Hi, I’m Katie Szumigala.
My top two core values are freedom and connection, which are visible in both my personal and professional life. I value the freedom of flexibility, creativity, and innovation. And, I derive satisfaction from connecting with others in a meaningful way, as well as creating a space where others can create their own connection.
My essence, or intrinsic nature, can be described in the five words listed below. These were offered by my professional coach following her experience of me and the words of those closest to me.
HEART. Generous disposition.
PURPOSE. Intentional and deliberate.
HAVEN. Safe place.
BRILLANCE. Unusual mental keenness or alertness.
ZEST. Adds enjoyment.
The combination of my core values and essence creates a realistic picture of who I am as a person and an idea of what it might be like to work with me.
As an experienced facilitator and trainer, I’ve presented at local, regional, and statewide conferences and events on a wide range of topics using subtle humor to connect with my audience.
Following a passion for creativity and desire to bring valuable content to more people, I started creating online courses - both writing and developing my own courses and creating an online version from other trainers’ curriculum.
I had the opportunity to be an active member of the leadership team for a medium-sized construction company where we implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), upgraded the safety program, and organized the drug-free workplace program. I very much valued connecting and engaging with the crew on a daily basis.
I was the coordinator of the Working Partners® Drug-Free Workforce Community Initiative, a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and Working Partners® to address the economic threat of substance abuse by employees and job seekers in our state and received the “First Responder Award” for my crisis management skills and ability to address concerns no matter the time or problem.
Additionally, I provided drug-free workplace employee education and supervisor training, as well as substance-related presentations to professional groups through Working Partners® and Safex, Inc.
I graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree from the University of Dayton in counseling. Though I no longer practice direct client care, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). My professional experience includes therapy and psychoeducation in residential and outpatient chemical dependency treatment centers, including medication assisted treatment, as well as providing similar services within the mental health community. Additionally, I’ve collaborated with the criminal justice system to provide chemical dependency and mental health assessment services to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
I currently live in Toledo, Ohio with my firefighter/paramedic husband, our mini goldendoodle, and newborn son.