Dr. Katarzyna “Kathy” Bialek is a passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist serving school-age programs for Colonial IU 20. She began her journey with CIU 20 as an Associate Teacher in 2007, working in both Multi-Disabilities Support and Autistic Support programs. It was through this experience that she discovered her passion for occupational therapy and decided to pursue her degree in the field.
Kathy earned her Master’s Degree in OT from Misericordia University in 2016 and worked as a pediatric OT at Good Shepherd Pediatrics for six years. She re-joined CIU 20 in 2022 as a school-based OT and also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Misericordia University. In May 2025, she proudly earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
What Dr. Bialek loves most about her work is collaborating with colleagues and supporting students in meaningful ways. One of her most rewarding experiences has been working with a student she has supported since shortly after birth and now continues to serve in a school setting.
Kathy believes success comes from building strong relationships through trust, communication, and meeting students and families where they are. She is deeply grateful for her OT colleagues and supervisor, whose support makes the work possible.
Her advice to new CIU 20 employees is "Discover your passion and follow your dreams. No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to pursue what excites you. Don’t hesitate to step beyond your comfort zone. Be curious, patient, and open-minded."