Kate McKerlie, MSSW, MPH, is currently the Communications Director at the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing at the University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work. She leads the overall strategic direction of external communications for the Institute and its projects and grants. Kate manages the team that maintains the institute’s websites, e-newsletters, promotional print materials, and social media platforms.
Kate’s main focus is facilitating co-creative, value-oriented learning opportunities and experiences. She has developed many promotional and educational digital campaigns, courses, and resources to bridge the research-to-practice gap. Kate has successfully led several state and local organizations and groups through transformation by bringing a unique approach to meeting facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning while utilizing human-centered design tools and principles. Along with her technical experience in digital design, Kate brings her direct practice experience working with youth and adults to her facilitation work with groups and organizations.