Her Story
About Katie
I started my career in healthcare as a volunteer Candy Striper at a hospital while studying psychology. I then worked as a social worker for Child Protective Services for the county for about 8 years. After moving to Los Angeles in 1997, I worked in the music industry for about 4 years before transitioning into the private sector of psychiatric care. At my core, I'm an entrepreneur, so I started setting up psychiatric treatment facilities from a business perspective rather than purely clinical. I worked as a teacher for 3 years in LAUSD, Los Angeles Unified, teaching emotionally disturbed kids. My career evolved into starting up psychiatric centers and stabilization centers for people who are struggling, set up in homes instead of hospitals using a trauma-informed care model. I became one of the first women executives in my field across the country and built a stellar team that stayed with me for over 8 years. My most notable achievement was the startup of Bridges to Recovery in Los Angeles and its acquisition by Constellation Behavioral Health. Throughout my 30-year career, I consulted on treatment center startups all over the world, including Italy, South Africa, and London. I'm known for having a very good reputation for doing what's right for families and patients, providing ethical care. Now semi-retired, I still take consulting calls and am currently working on opening a crisis stabilization center in Tulum, Mexico.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I loved what I did. I would definitely say perseverance and manifestation are what I attribute my success to. Throughout my career, I stayed committed to doing what was right for families and patients, maintaining ethical care standards. I built a reputation for creating safe, compassionate environments where people could heal. My team stayed with me for over 8 years, which was the longest that anybody had them in the field, and they still come together when I call them, even though many are now very busy professionals, some even on TV. I think loving your work and persevering through challenges, combined with the ability to manifest your vision, are the keys to success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from my dad. He said there's always a solution. He had a business for 75 years called Office Systems, and he made a little thing that said 'Fresh Ideas' on a cup. The idea is that when you're out of ideas, you wake up every day and think of a fresh idea, a solution. I use that cup on my desk because it reminds me that no matter how challenging things can be, there's always a solution. I hike a lot and get my ideas when I'm hiking. That advice has carried me through my entire career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stand up tall. Be confident. Trust yourself. And speak up. Share your ideas. There's nothing to be afraid of. Be yourself. As one of the first women executives in my field across the country, I learned that you have to have confidence in yourself and not be afraid to voice your thoughts and ideas, even in male-dominated environments. Trust your intuition and stay strong in your convictions, even when others might judge you for your choices.
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