FEATURED AUTHOR

KATHY STARKS

After graduating from Bowling Green State University, Kathy worked as a Speech Therapist in a school for juvenile delinquents. Starks enjoyed that career for a while but then realized after a few years that she was more interested in the reasons why students got in trouble. She wanted to know what the boys were thinking and what their families were thinking about the crimes they had committed.

This led Starks to take classes at Ohio State University in counseling, and soon after, she enrolled in the master’s program. Starks graduated in 1992 and landed a middle school counseling position at the middle school. Starks was a middle school counselor in the Worthington City Schools for 23 years before retiring. Shortly after retirement, she was asked to return to the school district, working part-time at the high school level. Starks has been working at the high school for nearly seven years and loves the interactions with the high school students.

She is involved in many projects, such as facilitating a diversity club and co-organizing a Black History month program every year.

Book Title: Reclaiming the Village

What is your backstory? How did you find your calling?

I have always enjoyed listening to individuals’ stories. When I was younger, people would always tell me that I was a good listener. I have always known that I wanted to work in a helping profession. Both of my parents worked in helping professions; my dad as a physical therapist, and my mom as a school nurse. Growing up I saw the commitment my parents had to their respective careers and the fulfillment they had in those careers. I knew that I wanted to be involved in something that I felt good about.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

I enjoy my interactions with teens and their families. I especially enjoy it when students find their purpose and passions.

What is your latest book about? What inspired you to write it?

Reclaiming The Village is my first book and it is a collection of anecdotal stories of my years as a school counselor. I wonder why more teens are suffering from anxiety and depression. I believe that we have lost the “village”. Some teens appear to be lost and disconnected from the adults in their lives. Parents, teachers, and community members need to work together to help teens navigate high school so they can be prepared for adulthood.

What’s your greatest achievement to date? Why are you proud of it?

I believe my greatest accomplishment is completing this book. Writing it is something I have talked about for at least 15 years.

Who has inspired you the most on your journey?

What really inspires me are individuals, especially students who have overcome what seems like insurmountable odds to achieve their dreams.

Who would you love to meet one day and why?

I would love to meet Michelle Obama. She changed the face of what a “First Lady” is supposed to be about and look like.

What do you wish someone told you before you became an entrepreneur/business owner/author?

That every process in writing and business takes time and patience. If one plan doesn’t work, you must find or create another plan.

What advice would you like to give others who are on the same or similar journey as you?

You must have several options for some of the work that you want to do. It’s important to find people you trust to help you on your journey. It’s also important to know who you are working with and the specific skill sets they possess.

What’s the best piece of advice that you have received recently?

Forgive yourself and trust your heart.

What’s next for you?

I hope to be able to share my story with others and encourage others too share their stories. I believe everyone has a book inside them waiting to be written.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope that I can still be working with young people. Maybe not in the same capacity as I am now but still working with young people and traveling.

What can we catch you doing when you’re not working/writing?

Playing tennis, walking, and listening to audiobooks.

What book impacted your life the most and why?

I can’t say that one book has had the most impact on me. I am in 2 book clubs and there are many books that have impacted me:

1. The Secret Life of Bees

2. Where the Crawdads Sing

3. Small Great Things

What are three random facts about you?

1. I was born with a hearing loss.

2. I worked on Habitat for Humanity homes in Tanzania East Africa.

3. I make ginger snaps cookies that I sell during the holidays.

What is your favorite quote?

“To whom much is given, much is required.” ~ Luke 12:48

What are your final thoughts that you wish to share with us?

I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to write this book. The pandemic allowed me to read other works and to write my story. I am not sure that I would have completed this work, if I didn’t have the time that I did at the beginning of the pandemic.

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