Every new employee at Springbrook begins their journey with an experience they will not soon forget, a class that challenges perspectives, builds understanding, and teaches the true meaning of empathy. At the heart of this experience is Katie Krause, who has been leading the Sensitivity Training class for more than 15 years.
Katie, who has cerebral palsy and uses a power chair for mobility, created the training after recognizing a need for new employees to gain a more personal understanding of what it means to work alongside and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the support of her former support staff, Tina, Katie advocated for the addition of her class to Springbrook’s New Employee Orientation (NEO) program. When Springbrook CEO Patricia Kennedy observed one of Katie’s training sessions, she was so impressed by Katie’s insight and leadership that she offered her a paid position to continue teaching the class. What began as a simple idea has grown into one of the most memorable and impactful parts of NEO.
Today, at the age of 39, Katie, with support from Melody Loft, continues to guide employees through hands-on activities designed to build empathy and awareness. In one exercise new staff navigate through the room in a wheelchair while wearing obstructed glasses and winter gloves which is an activity that helps them understand the physical and visual challenges that Katie and others may experience daily. Another exercise challenges new staff to complete simple tasks, such as tying a shoelace or zipping a jacket, while similarly limited. These moments often spark realization and reflection, helping employees see beyond disability and appreciate both the challenges and the capabilities of the people they support.
For Katie, the heart of her teaching is empathy, she explains that empathy is about experiencing the world in someone else’s shoes. She loves meeting new people through her role and seeing how her class impacts them. Over the years, she has seen many employees leave her session with a deeper sense of compassion and respect, values that are essential to Springbrook’s mission.
Teaching has also been a journey of growth for Katie herself. Through her years of leading the class she has developed strong public-speaking skills, built confidence, and found her voice as an advocate. Outside the classroom, she continues to work toward personal goals of greater independence and strength, spending time each day using her chair to stand which is a daily activity that helps build muscle and bone density.
“My goal is to be as independent as possible and show that my disabilities do not limit my abilities,” says Katie. Her message resonates deeply with Melody, who has worked alongside Katie for five years. Melody notes that “people are very capable regardless of their disabilities,” and emphasizes that Katie is a great public speaker and teacher, offering people an incredible perspective.
Katie’s life beyond the classroom reflects that same spirit of determination and joy. She grew up on a sheep farm in Springfield Center, NY, near Cherry Valley, and graduated from The School at Springbrook’s Working And Generating Employment Skills (WAGES) Program in 2008 after completing high school in 2005. Through the WAGES Program, Katie had the opportunity to explore a variety of roles and discover the one that best aligned with her interests and strengths. Outside of work, Katie enjoys staying active and adventurous—she loves skiing at Labrador Mountain in Truxton, NY, where she participates in an adaptive winter sports program designed to make skiing accessible to people of all abilities. She also plans to pursue lessons through Springbrook’s Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program, continuing to challenge herself and embrace new experiences.
Katie’s achievements have been recognized through honors such as the Triumphant Life Award, which she describes as celebrating people who are creative and innovative which are qualities that define both her and her work.
When asked what advice she would give to someone looking to start a similar training, Katie’s answer is simple yet profound: she emphasizes the importance of advocating for others with disabilities and reminding people always to treat others with dignity and respect.
For the hundreds of employees who have passed through her class, Katie’s lessons extend far beyond the walls of the training room. Through her leadership, strength, and empathy, she reminds everyone that true inclusion begins with understanding—and that disabilities never define what a person can achieve.