Kaitlyn'sStory

Kaitlyn Chana is a healthcare leader, journalist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and speaker, yet, more importantly, known to many as a servant leader. As a teen, Kaitlyn was drawn to healthcare by volunteering with children with life-threatening illnesses through her previous nonprofit organization, Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness, Inc. These kiddos overcame adversity, showed fearless tenacity, and defied the odds. She wanted to see their stories on the 5 o'clock news. Leading her into journalism – telling real stories about real people.

Soon after, Kaitlyn became a patient in the hospital. Previously, she asked people to tell their stories daily, which, in turn, compelled her to share her story. Kaitlyn is a survivor of three different eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders. She's an eating disorder advocate who has spoken nationally about this insidious mental illness.

Those life experiences were a springboard that put her into a leadership position in television news by informing viewers about healthcare. As an Emmy-nominated journalist, she felt compelled to amplify people's voices to create change. Her strengths lie in her commitment and vision for the future by leveraging quantitative data in a qualitative format to forge better connections that capture the why behind her actions.

Her culminating life experiences have intersected, as her why remains unchanged: helping children and their families live their best life. She obtained her Master of Business Administration and Master of Health Administration from the University of North Florida in December 2021. She works with like-minded people to create meaningful projects that make lasting changes in our communities.

Kaitlyn leveraged her career background, personal experiences, and educational connections to assist in creating change within the mental health sector. In those discussions, real problems are circumvented with real solutions for improvement. This realization catapulted Kaitlyn to start a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, Reel Stories. Real People., Inc. in June 2017. Her nonprofit is working on developing an educational film and guided curriculum entitled Empty in high school classrooms nationwide to address eating disorders. The Empty programming will include a captivating film and guided curriculum for teachers to use as an enhancement resource.

Her most influential mentor once said, "It only takes one person to move a mountain, and then others will follow." Likewise, Kaitlyn believes everything you do is led with heart and intention.