Nearly a decade later, she cannot imagine working in any other area and finds deep meaning in directing and supporting clients as they navigate crisis situations by carrying out complex legal plans.

As a paralegal, Kat focuses her practice on Medicaid planning and application support, working closely with attorneys to ensure each client’s plan is properly implemented. She recently earned her Certified Medicaid Planner™ credential and is one of only six professionals in Wisconsin to hold this certification. Kat approaches Medicaid as a puzzle. Clients bring the pieces, and she works alongside the attorney and family to help bring the plan together in a clear, thoughtful way.

At Ruder Ware, Kat assists clients by:

• Assessing asset values, income, and anticipated costs of care
• Communicating with families to ensure plans are carried out smoothly
• Managing interactions with Aging and Disability Resource Centers, financial institutions, and other third parties to ease the burden on clients
• Preparing and completing Medicaid applications
• Navigating WisPACT Special Needs Trust applications

On a personal level, Kat and her husband have been part of the Wausau community for nearly a decade. They share their home with their rescue dog and recently welcomed home their daughter. Outside of work, Kat is an inveterate binge watcher of slow burn thrillers and true crime shows and is an avid Packer fan, with many personal ties to Green Bay.