Meet Katy Johannssen, RVNA's Director of Business Development

Katy has a knack for turning a frown upside down – a skill she honed years ago waiting tables in a busy restaurant, where she relished serving the grumpiest of customers and turning their day around. Spend just a few minutes with Katy and she’ll easily put a smile on your face, too. It’s no surprise that her unique take on customer service has taken her far in life. Read on to follow her journey.

Where did you grow up? Where do you reside now?
I grew up on a family farm in Georgetown, Delaware and now live near Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield with my husband of 16 years, Brian, and children Natalie (14) and Nathan (11).

What brought you to RVNA?
The sudden death of my father, on my wedding day, made me realize that life was too short. I reassessed my career goals and focused on helping others instead of climbing the corporate ladder. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and RVNA allows me to do just that every day.

How long have you worked here?
8 ½ years, since January 2010.

Describe your role at RVNA?
I am the Director of Business Development.  My main focus is to grow the business of RVNA’s individual service lines – RVNA Home Health, HomeCare by RVNA, Hospice by RVNA, and Rehab by RVNA – and promote these services in the 28 towns we serve.  I manage three amazing Home Health Navigators whose job it is to help patients transition from hospitals and care facilities back to their homes with RVNA’s services. They work to ensure as seamless a transition as possible for our patients and their families. We’re a great team and keep each other’s creative juices flowing every day!

What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy being a Home Health Navigator and interacting with the patients.  The more I can explain the benefits of RVNA services to a client returning home from the hospital or rehab center, the more they and their families can feel at ease about the transition. When we smoothly bridge the gap between hospital and home, our patients know they're in great hands.

Did you ever consider becoming a nurse?
NOPE!  I hate blood and needles but admire the work our clinicians do every day.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
Anything in the sun -- boating, beaching, skiing, hiking, and most outside activities.

What is your hidden talent?
My friends, family, and colleagues know me as the Queen of Consignment and Bargain Shopping! (Editor's note:  And she has an impeccable sense of style, to boot.)

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would have 5 fancy cars in my expanded garage, continue to fix up our 300-year-old farm house, remodel our cottage in Lewes, Delaware, and travel the WORLD!

Do you have a favorite RVNA moment or story?
I meet a lot of RVNA patients and I developed a special kinship to one who had no family or friends.  Our friendship continued long after her time on RVNA services and I learned so much from her.  I enjoyed our visits, laughs, and even simple grocery shopping adventures more than I can say. She recently passed and I am so grateful for the friendship and wisdom she shared.

R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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