Meet MacKenzie Life Care Planning (MLCP) Expert, Kristy Easley
With over two decades of experience in rehabilitation and a unique blend of credentials, Kristy Easley, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS, CLCP, brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and expertise to her role as a Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) at MacKenzie Life Care Planning. In this blog, we sit down with Kristy to learn more about her inspiring journey, her passion for life care planning, and the value she brings to clients.
A Remarkable Professional Journey
Kristy's professional journey began as a speech-language pathologist, and over the years, she has served in various settings, including long-term care rehabilitation, pediatric outpatient care, pediatric home health, and neurorehabilitation. However, it's her unwavering commitment to helping individuals and families who have experienced life-altering acquired brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and strokes, that truly sets her apart.
Finding Inspiration in Helping Others
We all have pivotal moments in our lives that shape our career paths. For Kristy, it was her time as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist that ignited her passion for helping individuals and their families understand the profound impact of brain injuries and the lifelong changes and preparations they require. Collaborating with MacKenzie Life Care Planning’s President, Amy Mackenzie, PhD, RN, CLCP, Kristy co-facilitated the East Texas Brain Injury Support Group, which exposed her to the chronic challenges and needs that can arise years after initial rehabilitation. Amy introduced Kristy to the world of life care planning, and together, they embarked on a mission to educate others about future care needs after a traumatic brain injury and complex medical issues. Kristy and Amy both specialize in creating personalized brain injury care plans, and both remain dedicated facilitators of the brain injury support group they established.
Empathy and Understanding: Kristy's Value to Clients
Kristy's professional journey has not only been defined by her education and expertise, but also by her personal experiences. She knows firsthand the challenges of navigating healthcare options while dealing with chronic illness and caring for family members in need. This insight allows her to connect with individuals who are suffering on a deeper level. Her unique ability to understand and empathize with each situation is a cornerstone of the value she brings to her role at Mackenzie Life Care Planning.
Expertise That Shines
Kristy's expertise goes beyond her years of experience; it's deeply rooted in her commitment to staying current and informed. As a speech-language pathologist, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, and Certified Life Care Planner, she rigorously maintains her certifications and regularly reviews accepted scopes of practice and gold-standard methodologies necessary for producing comprehensive life care plans.
The Joy of Educating and Guiding
When asked about her favorite aspect of her work, Kristy's answer is heartfelt: "I enjoy educating individuals and families during the life care planning process." She understands that life after a catastrophic event can be overwhelming because there is a lot of information to absorb and many decisions to make. Often, important details from medical records are forgotten or become confusing over time. Kristy's role is to gather this information, provide summarized medical records and coordinate recommendations from treating providers to create a single, invaluable life care plan document—a guide for personalized medical care for years to come.
A Glimpse into Kristy's Life
Beyond her professional life, Kristy shares a glimpse into her personal journey. She faced the challenges of becoming a widow after 21 years of marriage to her high school sweetheart. Today, she is a devoted single parent to two boys, a journey that has taught her the rewarding art of turning "lemons into lemonade." Through these experiences, her family has grown closer and stronger.
In conclusion, Kristy Easley is not just a CLCP expert; she is a beacon of support for individuals and families navigating the complex landscape of healthcare and rehabilitation. Her unique blend of professional expertise, empathy, and personal experiences make her a true asset to the field, helping individuals plan for a better future, even in the face of life-altering challenges. Kristy's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of empathy in making a difference in the lives of others.
For more information about how Kristy’s life care planning services can help you, visit www.mackenzieclcp.com or call (903) 595-6777.