Katie Kurtz
SHE / HER / HERS
Katie Kurtz, MSW, LISW-S is an internationally recognized subject-matter expert in trauma-informed care. A sought-after speaker, she specializes in an integrative approach that is inclusive and adoptable for all industries and professions.
Trust is not assumed, it's built over time. When trust exists, safety is achievable. And when people feel safe, the possibilities are limitless.
Speaking
Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma is an undeniable reality that every individual may encounter, both personally and collectively. Trauma-informed care is a transformational leadership approach that focuses on increasing levels of trust, which leads to safer experiences for both clients and employees. Integrating a trauma-informed approach can potentially improve both client and staff experiences, resilience, outcomes, wellness, engagement, and retention.
Develop a Trauma-Informed Mindset
As a leader, the journey towards fostering a trauma-informed culture begins with your own mindset. By prioritising the development of a trauma-informed approach, you set the stage for transformative change within your organization. Develop a trauma-informed mindset through the 6 effective strategies of the Integrative Trauma-Informed Care Framework© to create an environment where psychological safety is paramount, enabling open communication and trust. Leading with this mindselt will build a resilient organization prepared to support each individual’s unique experiences, ultimately leading to improved performance and collaboration.
Become a Trauma-Informed Leader
Step into the future of leadership and stand out in your field by embracing a trauma-informed leadership approach. In today’s fast-paced work environment, the ability to recognize and respond to the effects of trauma is essential for fostering a resilient team. By becoming a Trauma-Informed Leader, you will not only enhance your own leadership skills but also transform your organizational culture. Take this opportunity to lead with empathy and make a lasting impact on your team’s well-being and overall success.
Workshops
Promoting Safety in the Workplace©
Are you confident that your workplace truly embodies safety in its relationships? This workshop delves into the pivotal role that safety plays in fostering productive, respectful, and creative work environments. Participants will learn why safety is essential in working relationships and understand the risks of presuming it exists. Discover how your clients benefit from feeling secure in your presence and how implementing trauma-informed care can elevate safety for everyone involved.
Words Matter: Resisting Harm Through Our Language©
The words we choose carry significant weight in shaping relationships and fostering an inclusive environment. This workshop offers vital insights into the impact of language on individual experiences and collective dynamics. Participants will explore how adopting trauma-informed language not only enhances communication but also builds trust and understanding within teams.
Creating a Culture of Care: An Integrative Trauma-Informed Care Approach
Values aren’t just words we resonate with but rather actions we desire to live by. Trauma-informed care is a cohesive culture making approach that translates your values into actions. Attendees will gain insight into the critical importance of understanding trauma and stress and its wide-ranging effects on individuals and teams. By integrating these practices, organisations can enhance employee well-being, promote resilience, and cultivate a more productive workplace.
Consulting
Consultation and technical assistance support are available for teams, groups, and companies who seek guidance and advising around integrating trauma-informed practices. The focus of my consultation is on integrating and applying trauma-informed practices into the team culture, business model, and ethos.
“Katie is a true pioneer who is at the forefront of trauma-informed care. Her work and vision has the power to not only amplify the impact that practitioners and organizations have on their communities, but to completely transform the future of our world. Katie embody’s her mission of building a trauma-informed future. If that’s a future that you envision yourself, Katie is the one to help you make that vision a reality.”
— Timothy Frie, Neuronutritionist, Researcher & Health Equity Activist
“I cannot recommend Katie Kurtz enough. I have hired her multiple times to work with my team and students. As a speaker, she is dynamic and generous with her wisdom and experience. You come away from each of her presentations feeling more confident and equipped. Every time I work with her I learn something new.”
— Shirin Eskandani, Whole Hearted Coaching
“I cannot say enough good things about Katie. Katie guides you through how to be trauma-informed by modeling every element so that you experience what it feels like to receive trauma-informed care while learning how to integrate it into your own way of being. I recommend Katie and her training to all of my clients and encourage all leaders and organizations to learn about trauma-informed care from Katie!”
‚ Crystal Whiteaker, Inclusive Branding & Leadership Development
“Katie is an amazing teacher and facilitator and I am so lucky I was able to learn from her. Katie has a wonderful way of sharing information, teaching others, and bringing nuance to every space.”
— Megan G. Marketing Mentor & Strategist
- Woman-owned Business
- Traveling from Ohio, USA
- Service Guide
Katie Kurtz, MSW, LISW-S (she/her) is a subject-matter expert on trauma-informed care. As a licensed social worker & certified coach, she has spent over 15 years specializing in trauma-informed training and consultation across multiple disciplines and industries.
Katie is a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer due to her ability to make this leadership approach applicable to all professions. She has created an integrative trauma-informed care approach to train thousands of professionals in multiple industries across 6 continents including the University of Southern California, Ohio Health Hospital System, Diabetes UK, Cuyahoga County, and the State of Ohio.
Katie is the author of the reflective self-care tool, the Contain Card Deck© and host of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast. Additionally, she is the regional co-chair of the State of Ohio’s Trauma-Informed Care Collaborative, vetted Subject Matter Expert with the Integrate Network, Adjunct Professor at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University Social Work Graduate Programs. Katie’s leadership and work has been awarded and internationally recognized within both the social work and coaching fields.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Gender Studies from the University of Dayton as well as a Master of Social Work degree and Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Case Western Reserve University. Katie is a licensed independent social worker with supervision designation (LISW-S) in the state of Ohio, an Internationally Certified Coach with BYCA, and a trauma-informed 200hr registered yoga teacher.
Let’s collaborate to ensure a transformative experience.