About Us
We are strong nursing advocates that help our clients to grow, thrive and plan for what’s next.
Our goal is to create professional practice environments where everyone engages and contributes their full intellectual and emotional capacity, enabling leaders throughout every level within the organization.
— Dr. Katie Stephens, Co-Founder, KSC
“I could not have asked for more in Katie, she was just fantastic to work with. Given our timeline, we moved mountains and produced a beautiful miracle that resulted in the best Magnet document submitted in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s history!”
— Sarah Stepien, MPH, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC, Magnet Program Director at Cedars-Sinai
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Katie Stephens, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Caritas Coach®
Co-Founder & Principal
Katie is a nurse leader, author, and coach with nearly 20 years of experience in nursing and executive leadership. She is the former Director of Nursing Excellence and Magnet® Programs at Stanford Health Care, where she was a key member for three Magnet designations spanning over 10 years. She has consulted with some of the most prestigious healthcare organizations in the US, such as Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, CA, and Huntington Health in Pasadena, CA.
Katie served as President of the Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) — South Bay Chapter in 2019-2020 and was Co-Chair of the ACNL state-wide Membership Committee for three years.
Katie holds a bachelor’s in mathematics from William Jewell College and a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Missouri. Katie received her master’s and doctorate degrees in nursing from the University of San Francisco.
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Jason Starek
Jason has over a decade of experience in data management, analytics, systems integration, and technical operations at some of Silicon Valley’s top high-tech companies. He has led large-scale implementations and process deployments and developed numerous white papers and case studies.
Jason is also a highly decorated Army combat veteran. Before embarking on his high-tech career, Jason served as an Army Staff Sergeant for over 10 years, receiving several commendations for his leadership and service.
Jason holds a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Missouri.
WHAT NURSE LEADERS ARE SAYING
Selecting Katie as our Magnet consultant was an easy choice. I’ve collaborated with her on previous Magnet documents, so I know the level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication she brings to her work. Her collaborative approach and clear communication made the process extremely fluid, predictable, and successful.
Katie partnered closely with our MPD during a critical phase of our Magnet documentation cycle. We had a very condensed timeline and a lot of heavy lifting to do. Katie helped us deliver our 6th and best-ever Magnet document – exceeding the Magnet appraisers' expectations and even my own. I highly recommend her.
Anita Girard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Nursing at Cedars-Sinai
Dr. Stephens led the 4th Magnet Designation at Stanford Health Care by engaging the front-line staff and unleashing their talents. I highly recommend her.
Dr. Dale E. Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, WCS Caritas Coach®
Chief Nurse Executive & Vice President Patient Care Services at Stanford Health Care
Katie genuinely cares about her staff and takes the time to listen to any concerns they may have, as well as guide them to the appropriate solution.
Katie strives to engage her staff to their full potential, and in turn, empowers her staff and enables leadership at every level.
Samantha Hastie Norris, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
I could not have asked for more in Katie, she was just fantastic to work with. Given our timeline, we moved mountains and produced a beautiful miracle that resulted in the best Magnet document submitted in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s history!
Sarah Stepien, MPH, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC
Magnet Program Director at Cedars-Sinai
Katie cares deeply about nurse engagement, motivating our staff and assisting them with professional development. She brings passion and enthusiasm to the field of nursing and organizational leadership. Katie's support and willingness to consider the opinions of front-line staff when making decisions is integral to helping retain talented RNs on our unit.
Kelly Straight, DNP, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner at CareMore Health Touch
KSC was born out of a passion for inspiring transformation, challenging convention, and creating organizational structures that empower all. We believe leadership is not exclusive to a select few at the top and that organizations are most successful when responsibility, input, and decision-making are encouraged at all levels.
We are a nurse-led company offering a high-touch, individualized approach. We don’t just deliver projects; we develop people. Our solutions are flexible and education-focused, tailored to meet any organization's timeline and budget requirements while also addressing the individual development goals of our nursing partners.
Our goal is not simply to devise strategies that strengthen your nursing professional practice — we aim to help you transform your organization in the process.
OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES
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We strive to always offer the highest-quality, highest-value products and services in the marketplace. We aim to exceed the expectations of our clients in every way.
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We are always looking for opportunities to get better at what we do. We strive to innovate and explore new possibilities — delivering fresh, forward-thinking solutions to our clients.
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When you partner with KSC, you get our undivided attention. Be it Magnet designation or personal coaching, we are devoted to seeing our clients’ goals become a reality.
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We offer real-world experience and practical solutions proven to deliver consistent results for our clients.
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Our solutions are education-focused, meaning we don’t just deliver projects; we develop people. Feedback is always authentic, and is encouraged in both directions. In short, our goal is to form lifelong relationships that exist long after projects are complete.
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From our web services to leadership coaching and even consulting approach, we keep things fresh, simple, and authentic. We strive to bring nursing education, training, and consulting into the 21st century and beyond.
Turn your personal and professional goals into reality
We develop lifelong relationships that exist long after projects are complete. See how.