Early Years and Passion to Help Military Families
Katie Travis, the current Senior Peer Mentor Coordinator at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), has spent her life supporting those who suffer the deep personal loss of a loved one.
The father of Travis provided military services. It was through her father’s military service that Travis grew up around the military.
Therefore, she had a connection with military families from an early age. She had seen the life of the people closely, whose family members are in military.
Thus, she understood the pain and wanted to assist the children and spouses of military officers.
This is why she pursued a career in counseling to help these communities deal with their challenges.
A Life-Altering Tragedy: Surviving Personal Loss
However, in 2014, when her significant other, an active duty Army combat medic, died by suicide while battling PTSD, it took an unexpected turn for her.
This tragedy broke her world into pieces and put her into great grief and sorrow. Since then, she started attending a Grief Counselor and made slow progress towards healing from PTSD related grief.
Facing Challenges and Finding Purpose
There were other challenges following the death of her partner. She encountered problems receiving government assistance because they were not married and not recognized as members of his family. However, despite these hardships, she continued to seek healing and meaning.
Finding Hope through TAPS and Career Evolution
In 2018, there was a major shift in Travis’ career path as she connected with the TAPS program through her work at Mt Carmel Veterans Service Center.
They were introduced to TAPS’ President/Founder whom they discussed their story with them extensively. Eventually though it was suggested that she go for a weekend grief seminar under TAPS.
Driven by her passion for helping others navigate grief and loss, Travis dedicated herself to furthering her education, obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees, participating in internships and fieldwork while working full-time jobs all at once.
This commitment as well as resilience saw Travis become instrumental at TAPS where she began as a peer mentor before assuming her current role of Senior Peer Mentor Coordinator.
Expanding Support and Grief Counseling
In February she moved to Warren County, where she began her search for available resources.
She found herself at the Schorman Center where they recognized her expertise and background offering her the position of grief counselor.
Travis had a master’s degree in social work and well over 10 years of experience working with military children; not to mention, Mt. Carmel Veteran Services Center employment that made her a great addition to Schorman Center’s team.
A Journey of Giving Back and Empowerment
Travis’ vast experience and compassionate heart in assisting others through the complex maze of grief and loss has made her a pillar of strength for those going through similar issues.
Her journey from personal loss to professional empowerment is an example of resilience, commitment, and the transformational capacity of tragedy turned purposeful.
Continued Impact and Future Endeavors
Travis continues to serve grieving individuals as well as military families both in TAPS and at the Schorman Center.
This story serves as an inspiration that shows how tragic personal loss can be transformed into something meaningful thereby helping other people in need.
In conclusion, Katie Travis’s incredible journey, which went from an abyss of personal losses to that of a star that guides those who are grieving, reminds us of how much resilience, empathy and motivation matter in the face of difficulties.
She was always there for others caught up in the confusing world of loss, showing how the human spirit can convert agony into determination.
