Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Shatusky.
Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey with Thumbs Up began through my own experience with mental health and the loss of my grandfather, Bob Schmit, to suicide in 2010. His death deeply affected my family and changed the way I understood mental health, grief, and the importance of reaching out for support.
For a long time, I didn’t necessarily know what to do with that experience. Over time, I began to realize that sharing our stories and creating open, honest conversations can help reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health. That understanding became the foundation for Thumbs Up.
What started as a personal connection to loss has grown into a mission to remind people that they are not alone, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that small gestures of support can make a meaningful difference. Through Thumbs Up, I’ve been able to turn something painful into something purposeful by encouraging connection, compassion, and conversations about mental well-being.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been deeply meaningful. Bob’s memory continues to inspire the work, and I hope Thumbs Up helps create the kind of support and openness that every person deserves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to operate a nonprofit from the ground up. I’ve had to learn everything from how to structure and manage a board of directors to developing sustainable programs that genuinely serve our community.
Because Thumbs Up was built through experience, much of the learning happened while we were doing the work. We made mistakes, adjusted our approach, and continually figured out what worked best. There have been challenges around organization, decision-making, fundraising, and creating programs that are both meaningful and effective.
At times, the responsibility has felt overwhelming, especially because the mission is so personal to me. But each obstacle has taught me something valuable and helped Thumbs Up grow stronger. The process has reinforced the importance of patience, adaptability, collaboration, and being willing to keep learning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m currently the Executive Director at Thumbs Up, where I help guide the organization’s mission, oversee our programs and operations, work with our board of directors, build community partnerships, support fundraising efforts, and make sure we’re effectively serving the people who need us. Because we’re a growing nonprofit, the role is multifaceted—I’m involved in both the big-picture vision and the day-to-day work that keeps everything moving forward.
What I think sets me apart is my heart and the way I connect with people. I care deeply about the individuals and families we serve, and I believe in taking the time to build meaningful, trusting relationships. Mental health is complex, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes the most meaningful impact happens one person at a time.
I’m especially proud of the way Thumbs Up shows up for people. Of course, we want to reach as many people as possible, but supporting one person well can make an enormous difference. Mental health work requires time, resources, compassion, and the ability to sit with people through difficult and painful experiences. It can also involve a great deal of secondary trauma, so I’ve learned that caring for myself is essential to caring for others. I attend weekly therapy and make space for my own healing so that I can continue showing up with empathy, presence, and strength.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is my faith in Jesus and my family. My faith grounds me, gives me hope, and guides the way I try to live and serve others. My family is my foundation—I truly believe I am nothing without them. They have supported me through every challenge, encouraged me to keep going, and reminded me of what matters most. Everything I do, including my work with Thumbs Up, is deeply connected to the love, strength, and purpose I receive from my faith and my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thumbsupformentalhealth.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thumbsuphigh5k/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThumbsUpHigh5K
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thumbs-up-high-5k/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC21C0LRaC6eluhtuw4HD0w
