Speaker Profile: Katelyn Carey
Katelyn Carey - Nurse, Author, Educator
We’re so excited to share more about our 2023 TEDxAmoskeagMillyard speakers. Let’s start with Katelyn Carey.
Give us your bio in 10 words or less
I teach about the Science of Compassion
What's your favorite TED or TEDx Talk, and why?
"Embrace the Shake" – I love the determination and creativity displayed by the speaker, Phil Hansen. He has a fascinating way of stepping away from his initially unconscious belief that more options is better when he runs into restrictions due to an injury affecting his ability to do his art. Phil's constant challenging of himself, mixed with his very real admissions of failures along the way, can resonate with anyone...and the art is stunning.
What people or events have inspired you professionally?
My mother told me once when I was growing up that "if you want to have a satisfying and happy life, find a way to leave the world a better place behind you.”She was pretty open-minded about how, but she was certainly correct. She is also modeled this well; Kay was a hospice chaplain and was always available to help and support people. I learned the value of helping others early on, and combined with a rather adventurous and injury-prone personality, this drove me into the emergency medical field. My grandmother was also a powerhouse of an Italian woman who championed various causes (including me) and created such powerful changes for her community. I think she's the one who taught me that stubborn determination can overcome reality.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would have us all living in true communities again. Human beings were made for this...made to have the support and guidance of others as we grow and define/redefine ourselves during our lives. To me it felt like every time I had a repeat ER patient, struggling to regain health, a vast part of their struggle was that they were doing it alone. I'm never sure how we, (especially in the US) were so willing to adopt the story that freedom and success come from striking out as an individual. I feel that people are so much stronger together, and we recover and grow from our weaker moments so much better when we have a solid community around us.
How did you feel when you learned you had been chosen as a speaker for TEDxAM23?
I may have screamed a little. That certainly surprised my lunch companion. I am beyond thrilled to not only be a part of the TED community which I have long admired (and spent hours of my time being inspired by), I'm also proud to be part of this event in particular.
TEDx AM has a solidly established reputation and an obvious focus on creating a quality event through the curation and coaching of their speakers and through the detailed planning of all the steps along the way. I'm happy to be a part of an incredible group of people, and love the connections and the inspiration this group is bringing forward.
What do you most want TEDxAM23 attendees to know about you?
Hmm. Good question. I've been a patient in the healthcare system many times, and I've been a healthcare provider for over 20 years now. I'm on a mission to improve trust and quality communication within this field. My time in EMS, ER, Peds ICU, Hospice and Clinical Education has brought me to the bedside of hundreds, maybe thousands, of people during the worst times of their lives. I want everyone to have that medical team member that they look at afterwards and are able to say, "You were our angel in this, and your presence and support made it more possible for us to get through it." I would wish that for everyone...and I'm doing my best to make that outcome more likely through the support and training of healthcare providers, and through the support and creation of trauma-informed resources.
Don’t miss your chance to hear Katelyn speak. Grab your ticket today.