Was Feature

Katie Walker 5/21/18 Feature – Kathleen Trombley Intern to Official in a Matter of Months

The issues of sexual assault and domestic violence are matters that are often minimized by

society. The Women’s Aid Service, Inc. strives to educate, heal and empower all parties involved in any situation. The individual workers that take part in working toward our goals are crucial to the success of our organization. In January of this year, Kathleen Trombley started as an intern at the Women’s Aid Service. Acknowledging that she was a knowledgeable and passionate individual, the organization soon after offered her a position as the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator.

Her position calls for a variety of responsibilities including acquiring and training volunteers so

that they may perform to their best ability, plan events and fundraisers and educate the community about the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“Knowledge is power and being able to spread that knowledge is a truly rewarding feeling,”

Kathleen shares.

While her title may not imply it, her job can be difficult at times. She is often in and out of the

office, traveling to neighboring counties and engaging with clients who have endured traumatic experiences.

“Working with survivors is not always easy, but the look on someone’s face when they move

into their own housing or take the next step in their healing makes everything worth it,” Trombley says.



Handling situations of a negative nature are often unsettling, but Kathleen’s chosen path has

provided her with the necessary expertise on helping others.

She graduated from Central Michigan University in May 2018 with a major in family studies and

a minor in substance abuse education.

During her time at CMU, Kathleen interned for the Office of LGBTQ Services for a year and a

half. She then held a position as a Sexual Aggression Peer Advocate for two and a half years.

“Being a SAPA was singlehandedly the best part of my college experience,” she says. “I made

some of my best friends through that group and it led me down the career path that I am currently on.”

Kathleen grew up in a setting where relationships were valued and prioritized. Aside from her

professional relationships, her personal relationships are held very dear to her, especially her family.

She grew up in St. Clair Shores with her mother, father, and older sister. Though they all live and

function hours away from one another, they take family vacations each year and communicate on a daily basis.

Kathleen Trombley accepted the job as the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator for

the Women’s Aid Service five months ago and has thoroughly dedicated herself to the organization and surrounding community as a whole.