From Then to Now Kathy Gage

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” -Dalai Lama

This article is about a “pebble” whose ripples have reached hundreds of people, if not more. Kathy Gage's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of community support.

When I interviewed her, Kathy shared her journey from trauma and mental health struggles to becoming a beacon of hope for others.

First, Kathy Gage is a trail blazer. She is one of the first Certified Peer Specialists in Northeast Wisconsin and has helped bring the peer support movement to this area. The Gathering Place’s mission is all about peer support.

A Certified Peer Specialist is a person who has found ways to get through many of the struggles people face that have mental health conditions or mental health conditions with substance use disorders. They have learned how to live the best life that they can through a process of change in which they learned how to improve their health and wellness, while living a self-directed life. They know how tremendously difficult the struggle can be. Just getting out of bed can seem like climbing a mountain some days. Certified Peer Specialists want to share their journey with others in the hope that they can help someone else find the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. They take specialized training and must pass a state exam to do so.

When I do these articles, not only do I hear amazing stories, but sometimes, I get to witness part of the person’s healing process happening in front of me. There is something that is very powerful about telling your story. At our interview, Kathy had several pieces of paper that she had written her feelings on when she was in the depths of her despair. She had hung on to them all these years but as we talked, she asked me to get rid of them. She said, “I don’t need these anymore.” Although the trauma happened, Kathy is now free from the hold that it had on her and that held her prisoner in her own mind for many years.

Kathy's journey was marked by significant challenges. As a youth, Kathy had a hard time fitting in. At a young age, she felt that to fit in, she needed to party. She chose a crowd of people to hang out with that provided unhealthy relationships. Kathy’s trauma began one day when she was trying to fit in. A car of guys pulled up and asked her if she wanted to party. Kathy was raped. This horrible experience was a turning point for her mental well-being.

As an adult, her life became a cycle of excelling at jobs before succumbing to setbacks. She experienced multiple hospitalizations for her mental health. Kathy learned that the demons that she suffered with included depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

The turning point came when Kathy discovered the Gathering Place. Initially skeptical, she found herself drawn to the supportive environment. Through activities like bracelet making, journaling about things that she was grateful for and attending support groups, Kathy began to see a glimmer of hope. She met Susan Mader, the Executive Director of The Gathering Place at the time and was inspired by the fact that Susan was able to go to college and have a meaningful job while living with mental illness. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) workshop that she took, proved to be a crucial steppingstone in her recovery journey.

Unexpectedly, Kathy found her calling as a peer specialist. This role not only aided her own healing but allowed her to make a significant impact on others facing similar challenges. The ripple effects of her work extended far beyond individual interactions, touching families and the broader community.

Kathy's healing journey took many forms. Writing became a powerful outlet. Kathy is currently working on a book. Art and crafts served as therapeutic tools, helping her process emotions and manage OCD symptoms. One particularly poignant piece, titled "Sitting with My Sadness and Feelings," exemplifies her commitment to emotional processing through creativity.

Kathy not only had to deal with mental health conditions, but she suffered from severe and chronic pain. In recent years, Kathy has embraced new methods of managing the chronic pain and her emotional well-being. Podcasts, journaling techniques, and practicing mindfulness have become integral parts of her healing toolkit. Kathy was even able to go back to a job that she absolutely loved and that is being schoolteacher. Her ability to zip line in Mexico without fear stands as a testament to the progress she's made. Kathy is also on the Board of Directors of The Gathering Place.

Her journey from then to now is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for growth amidst turmoil. As Kathy reflects on her path, she emphasizes the healing power of both individual effort and community support. Her story serves as an inspiration to all those navigating their own journeys of recovery and self-discovery.