Hi! I’m Katie. I live in a little house on five acres in Grass Lake that has become our own slice of paradise. I drink iced caramel macchiatos year-round and stash Reese’s in my freezer. I thrive on planning, organization, and completed to-do lists. I’m very passionate about mental health, reducing the stigma, and the power of resilience.
I’m 30 and thriving as they say. I have been happily married for six years to Steve, my high school sweetheart since 2013. We met when I was 14 in small-town Dexter, Michigan. From childhood to college, marriage to parenthood, we have made it through a lot. I’m a mama to three: Levi, age five; Taylor, 18 months; and, Audrey, 12 weeks. We also have two fur babies: Chevy, a lab mix; and Bailey, a German Shepard rescue from the Detroit Humane Society.
More About Me
My journey to resilience started when I was nine and lost my dad suddenly to lung cancer. He was strong, powerful, and had a heart of gold. I’m thankful for the community that has gathered around me during hard times and directed me back to God and healing. Although my heart breaks daily for him, I’m learning that his loss has allowed me to be the support for others. Days are hard but months seem easier.
Our biggest heartbreaks lead to our best works of art. Receiving an education has always been my top goal. I moved out on my own at the age of 18, working full time to support myself and pay for education. I started in early childhood education and then transferred over to emergency medical services as an EMT. Those were the most powerful times in my life. Although I knew how fragile life can be, I was reminded every day how, in the blink of an eye, life could end. As a student, our ambulance was hit by a semi on a foggy November day. That day, and many other calls I responded on, left quite the heartache and forever changed my life. I always have an exit plan and find myself in a continuous state of fear.
Change can be hard, but looking back, transferring careers to our hospital’s community health department was the best decision I could have made. I was able to put more time into my education while learning and working alongside an amazing group of people.
In 2019, I graduated with honors from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Child & Family Development. I earned my Certified Family Life Education Certification from the National Counsel of Family Relations. The journey of resilience may be hard but my hope is to empower families to develop both knowledge and skills that will enhance their well-being and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Family
Levi is five. The long, brutal 38-hour labor was the one that made me a mama. Levi is our Valentine’s Day babe. He is strong, determined, and a thrill-seeker. He never gives up and fights for what he believes. Man, I can’t wait to see the mountains he climbs in life.
Taylor is 18 months. She stole my heart from the moment I laid eyes on her. We did not find out the sex during this pregnancy. I was convinced we had Levi’s little brother in there. An emergency Cholecystectomy at 21 weeks, finishing undergrad, and working full-time all added up to be quite the nine months. She is full of sass and spunk and we could not imagine our lives without her.
Audrey Alena-Kay is 12 weeks. Sweet baby “Dre” is our number three, and the final puzzle piece to our family. God knew she was what my heart needed. She was so sweet and calm from the moment she took her first breath. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for her.
Being a part of a loving supportive community has helped me become who I am today. I look forward to the days to come in this amazing community.
