Katie joined the Planetree Global Patient and Family Partnership Council (Global PFPC) in 2020. She is an active member of the Planetree Certification Committee and has contributed to the organization's strategic planning efforts. Katie is passionate about teaching and improving the patient and family experience.
Katie joined the Center for Patients and Families at Wellstar Medical College of Georgia Health in Augusta, Georgia, in 2018 as Manager of Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) and Volunteer Services. She oversees PFCC initiatives, programs, advisory councils, and process improvement strategies. In addition, she is responsible for the daily operations of the volunteer program, blood donation program, fundraising initiatives, and Pet Therapy.
Prior to this role, Katie spent nearly 20 years as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) at the Children's Hospital of Georgia, where her special interests included mentoring Child Life interns and coordinating camps for children with chronic illnesses. She also serves as adjunct faculty at Augusta University and as a part-time instructor at the University of Georgia, helping educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. Katie has presented on a variety of topics at local, national, and international conferences. She is a Certified Child Life Specialist and a recipient of the Family Choice Award at Augusta University Health.
Katie is also a Wish Discovery volunteer with Make-A-Wish Georgia, a team coordinator with Better Together Foster Care Ministry, and a patient advocate with Hope Women's Center.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development, with a specialization in Child Life, from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Public Administration, with a specialization in nonprofit management, from Augusta State University (now Augusta University).
