This is the story of a driven and determined woman, who has navigated the most challenging of times, overcome depression alongside her loving sister, and went on to build a career working two different jobs, all while managing the complexities of ADHD and autism. This extraordinary woman is one of the most popular and loved among her peers and colleagues.
Sounds like the story arc for a character from a great movie, right?
Well, meet the protagonist of our story–Katelin, who coincidentally also adores movies.
Now 36 years old, Katelin’s journey through life’s ups and downs has shaped her into the remarkable person she is today. But, let’s start Katelin’s story from its start!
Katelin loved her mother very much. At the age of 8, Katelin remembers insisting her mother rent her a movie. Not just any movie. Not Teletubbies or Tom and Jerry. Katelin wanted something a little more… challenging. She asked her mom to let her watch Poltergeist, the 1982 supernatural horror film.
“I was fascinated by the movie! I wasn’t scared. I sat through the whole thing. I love horror movies now.”
But it takes more than just any horror movie to impress Katelin. She may love movies, but she’s selective–revealing all the signs of a true aficionado.“I’m really not a fan of the sequels. I only love the first Poltergeist.”
Sadly, Katelin lost her mother, who died suddenly at the young age of 56. She and her sister lived with their mother until her passing a few years ago. “It was really, really tough and very sudden. I became very depressed at the time,” she recalls.
Katelin’s Aunt Chrissy, took her and her sister in, helping them navigate their grief and uncertainty. She provided the stability Katelin and her sister direly needed after having to move multiple times after their mother’s sudden passing.
Katelin and her sister are extremely close, and Chrissy has become a second mother to them.
Despite all that life has sent her way, Katelin has managed to remain a dedicated employee at Marshall’s for the past 12 years. She started with sorting and categorizing clothes, but quickly demonstrated her skills and dedication, moving on to organizing and displaying merchandise on the floor.
“I love tasks that allow me to be active and use my hands,” she says proudly. “I wake up at 5 o’clock in the morning and get to work by 6,” Katelin shares. “I take merchandise out from the truck and prepare the store for the day. Then I work on the truck and in the store until around 11:00 AM.”
But, that’s not it. Didn’t we mention Katelin loves movies?
In addition to her job at Marshalls, Katelin works as an usher at AMC Theatres in Westbury. This job, which she has enjoyed for almost a year, was made possible through the relentless efforts of her aunt, Chrissy. Katelin’s love for movies, especially horror films, makes this job a perfect fit. “You know I get to watch movies before anyone else has seen them?” she says cheekily.
“My Aunt Chrissy worked so hard for me, getting me benefits and everything I needed,” Katelin says. “She believes I am capable of so much.”
Katelin’s hard work, helpfulness, and personable nature have won her awards at her workplaces, something that doesn’t come as a surprise to all of us at CFS.
Rosemary, Katelin’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) at CFS, has been a tireless source of support to Katelin. She helps Katelin with her grocery shopping and managing her finances.
“Rosemary has taught me to save my money, use a planner, and save receipts,” Katelin says. “I’ve written down everything I bought and learned to add everything up at the end of the month. Rosemary’s guidance has been invaluable.”
Despite some initial nervousness and hesitancy about having a DSP help her, Katelin seems to have found her perfect match in Rosemary. They share a great rapport, laughing and bonding over Starbucks and “fun food.”
Rosemary admires Katelin’s resilience, sense of humor, and potential. “In the short time I’ve known Katelin, I’ve witnessed the extent of her incredible resilience and great personality,” Rosemary shares. “I can’t wait to do more together with her.”
Katelin is more than inspiring. Her life is a tale of transformation and sheer grit. With the support of her Aunt Chrissy and DSP Rosemary, Kateline has navigated life with such courage and has emerged stronger for it. She has become a role model for those around her, and no one who knows her doubts that Katelin is destined for great things.
As Rosemary aptly puts it, “She’s going to fly.” Indeed, time flies, but so will Katelin.
