Alumni Spotlight: Katelyn Williams
STNA, Class of 2021, Medical Assisting, Class of 2023
Katelyn Williams has always had a passion for caring for others and followed that passion to Butler Tech Adult Education, where she first became a State Tested Nurse Aid. After working in the field as an STNA, she returned to Butler Tech a few years later to complete the Medical Assisting program.
“I’ve just always felt like a natural caregiver spirit, and I like to help people and watch people’s journey as they heal,” Katelyn shared.
Katelyn began working in urgent care before exploring family medicine. She quickly realized urgent care was where she belonged. She loves the fast-paced environment, meeting patients and their families, and the opportunity to make an immediate difference in their lives.
At Mercy Health Urgent Care, she became a lead trainer, helping new employees develop their clinical skills. She later moved into management as a site supervisor for two Mercy Health Urgent Care clinics.
“I stepped up and I found another love for management too that I didn’t know I had,” she said.
For Katelyn, technical school offered a pathway that aligned with her learning style, interests, and goals. She credits Butler Tech’s high engagement, hands-on training and flexibility with helping her build the skills and confidence to advance in healthcare.
Looking back, Katelyn describes her Medical Assisting instructor, Crystal Graf, as “probably the best instructor I’ve ever had in my life.”
The admiration goes both ways. Mrs. Graf remembers Katelyn’s determination throughout the program and her achievement of graduating as valedictorian of her class.
“Through it all, she continued to push forward, work hard, and refuse to give up on her dream,” Mrs. Graf shared. “She is proof that your circumstances do not define your potential, your struggles do not determine your future, and it is never too late to chase your dreams. I am so proud of all she has accomplished and honored to have been part of her journey.”
Her career growth in the medical field has also created opportunities beyond the workplace, including purchasing her first home. 
“I went from making $11 an hour to being able to buy my first home in a short amount of time,” she shared. “[Butler Tech] built the structure that I needed.”
Katelyn’s connection to Butler Tech has come full circle. Today, she is paying it forward by hiring, training, and mentoring new employees in her clinics. When Katelyn sees Butler Tech on an applicant’s resume, she remembers the thorough training and support she received as a student. It’s an experience that gives her confidence in hiring fellow graduates.
She has recently hired two Butler Tech graduates, one from Adult Education and another directly out of high school.
She knows that transitioning from the classroom to a busy clinic takes practice. Her advice to new Medical Assistants is to study the skills they’re most nervous about, create good relationships with coworkers, always try to learn new skills, and ask questions.
Katelyn’s passion for learning and helping others continues to shape her future goals, including furthering her healthcare education and perhaps one day becoming an instructor.
Katelyn’s first healthcare credential was just the beginning. What started as a career goal has grown into leadership, financial independence, and opportunities to help others succeed.
Once a student looking for her next opportunity, Katelyn is now the leader giving others theirs.