Values Ambassador Spotlight: Katie Diaz

Nominated by: Julie Noller    |    Value: Service

As a member of Heartspring’s Talent Development team, Katie doesn’t just teach modules and procedures; she models what it means to serve with heart and excellence.

“I’ve seen Katie step up time and again,” notes her supervisor, Kyle Harvey. “She’s proactive and doesn’t wait to be asked. She sees a need and fills it, reducing pressure on others and raising everyone’s morale.”

In Katie’s role as a Talent Development Coordinator, she helps train Heartspring staff through new-hire orientation, crisis‑intervention refreshers, and long‑term professional development, including everything from ESI safety laws to leadership workshops. However, she’s most passionate about trainings that deepen staff understanding of our students’ needs and neurodevelopmental differences.

“I love watching staff put new skills into action and seeing their confidence grow,” Katie explains. “Aligning our trainings with our organizational goals helps staff grow and strengthens Heartspring’s impact for the children and families who need us most.”

But Katie’s service goes beyond providing training for employees because she’s dedicated to helping lift the people around her outside of her normal job duties. Her small acts of celebration and encouragement, like making custom sugar cookies for her teammates’ birthdays, sharing snacks, or stepping in to make employee engagement activities successful across the organization, speak volumes.

“She’s committed to making this a better place for our students/clients by making this a better place for our staff.” – Julie Noller, Special Projects Coordinator 

Through Heartspring’s Employee Praise, Involvement, & Celebration (EPIC) Committee, Katie makes sure no one’s left out by personally coordinating and distributing meals to different shifts and departments across multiple events. She takes ownership and leads by example, because she cares deeply about the people around her and goes out of her way to make work feel more connected for every employee. 

“She helps create a culture where people feel supported, appreciated, and motivated to do their best.” – Kyle Harvey, Interim Talent Development Supervisor