Growing up in the Streator area, Kate has wanted to work in health care since she was very young. As a high school student, she was the first person to stop and help someone at a motorcycle crash, and made her path became clear. From that moment on, I knew I was drawn to the challenge of knowing how to help and having the ability to maintain a calm nature to do so, Kate said. I can't imagine doing anything else. She was working in an intensive care unit when she was asked to provide occasional help at an orthopedic clinic. She was instantly hooked and took the first opportunity to transfer to orthopedics full-time. Most people get better, and it's a gift to watch and be a part of that, she said. Working in a surgical practice, I work closely with our surgeons to plan and provide the best care for each patient. Kate's husband is a firefighter and the couple have three children. Kate is very active in the Parent Teacher Organization at her children's school and believes strongly in contributing to the community through volunteerism.