Meet Katie Bruner! Katie was nominated to be a Face Of Hall County by Jill Abernathy and in the nomination, Jill said this about her, “Katie is a true fighter. She will defend what she believes and is not afraid to walk the walk, so to speak. Katie will jump straight into the fray; she is too brave to just stand on the sidelines. She shows up for the marginalized and victims of discrimination. Katie is an activist in her soul. She is the person you want with you in the trenches when fighting for things that matter. Her job is difficult. She works for the Treatment Center for Hall County. Working with those struggling with addiction is not for the faint of heart. She is absolutely invested in helping her clients. Overdoses aren’t rare so, she has suffered many painful losses. Bottom line, Katie Bruner is a badass.”
Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Answer: “I am married to Marshall who was raised here in Gainesville and is a proud Red Elephant alum. He works for Brenau University as Director of Brenau Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. He also has a private practice – Lanier Psychological Services and is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. We have two daughters, Caroline and Ella. Our eldest daughter, Caroline, just graduated from GHS. She is working part-time at 2 Dog this summer before heading off to attend The Honor’s College at Georgia College & State University this fall. Our youngest, Ella, is starting 10th grade at GHS and plays on the girls’ varsity golf team.”
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I work for Hall County Treatment Services as Program Coordinator for one of Hall County’s Accountability Courts. Accountability court programs serve as a meaningful alternative to incarceration by providing substance abuse and mental health treatment to individuals caught in the justice system. In addition to giving participants a chance for rehabilitation and the tools to become healthy, productive members of society, accountability courts provide significant cost savings to taxpayers, reduce recidivism, and strive to protect the public.”
Q: What do I love most about what I do?
A: “Witnessing the transformation that occurs when a participant chooses recovery and to change is what makes me most proud. Change takes a lot of courage and hard work. My effort in supporting my clients is manifest in the lives of the people on whose behalf I work. When my participants are successful, I am successful”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “My favorite place to eat breakfast is Longstreet Cafe. My favorite place to eat lunch is 2 Dog. My favorite place to eat dinner is Blue fin or my latest favorite, Consuelo, on the square.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I have lived here for 16 years and counting.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “Honestly, I have met so many interesting people in Gainesville it’s impossible for me to pick one person.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘Call the Midwife.'”
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people?
A: “My dear friend Pam once said to me, ‘They say to change the things that don’t make you happy. Change girl change!’ This seems like pretty solid advice to pass along.”
Q: If reading for pleasure, what do you like?
A: “I love all kinds of books but will go with historical fiction.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today (and not a relative); with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “I would have lunch with my high school classmate Jay Bailey. Jay is President and CEO at Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta. Named as one of the most influential community leaders in Georgia, Jay has a mile long list of very impressive awards/recognitions but that’s not my ‘Why?’
“In 2016, following the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, Jay shared a story that profoundly impacted me. So much so, I made a commitment to watch, listen and learn. To this day, I have kept that commitment and have been changed for the better and for good. I would love to take Jay to lunch (at 2 Dog of course!) to thank him in person. I would also invite Gainesville’s very own Brandon Evans to our lunch. Brandon’s love for the Gainesville/Hall County community, his leadership skills and specifically his Men Alive mentorship program remind me of a Young Jay. It would absolutely make my day to introduce these two change makers.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: “I have a hard time figuring out next week much less 5 to 10 years from now.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “At the top of my bucket list is the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) pilgrimage with routes in Portugal, France, and Spain.”
Q: And what is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?
A: “Earlier this year I was able to check off visiting Ireland.”
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “This is perhaps the EASIEST question to answer. Anyone that knows me knows this answer. Hands down the Indigo Girls.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “That would be a tie between Glendalough Wicklow Mountains, Ireland and Krabi, Thailand.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “I LOVE all things October! I love Halloween and my best two days on the calendar are Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, my birthday(s). Yes, I have two. Long story and I celebrate both days.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “Acuna’s Cake Shoppe cupcakes.”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: “Reese Witherspoon.”
Q: What are one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “I love the smell of gardenias.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “Audrey, Emilie, Jill, Karen and Scarlet. These fabulous five women not only inspire me but also love, support, encourage and challenge me to be better. It is said that one is known by the company one keeps. Well, I’ve chosen the very best company.”
