Meet Katie Svihlik | Founder and CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Svihlik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My dream to work with individuals with disabilities began at a young age. I come from a family who had experienced the world of disabilities with my sister, Missy, who is now 34 years old, and has Angelman syndrome. We didn’t have many options as my sister was growing up and left to piece meal any combination of help we could find. Most of the time, my parents had the only option to rely on my older sister and I for support and care for Missy.
I began working in the field in the area of speech language therapy after college and quickly integrated behavior intervention to my repertoire. I worked in a school setting, then moved to private practice and in-home interventions. I quickly realized the services offered are still missing the mark in support for families like mine.
The challenges to provide quality intervention and give the support the individual’s need, became disheartening that I could not make the difference I had dreamed of since I was young. I decided I wanted to build an option to bridge the gap in disability services with a unique model. It was then, 13 years ago, that GoldStar Learning Options was founded.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
GoldStar is unique in not only how we offer our services, but also the fact we serve the lifespan of disabilities, across the spectrum of abilities and diagnosis. Many agencies are developed for a primary focus in therapeutic care and, commonly, only serve specific diagnoses and ages. We offer therapeutic interventions, behavior, occupational therapy, social skills and skill development and maintenance. To truly focus on the holistic intervention is what sets our programming apart. I wanted to build a place for all to belong, make progress and see hope for the future.

This is an incredibly delicate balance to be able to serve children through adulthood, is challenging. The criteria, requirements, policy and limitations are daunting. GoldStar’s model has been attempted in the field, to no avail. I am proud we are here after 13 years of adapting, learning, growing and holding strong to our mission and what we stand for in this population.

The challenges we face in every aspect, have many roads to how we were able to overcome and rise again. I work with a group of entrepreneurs and fellow CEO’s called The Titans. This group has been a source of strength, knowledge and guidance through business and climate challenges to grow as a leader. Challenges in the field, or that business owners face continuously, the motivation to persevere through those challenges, come from our families we serve, and the staff who take care of our population. I know, where there is a will, there is always a way. Learning continuously, you have to adapt and keep adapting. That is the constant. The most difficult lesson I have had to learn, is it is necessary to work on the business, and prioritize the business as a leader.

The disability population is often overlooked. The need is immense and bigger than anyone can imagine, with dwindling and limited resources. We need to help thrive and find their purpose. GoldStar is a place that shows it is possible to offer a multitude of services, for all ages, and all ability levels.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What a fun question! I would love to bring my friend to the Manitou Springs area and visit the Penny Arcade, walk the old town Main St, and visit the historic buildings. Day 2 would visit Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls area. Coming back to Denver, Spending time in the downtown area, and taking in a show at the Performing Arts Complex, and dinner and drinks at Ocean Prime (or Jax Fishhouse). Spending time in the mountains are the key to a lot of Colorado trips. Venturing the next day up to Breckenridge, where you ride the Gondola to the top of the mountain. A plethora of food choices and shopping down main street. While in Breckenridge, if the weather is cooperative, booking 9 holes at the golf course would be a great afternoon. When we head back to town, there are places to stop for a quick hike (and birding opportunities) back to Denver. We would finish the week checking out some of the great breweries around town and maybe play some trivia.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The journey and progress of GoldStar has been possible by so many. The highest dedication would be to honor the support, perseverance, talent and dedication of the staff and families who have believed in the mission and fought to make this vision a reality. Together, we are taking action to create hope and build purpose to the world of disabilities.

Website: www.gsloinc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldstar_learning_options/

Linkedin: goldstar-learning-options-inc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldStarLearningOptions/

Image Credits
Katie Svihlik, Letta Steshyn