Soul of 78- Katie Young
Therapist and Social Worker, HARTT
Words by Cooper Kirkpatrick | Image by Justin Hunter
Katie Young gives back to her home community daily by supporting children, adolescents, and their families as a social worker and therapist at HARTT Counseling and Wellness in Jasper. From a young age, Katie knew she wanted to help children in need, a desire shaped by the support she received as she navigated the challenges of her upbringing.
“I’ve always wanted to help. But with children it’s even more so, because children are our future,” she says.
The 2015 Walker High School graduate earned her associate’s degree in psychology from Bevill State Community College, followed by both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. During her college years, she met Alexander Young, whom she married after graduating. Following college, Katie interned at Health Connect America in Jasper while working toward - and ultimately earning - her accreditation as a Licensed Master Social Worker.
She remained with Health Connect America for several years before taking maternity leave ahead of the birth of her daughter, Sophia, in January 2024. Shortly after her leave began, a friend reached out and encouraged Katie to consider pursuing a career with HARTT. She accepted the opportunity and began working with the organization in May 2024. Her husband later joined the team as well.
In December 2025, Katie earned her licensure as an Independent Clinical Social Worker, the highest level of clinical licensure for social workers, which allows clinicians to independently diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
At HARTT, Katie’s responsibilities are both extensive and deeply personal. Much of her work begins in schools, where she meets one-on-one with children of various ages and backgrounds. Depending on the day, Katie may spend her entire workday at one school or travel between multiple schools before returning to the office to meet with additional clients.
Katie understands and respects the fragility of the situations she encounters, approaching each interaction with care and compassion. “It’s all about finding people in their vulnerable moments, reminding them that they are not alone, and helping them give themselves grace,” she says. “I always remember to tell them that they are somebody too.”
That reminder is deeply ingrained in Katie’s mind, as it is the same steady encouragement she received growing up. Her mother, Lavone Whitlow, offered unwavering emotional support and guidance through difficult seasons, while her father, Terry Joe Whitlow, reinforced that same message through quiet consistency and belief in who she was becoming. Together, they modeled the kind of support Katie now hopes to extend to others in her home community – meeting themwhere they are and reminding them of their worth when they need it most.
“I’ve lived in Walker County all my life, and I will be forever grateful to continue helping my community for as long as I can,” she says.
With the support of her family and the guidance of the Lord, Katie trusts that the work she is doing - often quietly and behind the scenes - is exactly where she is meant to be. 78