplace”, was featured on Beaufort News, was a guest of the podcast Voice of Charleston Women, and received Best of Charleston Business award in 2023.

In 2022 Kerianne and Beyond Distilling Company won the Small Business award from Disability Matters for the work being done to provide gainful and meaningful employment to the disabled community. Kerianne’s work at Beyond Distilling Company has been recognized by: Charleston Women’s Magazine, The Post and Courier, Beverage Dynamics, and The Charleston City Paper. Kerianne’s passion is driven by the support of her husband and 4 children.