Kate began her career 23 years ago, starting as a Licensed Practical Nurse finding her passion in psychiatric nursing, specialized in addictive illness. To further her knowledge in this specialized field, in 1986 she returned to school and became a Registered Nurse, receiving her A.A.S. from Raritan Valley Community College. She also attended the prestigious Rutgers Summer School of Alcohol Studies.
In March 2003 Kate under went Gastric Bypass Surgery and lost 187 pounds. "Bariatric Angels was a dream of a support group that I wanted to share with other recovering Bariatrics."Kate started to build Bariatric Angels with her friend Lauren D.Skelton in 2004. A Bariatric Angels Meeting became a place to go to get information and to share experiences, strength and hope with one another. The dream became a reality, a support group specifically addressing the needs and issues of both pre and post surgery Bariatric, Gastric Band, Revision and Metabolic patients.
ANGELS COVE RETREAT, LLC is Kate's most recent endeavor. The Angels Cove Retreat Program is for those Bariatric, Gastric Band, Revision and Metabolic patients, both pre and post surgery needing a more personalized experience to help thembreak through the stumbling blocks of recovery. Kate's philosophy is simple, "the surgery is an excellent tool in recovery but stabilization and continued recovery is a direct outcome of interrupting the 'Success Failure Syndrome' that all Morbidly Obese people face'. Through Bariatric Angels Meetings many successful participants, we have established that our philosophy and program of recovery work.
Angels Cove Retreat, LLC gives the individual an opportunity to fill their 'personal tool bag' with additional special tools for times when you need a 'little extra help' to keep the focus on loosing weight or staying stabilized.Individuals develop a new perspective and get the answers necessary to succeed through Kate's introspective techniques. "I wish I had the advantage of the ACR and BA program pre surgery, I 'm sure I would have had an even greater weight loss. My success is through working the Bariatric Angels Program I have maintained my weight loss." After leaving ACR patients are encouraged to continue with Bariatric Angels Meetings and soon, B.A.Meetings will be on the Internet to help with everyone's success!
The Path, which was Kate's first book and was written with assistance from Lauren, is a "how to" book for the "disease between the ears"part. Just like the surgery, which is tool in the battle for recovery in the disease against Morbid Obesity so is The Path.
The Journey, is a look at the 'wiring of your thoughts and excuses that lead you back into food and the 'reasons'we eat in spite of the fact that they continue to hinder effective maintenance.Panaceas do not exist in weight loss but, weight loss surgery and The Path and The Journey are a great start to a winning combination!
Kate was nominated, and won Magic 98.3 "Women Who Make Magic, 2005". Kate's dedication, diligence and perseverance have always been in helping others overcome their issues with addictions and will continue to be her life's work.