Sarah's Story

Bilingual (English/Spanish)
​Independent Living Specialist 

​My name is Sarah Katzman, and I am new to Access as a Bilingual Independent Living Specialist. I started this role in September 2020 amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the need to work remotely and be physically separated from coworkers, I am truly amazed by the warm welcome I received. I am honored to be part of such a talented, versatile team that is dedicated to creating a more inclusive world.
I am originally from Nashville, TN but moved to Madison in 2006 to pursue an undergraduate education. I graduated in 2012 from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and a Certificate in Dance. Although my educational background is not in human services, I have always been drawn to this field because I am passionate about supporting people in their journey to wellness and creating a better quality of life. I have worked in a variety of settings, supporting volunteer coordination, case management, and advocacy for different organizations in Madison, including: Goodman Community Center, Just Dane (formerly MUM), DAIS, and Focus Counseling. I also have lived experience as someone with a mental health disability, which has deeply influenced my work.
In my spare time, I love to dance, eat good food, and enjoy hanging out with friends and family! I sincerely look forward to a time when social-distancing (and COVID!) is a thing of the past. In the meantime, I am grateful to be connected with such an extraordinary team and excited to dive into my new role!