Louise Kato, Board Alternate
Louise is a longtime PMA member and has referred many families to PMA during her 30-year career as a medical social worker for chronically- or critically-ill patients. She is very interested in increasing dialogue about end-of-life planning amongst communities of color. Her professional work introduced her to a wide range of cultural communities within the Puget Sound and greater Washington. She hopes to help broaden the reach of PMA to be more inclusive, and to further the organization’s mission to reach all in need.
She is a third-generation Japanese American. She was born in Seattle, moved to California for college, and returned to Seattle when her then 90-y.o. grandmother needed care. She has worked within the Japanese American community as a nursing home accounts receivable person, adult day health volunteer, and now as treasurer of a small auxiliary volunteer organization within Keiro Northwest.
Louise was the Director, Patient Quality of Life Services at Northwest Kidney Center until her retirement in July 2022. She continues to provide Social Work services through her private business, Kato Social Work LLC, especially in mentoring the next generation. She currently supervises Master’s level Social Workers who are in the process of becoming independent Licensed Clinical Social Workers through the state of Washington. She supports and encourages social workers of color to pursue advanced licensure to better serve the needs of communities of color, as well to advance and be successful in management roles.
Louise describes herself as “active” but not hard-core athletic! She enjoys a wide range of activities, including lap swimming, long walks with friends along Lake Washington, paddleboarding, walking her household’s old dog, and gardening.
