Why work with us?

Experienced, trauma-informed support grounded in empathy, professionalism and a clear understanding of complex family and legal matters.

Clients love us because...

Clients love us because...

We get results.

We carefully screen each referral and client to ensure that we are the best fit for the job. When we agree to work with you, we commit to exceeding your expectations. Every time.

We have the expertise you need.

With over 15 years of experience in social work and human services, we are confident and seasoned in the work we do. Each year, we complete over 20 hours of specialised training related to ethics, child welfare, adoption, mitigation and restorative criminal justice.

Katie holds a Master of Science in Human Services and a graduate certificate in Contemporary Theory Counseling. She is a Certified Professional Coach and is licensed in Washington State as both a private investigator and agency principal (Licence No. 23018820).

She is currently a doctoral candidate in Forensic Psychology and Law, with graduation anticipated in spring 2027. Her dissertation research focuses on therapeutic court screening and admission decisions in Washington State.

Professional Background

Experience & Credentials

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Public Policy and Law

Alliant University

Expected 2027

Doctoral candidate — currently in progress

Certificate in Private Investigation

University of Washington

2023

Certified Professional Life Coach Program

Lewis-Clark State College

2023

Master of Science in Human Services

Capella University

2014

Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems

Capella University

2013

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Idaho State University

2010

Professional Associations

  • National Legal Aid & Defender Association
    NASAMS Section
    Mitigation and Sentencing Advocacy

Licences & Certifications

Private Investigation Agency Principal

Washington State

Licence No. 23018820

Certified Professional Recovery Coach

International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches

Training & Presentation Highlights

Selected specialist training, professional development and presentation experience.

All Rise Conference 2026

Nashville, TN

July 2026

Mitigation Consulting

Advancing Real Change, Inc.

Lubbock, Texas

October 2024

Team Mitigation Institute

National Association for Public Defense

Seattle, Washington

September 2024

Navigating Reactive Attachment Disorder

RAD Advocates

San Antonio, Texas Presenter

April 2024

Navigating Reactive Attachment Disorder

RAD Advocates

Kansas City, Kansas Presenter

October 2023

Motivational Interviewing, Advanced Motivational Interviewing and Coaching

IFIOC

September 2023

Advanced Forensic Social Work Certificate Program

National Organization of Forensic Social Work

Virtual

December 2022

Navigating Reactive Attachment Disorder

RAD Advocates

Atlanta, Georgia Facilitator

October 2022

Forensic Social Work Certificate Program

National Organization of Forensic Social Work

Virtual

October 2022

Washington Equity and Engagement Framework

National Center for State Courts

Virtual Presenter

April 2022

Building a National Movement to Prevent Trauma and Foster Resilience

National Prevention Science Coalition

Virtual

February 2022

Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative for Child Welfare Professionals

Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative

Virtual

January 2022

The Refresh Conference

Redmond, Washington Trainer

March 2018

Organizations we've contracted with

Client Experiences

What Our Clients Say

Read what families and professionals have shared about their experience of working with Foundational Connections.

Katie is a kind, empathetic, and highly effective mitigation specialist who truly understands both the client and the legal process. Her work helped one of our mutual clients receive an exceptional downward sentence, giving them back 12 years of their life. Katie gets results—hire her.

Private Counsel, Washington State

When we were in the trenches and everything we tried was just more dead ends – you were there with new ideas and support and sincere empathy. Your experiences and insight are amazing. You just get it..

J. Family

You have been an invaluable guide to our family and so many others. Thank you for saving our daughter.

W. Family

Adoptive families have unique challenges that many professionals don't understand. Thank you for taking the time to really listen and understand our needs. We will absolutely recommend your services to other families.

H. Family
Featured Publication Available on

Lower the Bar and Hide the Sharpies

Lower the Bar and Hide the Sharpies is a practical, honest and humour-filled guide for foster and adoptive caregivers navigating the realities of caring for children with complex needs. It also offers professionals valuable insight into the everyday experiences, challenges and strengths of the families they support.

View the Book on Amazon

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Contact us today to set up a free consultation and see how we can partner together!

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