Staff Spotlight: Kathie
Let’s meet Kathie!
Kathie is an Oncology Social Worker with Cancer Care Connection, an affiliate of JFS Delaware. She has over 10 years of clinical experience serving the community and supporting individuals and caregivers impacted by cancer and other life stressors. Kathie’s prior work experience includes supporting clients who are managing and coping with depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and adjustment to planned and unplanned life transitions. Kathie practices from a collaborative, strengths-based and person-centered perspective.
Why did you decide to work for Cancer Care Connection?
“After completing graduate school to begin a second career in social work, Cancer Care Connection’s advertisement for a social worker intrigued me. During my own cancer experience, there was very little attention paid to the psychosocial impact of cancer on one’s life. Later, while working in human resources, I witnessed the bio-psycho-social impact and distress that adult and childhood cancers had on my colleagues’ hearts and souls – whether they were patients, parents, family, or caregivers.”
What inspires you to come to work every day?
“My incredible colleagues and knowing we can provide a bit of relief to patients or their families and/or caregivers.”
What is the best part of your job?
“I deeply value the opportunity to provide a safe space for “unhurried conversations,” allowing patients and caregivers to voice their hopes, concerns, and frustrations to a non-judgmental professional. Witnessing the relief that listening, coaching about stress reduction tools, and providing pragmatic resources, when possible, is a privilege.”
What is a fun fact about you?
“I used to be terrified of dogs, but since our son came home from college with a huge Great Dane/Lab mix, I love them. Since then, we’ve had three big dogs. Exposure therapy at work?”
If you could go anywhere in the world for your next vacation, where would you go? Why?
“On a road trip with my bestie searching out independent bookstores, fabric and yarn stores, and Airbnbs near water where we can read, relax, laugh, and rejuvenate.
Why? Time is short and we’ve worked long and hard!”
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“An English professor or nurse.”
What is one food you could eat every day?
“Embarrassing but true: Mashed potatoes – with butter!”
What is the last show you binged?
“Ted Lasso – favorite line is “Be curious, not judgmental.”
What is the best book you ever read?
“Again, more than one answer! The Color Purple, by Alice Walker and Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte.”
What are you most thankful for you in your life right now?
“In addition to my family, friends, and colleagues – being semi-retired and not having to rush in the morning!”
Cancer Care Connection, an affiliate of JFS Delaware, helps people affected by cancer navigate the full range of the issues they face, make informed decisions, and take action on their own behalf. Oncology Social Workers provide professional coaching, personalized information, and resource connections so every person affected by cancer can obtain their best possible outcome. Learn more and get started here.