Introducing Katie Shaffer, The Spark Mill’s newest Social Work intern! 

Written By Katie Shaffer

I believe in the power of collaboration and centering lived experience to achieve meaningful social change. I have experience in program management and facilitation, early childhood education, disability studies and local, state and federal advocacy for LGBTQ+, disability and health equity issue.  I bring a commitment to lifelong learning, self-reflection and authentic relationships to my work and personal life. My placement with the Spark Mill is the last step in my Master of Social with a concentration in administration, programs and policy.  I'm thrilled to learn and grow with The Spark Mill team this spring! 

Here are 20 things about me:

  1. I grew up in a suburb of Kansas City called Overland Park, Kansas. 

  2. My husband and I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill the same year but didn’t meet until we moved to Richmond in 1999. 

  3. I love the sounds of: my 3 daughters laughing, BB King, and the James River. 

  4. I’m a trail, road and ultrarunner. Running is my favorite way to explore a new location. 

  5. My comfort meal is masala dosa (a South Indian crispy lentil pancake with curried potatoes). 

  6. I love learning through podcasts. 

  7. My favorite bird is the blue heron.

  8. My family and I lived in a South Asian neighborhood of London for 3 years.  I miss easy public travel, hours-long multi-generational hangouts and low-cost access to performing arts.  I don’t miss dirty city streets, traffic, and being far from family. 

  9. I like talking about grief and loss with others. 

  10. I’m in the “sandwich” period of my life with aging parents and school-age kids.

  11. My youngest daughter and Prince George were born the same year but a week apart in the same borough (neighborhood) of London.

  12. I have a Certificate in Disability Leadership from VCU.

  13. My favorite book of 2025 was the Emperor of New Gladness by Ocean Vuong.

  14. I’d rather forage than garden and I’m better at it.  

  15. I prefer eating vegan but always follow a long race with a burger or steak. 

  16. I have a 4-year-old mini-Labradoodle we call Licky Minaj (real name Millie Grace). 

  17. I wanted to be the first female professional football player from the ages of 6-11.

  18. I love receiving last-minute invitations.

  19. I believe hosting and hospitality are two different activities.

  20. I listen to stand-up comedy to reset after a difficult day. 

Katie Shaffer
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