Kathy Thompson, MA/CCC/SLP, MHA has more than 40 years of experience in rehabilitation, with roles spanning both clinical and management positions.

She has worked in settings including: acute hospitals, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, wound care, and home care programs.

Kathy has been a CARF surveyor for more than 15 years, conducting surveys nationally and internationally.

She received a Master’s in Speech Pathology (1982, University of Cincinnati) and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (2007, Pfeiffer University).

Her professional career included 32 years at WakeMed Rehab in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she served in multiple leadership and clinical roles, including Director of the Spinal Cord Injury Program (1999–2021).

Her expertise includes program development, HR, staff and patient education, strategic planning, quality management, policy development, and environment of care processes.

Kathy also serves as Vice-Chair of the North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association, focusing on inclusion, advocacy, and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries or disease.Her passion lies in improving quality of life for all people with disabilities.